Malachi 2:7
For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שִׂפְתֵ֤י
lips
H8193
שִׂפְתֵ֤י
lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
2 of 13
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
כֹהֵן֙
For the priest's
H3548
כֹהֵן֙
For the priest's
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
3 of 13
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
יִשְׁמְרוּ
should keep
H8104
יִשְׁמְרוּ
should keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וְתוֹרָ֖ה
the law
H8451
וְתוֹרָ֖ה
the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
6 of 13
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
יְבַקְשׁ֣וּ
and they should seek
H1245
יְבַקְשׁ֣וּ
and they should seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
7 of 13
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
מִפִּ֑יהוּ
at his mouth
H6310
מִפִּ֑יהוּ
at his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
8 of 13
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מַלְאַ֥ךְ
for he is the messenger
H4397
מַלְאַ֥ךְ
for he is the messenger
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
10 of 13
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָֽה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Leviticus 10:11And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.Deuteronomy 21:5And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried:Acts 16:17The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.1 Thessalonians 4:8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.Ezra 7:10For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.2 Chronicles 30:22And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers.Isaiah 44:26That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:Jeremiah 18:18Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.Jeremiah 15:19Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, priests were the primary teachers. Before widespread literacy, they instructed people in covenant law, decided difficult cases, and preserved scriptural tradition (Deuteronomy 17:8-11, 33:10, 2 Chronicles 15:3, Nehemiah 8:1-8). When priests taught faithfully, the nation prospered; when they taught falsely or neglected teaching, apostasy spread (2 Chronicles 15:3, Hosea 4:6). By Malachi's time, corrupt priests had caused many to stumble (v. 8). This foreshadowed the need for a better mediator—Christ, who is Prophet, Priest, and King, who teaches infallibly and whose Spirit illuminates all believers to understand truth (John 14:26, 16:13, 1 John 2:27).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the image of priests as 'messengers of the LORD' elevate the calling and responsibility of spiritual teachers?
- What happens to a community when its spiritual leaders fail to guard and teach knowledge faithfully?
- How should this verse shape expectations for pastors/elders and the congregation's responsibility to seek biblical instruction?
Analysis & Commentary
For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. This verse states priestly responsibility. The priest's lips should keep knowledge (כִּי־שִׂפְתֵי כֹהֵן יִשְׁמְרוּ־דַעַת, ki-siftei kohen yishmeru-da'at)—the verb שָׁמַר (shamar, keep/guard) indicates careful preservation. דַּעַת (da'at, knowledge) refers to covenant knowledge, theological understanding, wisdom. Priests were custodians and teachers of divine truth.
They should seek the law at his mouth (וְתוֹרָה יְבַקְשׁוּ מִפִּיהוּ, vetorah yevaqshu mipipihu)—the people should come to priests for תּוֹרָה (torah, law/instruction). Priests were God's authorized teachers, responsible for explaining and applying covenant law. The reason: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts (כִּי מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה־צְבָאוֹת הוּא, ki mal'akh Yahweh-tzeva'ot hu). מַלְאָךְ (mal'akh, messenger/angel) identifies the priest as God's spokesman. This is the same term used for angels and prophets—priests represent God to the people.
This high calling demands excellence. When priests fail, the entire community suffers from false teaching and corrupted worship. The New Testament applies this principle to pastors/elders who must be apt to teach (1 Timothy 3:2), able to exhort in sound doctrine and refute error (Titus 1:9), and handle Scripture accurately (2 Timothy 2:15).