Malachi 2:14
What does Malachi 2:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Malachi 2:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Malachi 2:14 means
Malachi 2:14 directly addresses the unfaithfulness of Israelite men towards their covenant wives. The rhetorical question “Why?” posed by the men—likely questioning why their sacrifices were not accepted by God—is met with a clear divine indictment. Yahweh identifies Himself as the direct witness to their treachery against their wives, emphasizing the sacredness of the marriage bond. The terms "wife of your youth," "companion," and "wife of your covenant" highlight the intimacy, lifelong partnership, and divine institution of marriage, underscoring the severity of breaking such a foundational promise made before God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because Jehovah hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously, though she is thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because Jehovah hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously, though she is thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But you say, For what reason? Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your early years, to whom you have been untrue, though she is your friend and the wife to whom you have given your word.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And ye have said, `Wherefore?' Because Jehovah hath testified between thee And the wife of thy youth, That thou hast dealt treacherously against her, And she thy companion, and thy covenant-wife.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And you have said: For what cause? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee, and the wife of thy youth, whom thou hast despised: yet she was thy partner, and the wife of thy covenant.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because Jehovah hath been a witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt unfaithfully: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
Context
Malachi 2 is a scathing rebuke to the priests and people of Israel concerning their spiritual and social failings, particularly their treachery in marital relationships. Leading into verse 14, Malachi condemns the priests for despising God’s covenant and the people for offering defiled sacrifices. Verse 13 describes the people covering the LORD’s altar with tears, presumably over unanswered prayers, which are tied to their marital unfaithfulness. Verse 14 specifically answers why God does not accept their worship. Immediately following, verses 15-16 conclude this section by further denouncing divorce and stressing God's hatred of such betrayal, reinforcing the sanctity of marriage within the covenant community.
v.13And this again ye do: ye cover the altar of Jehovah with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, neither receiveth it with good will at your hand.
v.14This passage
v.15And did he not make one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? And wherefore one? He sought a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 16:8
Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord Jehovah, and thou becamest mine.
- Judges 11:10
And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Jehovah shall be witness between us; surely according to thy word so will we do.
- Proverbs 30:20
So is the way of an adulterous woman; She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, And saith, I have done no wickedness.
- Proverbs 5:18
Let thy fountain be blessed; And rejoice in the wife of thy youth.
- Isaiah 54:6
For Jehovah hath called thee as a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, even a wife of youth, when she is cast off, saith thy God.
- Malachi 2:15
And did he not make one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? And wherefore one? He sought a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
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