The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Malachi 2

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Nevi'im — the Prophets

Malachi chapter 2 — part of the Nevi'im — the Prophets in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “And now, this commandment is for you, O ye priests.” — the complete text of all 17 verses is below, free to read online.

1And now, this commandment is for you, O ye priests.

2If ye will not hearken, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto My name, saith HaShem of hosts, then will I send the curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings; yea, I curse them, because ye do not lay it to heart.

3Behold, I will rebuke the seed for your hurt, and will spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your sacrifices; and ye shall be taken away unto it.

4Know then that I have sent this commandment unto you, that My covenant might be with Levi, saith HaShem of hosts.

5My covenant was with him of life and peace, and I gave them to him, and of fear, and he feared Me, and was afraid of My name.

6The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips; he walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and did turn many away from iniquity.

7For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of HaShem of hosts.

8But ye are turned aside out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble in the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith HaShem of hosts.

9Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept My ways, but have had respect of persons in the law.

10Have we not all one father? Hath not one G-d created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, profaning the covenant of our fathers?

11Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of HaShem which He loveth, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.

12May HaShem cut off to the man that doeth this, him that calleth and him that answereth out of the tents of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto HaShem of hosts.

13And this further ye do: ye cover the altar of HaShem 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.

14Yet ye say: 'Wherefore?' Because HaShem 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.

15And not one hath done so who had exuberance of spirit! For what seeketh the one? a seed given of G-d. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

16For I hate putting away, saith HaShem, the G-d of Israel, and him that covereth his garment with violence, saith HaShem of hosts; therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

17Ye have wearied HaShem with your words. Yet ye say: 'Wherein have we wearied Him?' In that ye say: 'Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of HaShem, and He delighteth in them; or where is the G-d of justice?'

17 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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