Malachi 2:9

Authorized King James Version

Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֲנִ֞י

H589

נָתַ֧תִּי

H5414

Therefore have I also made

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶתְכֶ֛ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נִבְזִ֥ים

H959

you contemptible

to disesteem

וּשְׁפָלִ֖ים

H8217

and base

depressed, literally or figuratively

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֑ם

H5971

before all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כְּפִ֗י

H6310

according

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#10

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

אֵֽינְכֶם֙

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#12

שֹׁמְרִ֣ים

H8104

as ye have not kept

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#13

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#14

דְּרָכַ֔י

H1870

my ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#15

וְנֹשְׂאִ֥ים

H5375

but have been partial

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#16

פָּנִ֖ים

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#17

בַּתּוֹרָֽה׃

H8451

in the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?