Malachi 2:8
New International Version
But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the LORD Almighty.

New Living Translation
But you priests have left God’s paths. Your instructions have caused many to stumble into sin. You have corrupted the covenant I made with the Levites,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

English Standard Version
But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts,

Berean Standard Bible
But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts.

King James Bible
But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

New King James Version
But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” Says the LORD of hosts.

New American Standard Bible
But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have ruined the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of armies.

NASB 1995
“But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of hosts.

NASB 1977
“But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of hosts.

Legacy Standard Bible
But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says Yahweh of hosts.

Amplified Bible
But as for you [priests], you have turned from the way and you have caused many to stumble by your instruction [in the law]. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of hosts.

Christian Standard Bible
“You, on the other hand, have turned from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Armies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You, on the other hand, have turned from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts. “

American Standard Version
But 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 Jehovah of hosts.

Contemporary English Version
But you have turned your backs on me. Your teachings have led others to do sinful things, and you have broken the agreement I made with your ancestor Levi.

English Revised Version
But 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 the LORD of hosts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"But you have turned from the [correct] path and caused many to stumble over my teachings. You have corrupted the promise made to Levi," says the LORD of Armies.

Good News Translation
"But now you priests have turned away from the right path. Your teaching has led many to do wrong. You have broken the covenant I made with you.

International Standard Version
"But you priests turned aside from the way, and by your teaching you caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.

Majority Standard Bible
But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,? says the LORD of Hosts.

NET Bible
You, however, have turned from the way. You have caused many to violate the law; you have corrupted the covenant with Levi," says the LORD who rules over all.

New Heart English Bible
But you have turned aside out of the way. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of hosts.

Webster's Bible Translation
But ye have departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

World English Bible
But you have turned away from the path. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says Yahweh of Armies.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And you, you have turned from the way, "" You have caused many to stumble in the Law, "" You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” said YHWH of Hosts.

Young's Literal Translation
And ye, ye have turned from the way, Ye have caused many to stumble in the law, Ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, Said Jehovah of Hosts.

Smith's Literal Translation
And ye departed out of the way; ye made many weak by the law; ye corrupted the covenant of Levi, said Jehovah of armies.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But you have departed out of the way, and have caused many to stumble at the law: you have made void the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But you have withdrawn from the way, and you have scandalized very many in the law. You have nullified the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts.

New American Bible
But you have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to stumble by your instruction; You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts.

New Revised Standard Version
But you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by your instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
But you have turned from the way and you have subverted many from the Law and you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But 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 the LORD of hosts.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But ye have turned aside from the way, and caused many to fail in following the law: ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord Almighty.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Warning to Priests
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. 8But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts. 9“So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”…

Cross References
Jeremiah 18:15
Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to worthless idols that make them stumble in their ways, leaving the ancient roads to walk on rutted bypaths instead of on the highway.

Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

Isaiah 9:16
For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up.

Ezekiel 22:26
Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.

Zephaniah 3:4
Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law.

Nehemiah 13:29
Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.

Jeremiah 2:8
The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ The experts in the law no longer knew Me, and the leaders rebelled against Me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and followed useless idols.

Micah 3:11
Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”

1 Samuel 2:12-17
Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD / or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling / and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. ...

2 Chronicles 15:3
For many years Israel has been without the true God, without a priest to instruct them, and without the law.

Matthew 15:14
Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Matthew 23:16-24
Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? / And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ ...

Romans 2:17-24
Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; / if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; / if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness, ...

1 Timothy 1:6-7
Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk. / They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.


Treasury of Scripture

But you are departed out of the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, said the LORD of hosts.

ye are.

Psalm 18:21
For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

Psalm 119:102
I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

Isaiah 30:11
Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

ye have caused.

Malachi 2:9
Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

1 Samuel 2:17,24,30
Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD…

Isaiah 9:16
For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

stumble at.

Malachi 2:5,10
My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name…

Leviticus 21:15
Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.

Nehemiah 13:29
Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.

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Agreement Almighty Armies Caused Corrupted Covenant Departed Hard Hosts Instruction Law Numbers Stumble Teaching Turned Violated Way
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Agreement Almighty Armies Caused Corrupted Covenant Departed Hard Hosts Instruction Law Numbers Stumble Teaching Turned Violated Way
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.














But you have departed from the way
This phrase indicates a deviation from the path of righteousness and obedience to God's commands. In the context of Malachi, the priests were responsible for guiding the people in the ways of the Lord, but they had strayed from their duties. The "way" refers to the covenantal path established by God, which includes adherence to His laws and commands. This departure is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where Israel often turns away from God, leading to consequences and calls for repentance (e.g., Jeremiah 6:16).

and your instruction has caused many to stumble.
The priests' failure in their teaching role led others into sin, highlighting the significant responsibility of spiritual leaders. This stumbling is not just a personal failing but has communal implications, affecting the entire nation. The New Testament echoes this concern, as seen in James 3:1, where teachers are warned of stricter judgment. The priests' incorrect instruction contrasts with the ideal of leading others to truth and righteousness, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where God's word is a lamp and light.

You have violated the covenant of Levi,”
The covenant of Levi refers to the special relationship and responsibilities given to the Levitical priesthood, as outlined in passages like Numbers 25:10-13 and Deuteronomy 33:8-11. This covenant included duties of teaching the law, offering sacrifices, and maintaining the sanctuary. By violating this covenant, the priests failed in their divine mandate, which was meant to preserve the holiness and purity of worship in Israel. This breach is a serious offense, as covenants in the biblical context are solemn agreements with God, carrying blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

says the LORD of Hosts.
The title "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, often used in contexts where His authority and ability to execute judgment are highlighted. It underscores the seriousness of the accusation and the divine authority behind the message. This title is frequently used in prophetic literature to remind the audience of God's ultimate control over heavenly and earthly armies, reinforcing that the message is not merely human criticism but a divine indictment.

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, addressing their spiritual apathy and calling them to repentance.

2. Priests of Israel
The religious leaders during Malachi's time, who were responsible for teaching the law and maintaining the covenant. They are specifically addressed in Malachi 2:8 for their failure to uphold their duties.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, who had returned from exile and were struggling with faithfulness to God's covenant during Malachi's prophetic ministry.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Faithful Leadership
Leaders in the church are called to a high standard of integrity and faithfulness. Just as the priests in Malachi's time were held accountable, so are today's spiritual leaders.

Guarding the Truth
The priests' deviation from the path serves as a warning to guard the truth of Scripture diligently. Believers must be vigilant in upholding biblical doctrine.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness
The priests' failure led many to stumble. This highlights the ripple effect of unfaithfulness, urging believers to consider how their actions impact others.

The Call to Repentance
Malachi's message is a call to return to God. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives and repent where they have strayed from God's commands.

The Role of Accountability
Just as the priests were accountable to God, believers are reminded of the importance of accountability within the church community to maintain spiritual health.(8) But ye.--Priests of the present day have done in every respect the reverse.

Caused many to stumble at the law.--Or rather, in the Law; and ye have given them false instruction in the Law, and allowed those things which were forbidden, and so ye have corrupted the covenant of the (tribe of) Levi: ye have turned the Law, which ought to have been a light to their feet and a lamp to their path, into a stumbling-block.

Verse 8. - But ye are departed out of the way. The priests of this time had far declined from the high ideal set forth in vers. 6, 7, the "way" in which God would have had them to walk. Ye have caused many to stumble at (in) the law. By their example and teaching they had made the Law a stumbling block, causing many to err, while they fancied they were not infringing God's commandments. Septuagint, Ἠσθενήσατε πολλοὺς ἐν νόμῳ, "Ye made many weak [equivalent to ἠσθενώσατε] in the Law." Ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi (see ver. 5). They broke their part of the covenant, therefore Jehovah held himself no longer bound by it. They did not pay him due reverence and obedience; he withdrew the blessings promised to Levi, as threatened (ver. 2).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“But you
וְאַתֶּם֙ (wə·’at·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

have departed
סַרְתֶּ֣ם (sar·tem)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the way,
הַדֶּ֔רֶךְ (had·de·reḵ)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

and your instruction
בַּתּוֹרָ֑ה (bat·tō·w·rāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

has caused many
רַבִּ֖ים (rab·bîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

to stumble.
הִכְשַׁלְתֶּ֥ם (hiḵ·šal·tem)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3782: To totter, waver, to falter, stumble, faint, fall

You have violated
שִֽׁחַתֶּם֙ (ši·ḥat·tem)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7843: Perhaps to go to ruin

the covenant
בְּרִ֣ית (bə·rîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1285: A covenant

of Levi,”
הַלֵּוִ֔י (hal·lê·wî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3878: Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him

says
אָמַ֖ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts.
צְבָאֽוֹת׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT Prophets: Malachi 2:8 But you have turned aside out (Malachi Mal Ml)
Malachi 2:7
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