Malachi 2:6
New International Version
True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.

New Living Translation
They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin.

English Standard Version
True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.

Berean Standard Bible
True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.

King James Bible
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.

New King James Version
The law of truth was in his mouth, And injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity.

New American Standard Bible
True instruction was in his mouth and injustice was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and justice, and he turned many back from wrongdoing.

NASB 1995
“True instruction was in his mouth and unrighteousness was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many back from iniquity.

NASB 1977
“True instruction was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many back from iniquity.

Legacy Standard Bible
Instruction of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many back from iniquity.

Amplified Bible
True instruction was in Levi’s mouth and injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from wickedness.

Christian Standard Bible
True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and integrity and turned many from iniquity.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
TRUE instruction was in his mouth, and nothing wrong was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and fairness and turned many from sin.

American Standard Version
The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.

Contemporary English Version
He taught the truth and never told lies, and he led a lot of people to turn from sin, because he obeyed me and lived right.

English Revised Version
The 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The teaching that came from his mouth was true. Nothing unjust was found on his lips. He lived with me in peace and honesty and turned many people away from sin.

Good News Translation
They taught what was right, not what was wrong. They lived in harmony with me; they not only did what was right themselves, but they also helped many others to stop doing evil.

International Standard Version
True teachings were in his mouth, and falsehood was not found on his lips. He walked with me peacefully and righteously, and he turned many from sin.

Majority Standard Bible
True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.

NET Bible
He taught what was true; sinful words were not found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and integrity, and he turned many people away from sin.

New Heart English Bible
The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.

Webster's Bible Translation
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and turned many away from iniquity.

World English Bible
The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The law of truth has been in his mouth, "" And perverseness has not been found in his lips, "" In peace and in uprightness he walked with Me, "" And he brought back many from iniquity.

Young's Literal Translation
The law of truth hath been in his mouth, And perverseness hath not been found in his lips, In peace and in uprightness he walked with Me, And many he brought back from iniquity.

Smith's Literal Translation
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: in truth and in uprightness he went with me, and he turned back many from iniquity.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace, and in equity, and turned many away from iniquity.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and integrity, and he turned away many from iniquity.

New American Bible
Reliable instruction was in his mouth, no perversity was found upon his lips; He walked with me in integrity and uprightness, and turned many away from evil.

New Revised Standard Version
True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in integrity and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips; he walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he did turn many away from iniquity.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The law of truth was in his mouth and evil was not found in his lips; in peace and in rightness he walked with me and he turned many from evil
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The 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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked before me directing his way in peace, and he turned many from unrighteousness.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Warning to Priests
5“My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. 6TRUE instruction was in his mouth, and nothing FALSE was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. 7For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 33:8-10
Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. / He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. / He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar.

Nehemiah 13:13
I appointed as treasurers over the storerooms Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, with Hanan son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, to assist them, because they were considered trustworthy. They were responsible for distributing the supplies to their fellow Levites.

Psalm 37:30
The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.

Psalm 119:142
Your righteousness is everlasting and Your law is true.

Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

Proverbs 12:17
He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.

Proverbs 16:13
Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.

Isaiah 59:21
“As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not depart from you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and grandchildren, from now on and forevermore,” says the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:22
But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.”

Ezekiel 44:23-24
They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean. / In any dispute, they shall officiate as judges and judge according to My ordinances. They must keep My laws and statutes regarding all My appointed feasts, and they must keep My Sabbaths holy.

Matthew 5:19-20
So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. / For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 22:16
They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.

Luke 1:6
Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord.

John 7:18
He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is a man of truth; in Him there is no falsehood.

John 8:46
Which of you can prove Me guilty of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me?


Treasury of Scripture

The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.

law.

Psalm 37:30
The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

Ezekiel 44:23,24
And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean…

Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

he walked.

Genesis 5:21-24
And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: …

Genesis 6:9
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Genesis 17:1
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

and did.

Jeremiah 23:22
But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

Daniel 12:3
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Luke 1:16,17
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God…

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Equity Evil False. Found Iniquity Instruction Law Mouth Numbers Peace Perverseness Righteousness Teaching True. Truth Turn Turned Turning Unrighteousness Uprightness Walked Walking Wrong
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Equity Evil False. Found Iniquity Instruction Law Mouth Numbers Peace Perverseness Righteousness Teaching True. Truth Turn Turned Turning Unrighteousness Uprightness Walked Walking Wrong
Malachi 2
1. He sharply reproves the priests for neglecting their covenant;
10. and the people for marrying strange wives;
13. and for putting away their former ones,
17. and for infidelity.














True instruction was in his mouth
This phrase highlights the importance of accurate teaching and doctrine. In the context of Malachi, the prophet is addressing the priests of Israel, who were responsible for teaching the Law to the people. The reference to "true instruction" underscores the necessity for leaders to convey God's Word faithfully. This aligns with the role of the Levites, who were set apart for teaching and maintaining the spiritual integrity of the nation (Deuteronomy 33:10). The emphasis on truth echoes the biblical theme that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17) and points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6).

and nothing false was found on his lips
This phrase emphasizes integrity and honesty in speech, particularly for those in positions of spiritual leadership. The absence of falsehood is crucial for maintaining trust and authority. In the broader biblical narrative, false prophets and teachers are condemned for leading people astray (Jeremiah 23:16). The New Testament continues this theme, warning against false teachers (2 Peter 2:1). The phrase also reflects the character of Jesus, who spoke only what was true and from the Father (John 8:28).

He walked with Me in peace and uprightness
Walking with God is a metaphor for living a life in accordance with His will. The mention of "peace and uprightness" suggests a harmonious relationship with God, characterized by moral integrity and righteousness. This echoes the covenantal relationship God desired with Israel, where obedience would lead to peace and blessing (Leviticus 26:3-6). The phrase also prefigures the life of Jesus, who perfectly walked in obedience to the Father (John 5:19) and is our model for living a life of peace and righteousness (Romans 5:1).

and he turned many from iniquity
This phrase highlights the transformative power of godly leadership and teaching. The role of the priest was not only to instruct but also to guide people away from sin. This reflects the broader biblical mission of calling people to repentance (Ezekiel 18:30). In the New Testament, John the Baptist and Jesus both preached repentance as a turning away from sin (Matthew 3:2, Mark 1:15). The ultimate turning from iniquity is found in Christ, who provides the means for forgiveness and transformation (1 John 1:9).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Malachi
The last prophet of the Old Testament, Malachi's name means "my messenger." He delivered God's message to the Israelites, calling them to faithfulness and warning them of judgment.

2. Levi
The tribe of Levi is referenced here as an example of faithfulness. The Levites were set apart for priestly duties and were expected to uphold God's covenant with integrity.

3. Israelites
The audience of Malachi's prophecy, the Israelites were being called to return to a covenant relationship with God, having strayed into practices that dishonored Him.

4. God
The central figure in the passage, God is portrayed as desiring a relationship with His people characterized by truth, peace, and righteousness.

5. Priests
The immediate context of Malachi 2 addresses the priests who had failed in their duties, contrasting them with the ideal of faithful service exemplified by Levi.
Teaching Points
The Importance of True Instruction
As believers, we are called to speak truthfully and uphold God's Word in all circumstances. This requires diligent study and a commitment to integrity.

Walking in Peace and Uprightness
Our relationship with God should be characterized by peace and righteousness. This involves living in a way that reflects God's character and commands.

Turning Others from Iniquity
Like the faithful Levites, we have a responsibility to guide others away from sin through our words and actions, serving as examples of godly living.

The Role of Spiritual Leaders
Leaders in the church are held to a high standard of truth and integrity. They must ensure their teachings align with Scripture and lead others in righteousness.

Covenant Faithfulness
God desires a faithful relationship with His people. We are called to honor our covenant with Him through obedience and devotion.(6) The law of truth--i.e., right instruction in the Law, and judgment in accordance with the Law, the reverse of which is "iniquity," or rather, perversion.

Walked with me--i.e., had their conversation in heaven. (Philippians 3:20; comp. Zechariah 3:7; and Genesis 5:24, of Enoch.)

In peace.--See on the preceding verse.

Equity--i.e., integrity of life.

And did turn. . . . iniquity.--Of this, says Pusey, "What a history of zeal for the glory of God and of the conversion of sinners in those of whom the world knows nothing, of whose working, but for the three words in the closing book of the Old Testament, we should have known nothing."

Verse 6. - The law (teaching) of truth was in his mouth. All his teaching rested on those truths which were enshrined in the Divine Law (Deuteronomy 31:10-13; Deuteronomy 33:10). Iniquity; unfair decision. Neither false doctrine nor perverse judgment was found in him (Deuteronomy 17:8-10; Deuteronomy 19:17). Walked with me. Not only his teaching was true, but his life was pure and good; he was the friend of God, living as always in his presence, in peace and uprightness. So Enoch and Noah are said to have "walked with God" (Genesis 5:24; Genesis 6:9). Did turn many away from iniquity. The faithful discharge of duties and the holy life and teaching of the good priest led many sinners to repentance and amendment.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
TRUE
אֱמֶת֙ (’ĕ·meṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

instruction
תּוֹרַ֤ת (tō·w·raṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

was
הָיְתָ֣ה (hā·yə·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

in his mouth,
בְּפִ֔יהוּ (bə·p̄î·hū)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

and nothing
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

FALSE
וְעַוְלָ֖ה (wə·‘aw·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5766: Injustice, unrighteousness

was found
נִמְצָ֣א (nim·ṣā)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

on his lips.
בִשְׂפָתָ֑יו (ḇiś·p̄ā·ṯāw)
Preposition-b | Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin

He walked
הָלַ֣ךְ (hā·laḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

with Me
אִתִּ֔י (’it·tî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

in peace
בְּשָׁל֤וֹם (bə·šā·lō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

and uprightness,
וּבְמִישׁוֹר֙ (ū·ḇə·mî·šō·wr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4334: A level, a plain, as a, straightness, justice

and he turned
הֵשִׁ֥יב (hê·šîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

many
וְרַבִּ֖ים (wə·rab·bîm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

from iniquity.
מֵעָוֺֽן׃ (mê·‘ā·wōn)
Preposition-m | Noun - common singular
Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity


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OT Prophets: Malachi 2:6 The law of truth was in his (Malachi Mal Ml)
Malachi 2:5
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