Malachi 2:16 kjv — For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith t…

King James Version

"For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously."

— Malachi 2:16, King James Version

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Malachi 2:16 in Other Translations

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Malachi 2 — Context

13

And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

14

Yet 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.

15

And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

16

For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

17

Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

Malachi 2:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Malachi 2:16 say?
Malachi 2:16 in the King James Version reads: “For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”
Where is Malachi 2:16 in the Bible?
Malachi 2:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Malachi, chapter 2, verse 16.
Who wrote Malachi?
Malachi is traditionally attributed to Malachi. It was written c. 430 BC.
What is the book of Malachi about?
Malachi closes the Old Testament with a series of disputations: God says one thing, the people say another, and God answers. He confronts faithless priests, broken marriages, and stingy worship, then promises a coming messenger who will prepare the way of the LORD.
What are the major themes of Malachi?
Malachi explores themes including Covenant Faithfulness, Worship, Tithing, Marriage, Coming Messenger. These themes shape the meaning and context of Malachi 2:16.
What translation should I read Malachi 2:16 in?
Malachi 2:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Malachi 2:16?
Malachi 2:16 reads (KJV): “For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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