Malachi 2:16

[tqpix]

Peace, brothers:

I'd like to discuss Malachi 2:16.

[bible]Malachi 2:16[/bible]

This passage concerning the "covering" of one's "garment" didn't make sense to me; so, I looked up the Hebrew word that was translated as "garment" using Strong's Dictionary, and I see this:

H3830

לבשׁ לבוּשׁ

lebûsh lebûsh

leb-oosh', leb-oosh'

From H3847; a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife: - apparel, clothed with, clothing, garment, raiment, vestment, vesture.

If "garment" is a euphemism for "wife", then the passage makes a lot of sense, because in the context, it is talking about one's unfaithfulness with his wife:

[bible]Malachi 2:14-16[/bible].

So, an alternate reading of Malachi 2:16 could be like this: ( [Emphasis] mine: )

"For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his [wife] with wrong," says the LORD of hosts. "So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously." (NASB Update)

.

Now, compare that with how that verse is translated in the Amplified Version: ( Emphasis mine: )

For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate]. (Amplified Version)

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To me, that verse says that God hates divorce, especially if it came as a result of a husband being violent to his wife.

I'd like to know what your thoughts are on this verse.

Thank you.

 

[Beasley]

Here is the translation from the NAS

15"But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit And what did that one do while he was seeking a godly offspring? Take heed then to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of your youth. 16"For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with wrong," says the LORD of hosts. "So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."

Seems like you nailed it

 

[ContentInHim]

I like the Amplified Version. It's a great tool and often includes the literal Hebrew meaning of the word!

 

[tqpix]

Thank you for your input, brethren.