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Book of Malachi - Chapter 2 - Verse 16

2:16
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.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Malachi in the Old Testament of the Bible conveys a message about the sanctity of marriage and the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in relationships. It highlights the fact that God despises divorce and the breaking of vows, as it is seen as an act of violence and treachery. The imagery of "covering violence with his garment" implies that attempting to hide or justify unfaithfulness is deceptive and unacceptable in the eyes of the Lord. The verse serves as a warning to individuals to be mindful of their actions and to not betray the trust of their partners or their commitment to the sanctity of marriage. It emphasizes the need for integrity, faithfulness, and honesty in all relationships, as these are qualities that are valued by God. Ultimately, the verse encourages individuals to uphold their vows and to treat their partners with love, respect, and fidelity.

Theological Overview

The verse "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) speaks to the importance of commitment in marriage and being faithful to one's partner. The phrase "putting away" refers to divorce, which the Lord explicitly states He hates. The context of "covering violence with his garment" implies that divorcing one's spouse for trivial reasons or mistreating them is equivalent to covering up violence. This verse serves as a warning to individuals to be cautious of their actions and to remain true to their marital vows. The word "treacherously" underscores the deceitful nature of breaking those vows. In essence, this verse emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the need for individuals to uphold their commitments to their spouses with integrity and faithfulness.

American Standard Version

For I hate putting away, saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, and him that covereth his garment with violence, saith Jehovah of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.
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