Malachi 2:9
New International Version
“So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

New Living Translation
“So I have made you despised and humiliated in the eyes of all the people. For you have not obeyed me but have shown favoritism in the way you carry out my instructions.”

English Standard Version
and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction.”

Berean Standard Bible
“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.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base Before all the people, Because you have not kept My ways But have shown partiality in the law.”

New American Standard Bible
“So I also have made you despised and of low reputation in the view of all the people, since you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction.”

NASB 1995
“So I also have made you despised and abased before all the people, just as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction.

NASB 1977
“So I also have made you despised and abased before all the people, just as you are not keeping My ways, but are showing partiality in the instruction.

Legacy Standard Bible
“So I also have made you despised and low before all the people, just as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction.

Amplified Bible
“So I have also made you despised and abased before all the people, just as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality [to people] in [your administration of] the law.”

Christian Standard Bible
“So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people because you are not keeping my ways but are showing partiality in your instruction.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people because you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in your instruction.”

American Standard Version
Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have had respect of persons in the law.

Contemporary English Version
So I caused everyone to hate and despise you, because you disobeyed me and failed to treat all people alike.

English Revised Version
Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have had respect of persons in the law.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"So I have made you disgusting, and I have humiliated you in front of all the people, because you have not followed my ways. You have been unfair when [applying] my teachings."

Good News Translation
So I, in turn, will make the people of Israel despise you because you do not obey my will, and when you teach my people, you do not treat everyone alike."

International Standard Version
"So I also made you despised, humiliating you before all of the people, because you aren't following my ways and are showing partiality when you teach."

Majority Standard Bible
?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.?

NET Bible
"Therefore, I have caused you to be ignored and belittled before all people to the extent to which you are not following after me and are showing partiality in your instruction."

New Heart English Bible
"Therefore I have also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according to the way you have not kept my ways, but have had respect for persons in the law.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
“Therefore I have also made you contemptible and wicked before all the people, according to the way you have not kept my ways, but have had respect for persons in the law.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“And I also, I have made you despised and low before all the people, "" Because you are not keeping My ways, "" And are accepting by superficial things in the Law.”

Young's Literal Translation
And I also, I have made you despised and low before all the people, Because ye are not keeping My ways, And are accepting persons in the law.

Smith's Literal Translation
And also I set you despised and low to all the people, according as ye watch not my way, and lift up the face against the law.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore have I also made you contemptible, and base before all people, as you have not kept my ways, and have accepted persons in the law.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Because of this, I also have made you contemptible and debased to all the people, just as you have not served my ways, and you have accepted a face in the law.

New American Bible
I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, For you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your instruction.

New Revised Standard Version
and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you have not kept my ways but have shown partiality in your instruction.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore have I also made you contemptible and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept the ordinances, but have been partial in the law.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Also I have set you despised and humiliated among all people, because you have not kept my ways and you have shown favoritism in the law
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Therefore have I also made you Contemptible and base before all the people, According as ye have not kept My ways, But have had respect of persons in the law.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I have made you despised and cast out among all the people, because ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Warning to Priests
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
James 2:9
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Romans 2:11
For God does not show favoritism.

Galatians 2:6
But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me.

Acts 10:34-35
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.

1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

Colossians 3:25
Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Ephesians 6:9
And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

Luke 20:46-47
“Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. / They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”

Matthew 15:3-9
Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? / For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ / But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ ...

Deuteronomy 1:17
Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”

Deuteronomy 16:19
Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.

Proverbs 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

Isaiah 29:13
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.

Micah 3:9-11
Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right, / who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity. / 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.”


Treasury of Scripture

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

made.

Malachi 2:3
Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.

1 Samuel 2:30
Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Proverbs 10:7
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

before.

1 Kings 22:28
And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.

Jeremiah 28:15,16
Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie…

Jeremiah 29:20-22,31,32
Hear ye therefore the word of the LORD, all ye of the captivity, whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon: …

but.

Malachi 2:8
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.

Matthew 5:21,22,27,28,33-37,43,44
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: …

Matthew 19:17,18
And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments…

have been partial in.

Deuteronomy 1:17
Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.

Galatians 2:6
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

Jump to Previous
Abased Accepting Base Caused Contemptible Despised Followed Honour Humiliated Inasmuch Instruction Keeping Kept Law Partial Partiality Persons Respect Showing Shown Thought Using Way Ways
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Abased Accepting Base Caused Contemptible Despised Followed Honour Humiliated Inasmuch Instruction Keeping Kept Law Partial Partiality Persons Respect Showing Shown Thought Using Way Ways
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.














So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people
This phrase reflects God's response to the unfaithfulness of the priests. In the context of Malachi, the priests had failed in their duties, leading to a loss of respect and honor. Historically, the priesthood was a revered position in Israel, responsible for maintaining the covenant and teaching the law. Their failure resulted in public disgrace, fulfilling the principle that those who honor God will be honored, and those who despise Him will be lightly esteemed (1 Samuel 2:30). This also echoes the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28 about the consequences of disobedience.

because you have not kept My ways
The priests' failure to keep God's ways indicates a neglect of their covenantal responsibilities. The "ways" of God refer to His commandments and statutes, which were to be upheld by the priests as spiritual leaders. This neglect is reminiscent of the broader theme in the Old Testament where Israel repeatedly strayed from God's commands, leading to judgment. The call to keep God's ways is a recurring theme, emphasizing obedience and faithfulness (Deuteronomy 5:32-33).

but have shown partiality in matters of the law
Showing partiality in the law suggests corruption and injustice in the administration of God's commandments. The priests were expected to be impartial judges, reflecting God's justice and righteousness. This partiality could involve favoritism or bias, which is condemned throughout Scripture (Leviticus 19:15, James 2:1-9). The failure to uphold justice and equity is a serious breach of their role, as the law was intended to be a reflection of God's character, which is impartial and just. This failure points to the need for a perfect High Priest, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who administers true justice and righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Malachi
A prophet in the Old Testament, Malachi is the author of the book bearing his name. He addresses the spiritual and moral decay of the Israelites after their return from exile.

2. Priests of Israel
The primary audience of Malachi's rebuke in this passage. They were responsible for teaching and upholding the law but had failed in their duties.

3. Israel
The nation to whom Malachi prophesied. They were struggling with faithfulness to God after returning from Babylonian exile.

4. The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law, which the priests were supposed to uphold and teach without partiality.

5. The People
The general population of Israel who were affected by the priests' failure to uphold God's standards.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Faithful Leadership
Leaders are held to a high standard and must faithfully uphold God's ways. When leaders fail, it impacts the entire community.

The Dangers of Partiality
Showing favoritism or partiality in matters of faith and law leads to injustice and undermines the integrity of God's commands.

Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God's commands results in negative consequences, such as being despised and humiliated, as seen with the priests.

Call to Integrity
Believers are called to live with integrity, ensuring that their actions align with God's standards without favoritism.

Role of the Community
The community of believers must hold each other accountable to God's standards, ensuring that leaders and members alike are faithful.(9) Therefore.--I am no longer bound by the covenant I made with the tribe of Levi, and, instead of "life and peace," I give you contempt, &c.

In the law--i.e., in the administration of justice. The authority of the priests, Levites, and of the judges of the day, in all matters ceremonial and civil, is expressly inculcated by Deuteronomy 17:8-13. It was in accordance with this passage that our Lord said (Matthew 23:2): "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat; all, therefore, whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do," &c.

Verse 9. - Contemptible. The glory of the priesthood and the honour that belonged to it (Ecclus. 45:7, etc.) were now turned into disgrace and contempt, when men compared the actual with the ideal. "Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed" (1 Samuel 2:30). Have been partial in the law; Revised Version, have had respect of persons in the law; or, in your teaching, as vers. 6, 8. The prophet names one special sin of the priests, and that the most flagrant - perversion of judgment, partiality in the administration of the Law. The same complaint is found in Micah 3:11 (comp. 2 Chronicles 19:7).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“So I
אֲנִ֞י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

in turn
וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

have made
נָתַ֧תִּי (nā·ṯat·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

you despised
נִבְזִ֥ים (niḇ·zîm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 959: To disesteem

and humiliated
וּשְׁפָלִ֖ים (ū·šə·p̄ā·lîm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 8217: Depressed

before all
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the people,
הָעָ֑ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

because
כְּפִ֗י (kə·p̄î)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

you have not
אֵֽינְכֶם֙ (’ê·nə·ḵem)
Adverb | second person masculine plural
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

kept
שֹׁמְרִ֣ים (šō·mə·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

My ways,
דְּרָכַ֔י (də·rā·ḵay)
Noun - common plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

but have shown partiality
וְנֹשְׂאִ֥ים (wə·nō·śə·’îm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

in matters of the law.”
בַּתּוֹרָֽה׃ (bat·tō·w·rāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law


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OT Prophets: Malachi 2:9 Therefore I have also made you contemptible (Malachi Mal Ml)
Malachi 2:8
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