unfoldingWord_en_tn/tn_MAL.tsv

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2front:introaxt40# Introduction to Malachi\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of Malachi\n\n1:1 Title\n1:25 Yahweh will punish the wicked: Edom\n1:614 Judeans not bringing acceptable sacrifices\n2:19 Priests must teach and apply the law faithfully\n2:1016 Yahweh is concerned for justice: no divorce\n2:173:5 Yahweh is concerned for justice and will punish evildoers\n3:612 Judeans not bringing proper tithes\n3:1315 Yahweh will punish the wicked, despite what Judeans are saying\n3:164:6 Yahweh will bless and protect those who fear him\n\nThe overall structure of the book follows a pattern called “chiasm,” which Hebrew writers considered to be particularly elegant in poetry and literature. There are six main parts to this structure. The chiasm pattern is ABCCBA. In terms of theme, the first and sixth parts are found in (1:25 and 3:1315), the second and fifth parts match (1:614 and 3:612), and the third and fourth parts match (2:1016 and 2:173:5). There is also an excursus, a special message to the priests (2:19), and an epilogue telling how the people responded to the message of the book and what Yahweh promised them (3:164:6).\n\n### What is the book of Malachi about?\n\nThe book of Malachi contains prophecies that address the Jews who had returned to Judah from exile in Babylon. At that time, the Jews were discouraged even though they had finished building a new temple. The wonderful things that previous prophets had promised for Judah had not yet happened. The Persian Empire still ruled over them. As a result, they no longer were concerned about the law or worshiping Yahweh. These prophecies rebuke the Judeans for not living as the law taught and for not bringing proper tithes and sacrifices. But the prophecies also assure the Judeans that Yahweh will ultimately do everything that he promised to do.\n\n### Who wrote the book of Malachi?\n\nThe description in the book title ([1:1](../01/01.md)) could either be translated “the word of Yahweh to Israel by the hand of Malachi” or “the word of Yahweh to Israel by the hand of my messenger.” The last expression in that sentence also occurs in [3:1](../03/01.md), where the context indicates that it should be translated as “my messenger.” However, the expression could well be the name of the man in the book title. That man would be the prophet who delivered these messages on behalf of Yahweh. However, we do not know anything else about this man—where he lived, what family he came from, etc. Translating the expression as a name is the most common interpretation, and that is the interpretation that the ULT and these notes follow. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the interpretation that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the same interpretation as the ULT.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThis book traditionally has been titled “Malachi” or “The Book of Malachi.” Translators may decide to call it something like “The Sayings of Malachi” or “The Messages that Malachi Brought.”\n\n## Part 2: Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### The “day of Yahweh”\n\nThe book of Malachi speaks about the “day of Yahweh” in 3:25 and 3:174:6. It also calls it “the day that is coming” and “the day of his coming,” and Yahweh calls it “the day that I am preparing.” All of these are references to the time when Yahweh will come and judge people. He would remove those who have wickedly sinned and bless those who have trusted in him. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]])\n\n## Part 3: Translation Issues\n\n### “But you say”\n\nIn each of the six thematic sections of the book, the prophet makes a statement that challenges the people and gets their attention. Its meaning is not immediately clear. The prophet then anticipates how the people will respond. He introduces their likely response with the phrase “But you say” (1:2, 1:6, 1:7, 1:13, 2:14, 2:17, 3:7, 3:8, 3:13). After saying how he expects they would respond, he then explains what his provocative statement meant. This was a common practice of Jewish public speakers in this time period (and also in New Testament times). The phrase “But you say” occurs throughout the book as Malachi anticipates and answers objections. It would be helpful to translate the phrase consistently so that your readers can appreciate the method he is using to challenge the Judeans.\n\n### Yahweh of Armies\n\nThis is an important title of God that is used more than 20 times throughout the book of Malachi. It reminds the listeners of the great power that Yahweh has to judge and punish all nations. Be sure to translate it consistently throughout the book so that your readers can appreciate the emphasis that Malachi places on it. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/yahwehofhosts]])\n\n\n\n
31:introb7vm0# Malachi 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1:1 Title\n\n\n1:25 Yahweh will punish the wicked: Edom\n\n\n1:614 Judeans not bringing acceptable sacrifices\n\n\n\n
41:1m3x2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמַשָּׂ֥א דְבַר יְהוָ֖ה1The editor of the book is speaking as if the **word of Yahweh** were a **burden** that Malachi was carrying. This is likely a reference to the serious nature of what Yahweh told Malachi to say. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The serious word from Yahweh”
51:1k9f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyדְבַר יְהוָ֖ה1The editor is using the word **word** by association to mean what Yahweh said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh said”
61:1p2r7rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsאֶל יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל1Since Malachi is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **Israel**. Alternate translation: “to the Israelites”
71:1w5h8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheבְּ⁠יַ֖ד1The author is using one part of Malachi, his **hand**, to mean all of him in the act of bringing Yahwehs message to the Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “through”
81:1t6j9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesמַלְאָכִֽי1These notes follow the interpretation that the word **Malachi** is the name of a man. See the further discussion in the General Introduction to Malachi.
91:2uz1wrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsאָהַ֤בְתִּי אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה1In your translation, use a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh says, I have loved you
101:2l1n3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularאֶתְ⁠כֶם֙1The word **you** is plural here because Yahweh is addressing the Israelites as a group, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. The words “you,” “your,” and “yourselves” are usually plural in this book when they refer to the Israelites. These notes will indicate any exceptions. The word “you” is always singular when it refers to Yahweh.
111:2q7m5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַ⁠אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם1Malachi is probably not quoting an actual response from the Judeans. Rather, he is anticipating an objection, stating it, and then answering it. See the further discussion in the General Introduction to Malachi. Alternate translation: “Now you may object”
121:2vkrwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureהֲ⁠לוֹא־אָ֨ח עֵשָׂ֤ו לְ⁠יַֽעֲקֹב֙ נְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה וָ⁠אֹהַ֖ב אֶֽת־יַעֲקֹֽב1If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases so that the speaker, **Yahweh**, is identified before we read the words which he speaks. Alternate translation: “Yahweh declares, “Was not Esau a brother to Jacob? Yet I loved Jacob”
131:2x4d6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לוֹא אָ֨ח עֵשָׂ֤ו לְ⁠יַֽעֲקֹב֙1Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Now Esau was Jacobs brother”
141:2b2k8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהֲ⁠לוֹא אָ֨ח עֵשָׂ֤ו לְ⁠יַֽעֲקֹב֙1Yahweh is using the names **Esau** and **Jacob** by association to mean their descendants. Alternate translation: “Are the Edomites not a related people group to you Israelites?” or “Now the Edomites are a related people group to you Israelites”
151:2h9f1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsנְאֻם יְהוָ֔ה1This phrase indicates that this is a direct quotation from Yahweh. In your translation, use a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh declares”
161:2v3r5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsוָ⁠אֹהַ֖ב אֶֽת יַעֲקֹֽב1Yahweh is referring to the Israelites as a group by using the name of their ancestor, **Jacob**. Alternate translation: “Yet I loved you Israelites”
171:2-3xu00rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryוָ⁠אֹהַ֖ב אֶֽת־יַעֲקֹֽב…וְ⁠אֶת־עֵשָׂ֖ו שָׂנֵ֑אתִי1Here the author uses a poetic device called a chiasm, which Hebrew writers often used in poetry and literature. The outer phrases **I loved** and **I hated** parallel each other and the inner words, **Jacob** and **Esau** parallel each other. So the pattern is ABBA. If it is possible in your language you should try to retain this order.
181:3c7m2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠אֶת עֵשָׂ֖ו שָׂנֵ֑אתִי1The word translated as **hated** does not always indicate a strong antipathy or loathing. In a comparison such as this one, it can mean “loved less” or “favored less.” If it would help your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “but I have not favored Esau or his descendants, the Edomites.”
191:3g6n9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsשְׁמָמָ֔ה1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **desolation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a desolate place”
201:3z8k4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownלְ⁠תַנּ֥וֹת1A **jackal** is a wild dog that lives in the desert. If your readers would not be familiar with what a jackal is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar animal that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “desert scavengers”
211:4b2tnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכִּֽי־תֹאמַ֨ר אֱד֜וֹם1The word **Edom** is another name for “Esau.” Yahweh uses the word **Edom** by association to mean Esaus descendants. If it would be helpful to your readers you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “Though the Edomites say”
221:4y2p7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveרֻשַּׁ֗שְׁנוּ1If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Our enemies have beaten us down”
231:4f5s1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוְ⁠קָרְא֤וּ לָ⁠הֶם֙ גְּב֣וּל רִשְׁעָ֔ה וְ⁠הָ⁠עָ֛ם אֲשֶׁר זָעַ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה עַד עוֹלָֽם1If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And people will say that they are a territory where wicked people live and that they are a people whom Yahweh abhors forever”
241:4d9h3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠קָרְא֤וּ לָ⁠הֶם֙1Here, **they** is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun, as modeled by the UST.
251:4j1w6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsגְּב֣וּל רִשְׁעָ֔ה1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **wickedness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the wicked territory” or “the territory where wicked people live”
261:5a8b3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶ֖ם תִּרְאֶ֑ינָה וְ⁠אַתֶּ֤ם תֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ יִגְדַּ֣ל יְהוָ֔ה מֵ⁠עַ֖ל לִ⁠גְב֥וּל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל1The words in this verse could: (1) be a continuation of Yahwehs words that began in the previous verse. If you treat this as a quotation from Yahweh, it may be more natural in your language not to have a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And your eyes will see, and you yourselves will say that Yahweh is great beyond the border of Israel” (2) the words of Malachi. If you choose this option, you will need to add closing quotes at the end of the previous verse or whatever means your language uses to end a quotation, and use whatever punctuation your language requires to indicate that Malachi is speaking. Alternate translation: “And your eyes will see, and you yourselves will say, “Great is Yahweh beyond the border of Israel””
271:5n4t8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶ֖ם תִּרְאֶ֑ינָה1Yahweh is using one part of the Judeans, their **eyes**, to represent all of them in the act of seeing. The emphasis is on their eyewitness experience. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you will see for yourselves”
281:5zzu7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personוְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶ֖ם תִּרְאֶ֑ינָה וְ⁠אַתֶּ֤ם תֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ יִגְדַּ֣ל יְהוָ֔ה מֵ⁠עַ֖ל לִ⁠גְב֥וּל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל1It may be more natural in your language to have Yahweh speak of himself in the first person rather than in the third person. Alternate translation: “And your eyes will see, and you yourselves will say that I am great beyond the border of Israel!”
291:6r2k9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠אִם אָ֣ב אָ֣נִי אַיֵּ֣ה כְבוֹדִ֡⁠י וְ⁠אִם אֲדוֹנִ֣ים אָנִי֩ אַיֵּ֨ה מוֹרָאִ֜⁠י1Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Since I am a father, you should honor me. And since I am a master, you should fear me.”
301:6u6v1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyשְׁמִ֔⁠י & אֶת שְׁמֶֽ⁠ךָ1Yahweh is using the word **name** by association to mean his reputation and authority. Alternate translation: “my reputation … your reputation” or “my authority … your authority”
311:7o3d8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveלֶ֣חֶם מְגֹאָ֔ל1If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “food that people have made unfit for sacrifice”
321:7q1j6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוַ⁠אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם בַּ⁠מֶּ֣ה גֵֽאַלְנ֑וּ⁠ךָ בֶּ⁠אֱמָרְ⁠כֶ֕ם שֻׁלְחַ֥ן יְהוָ֖ה נִבְזֶ֥ה הֽוּא1If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But you ask how you have defiled me. You defile me by saying that you can despise the table of Yahweh.”
331:7a3h2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveשֻׁלְחַ֥ן יְהוָ֖ה נִבְזֶ֥ה הֽוּא1If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “One may despise the table of Yahweh”
341:7b7c4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשֻׁלְחַ֥ן יְהוָ֖ה1Yahweh is speaking as if the altar on which the priests offered sacrifices to him were a **table** at which he ate food. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The altar of Yahweh”
351:8r8n4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠כִֽי תַגִּשׁ֨וּ⁠ן עִוֵּ֤ר לִ⁠זְבֹּ֨חַ֙ אֵ֣ין רָ֔ע וְ⁠כִ֥י תַגִּ֛ישׁוּ פִּסֵּ֥חַ וְ⁠חֹלֶ֖ה אֵ֣ין רָ֑ע1Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “When you present blind animals for sacrifice, that is evil! And when you present lame and sick animals, that is also evil!”
361:8g2m7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounעִוֵּ֤ר & פִּסֵּ֥חַ וְ⁠חֹלֶ֖ה1Yahweh is not referring to specific blind, lame, or sick animals. He means animals with these conditions in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “blind animals … lame and sick animals”
371:8p9k1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהַקְרִיבֵ֨⁠הוּ1The pronoun **it** refers to the blind, lame, and sick animals. It may be more natural in your language to use a plural expression. Alternate translation: “Present these animals”
381:8y6s3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularלְ⁠פֶחָתֶ֗⁠ךָ & הֲ⁠יִּרְצְ⁠ךָ֙ & פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ1The words **you** and **your** are singular here because Yahweh is addressing the priests as a collective group. This suits the context, since that is how they were ruled by their **governor**. It may be natural for you to use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
391:8r4f8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יִּרְצְ⁠ךָ֙ א֚וֹ הֲ⁠יִשָּׂ֣א פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ1Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “He certainly will not accept you or lift up your face!”
401:8d7h5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletהֲ⁠יִּרְצְ⁠ךָ֙ א֚וֹ הֲ⁠יִשָּׂ֣א פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ1The terms **accept you** and **lift up your face** mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “He certainly will not show you any favor at all!”
411:8i3l9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomא֚וֹ הֲ⁠יִשָּׂ֣א פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ1This is an expression that people of this culture would commonly use to mean “show favor.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or show you favor”
421:9a9n2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוְ⁠עַתָּ֛ה1The word the ULT translated as **And now** is an expression that was used in messages of this time to introduce important points. If your language has a comparable expression that it uses for this same purpose, you can use it in your translation.
431:9t5m1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personפְנֵי אֵ֖ל וִֽ⁠יחָנֵ֑⁠נוּ1Malachi attributes this quotation to Yahweh, but it is something that Yahweh told him to say to the priests. So you could translate it with Malachi as the speaker. However, if you translate it with Yahweh as the speaker, he would be speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be more natural in your language, you could translate it in the first person. Alternate translation: “my face, that I may be gracious to you”
441:9s2k7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheפְנֵי אֵ֖ל1Yahweh is using one part of himself, his **face**, to mean all of him in the act of looking with favor on someone who was praying to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God”
451:9e1f6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesפְנֵי אֵ֖ל1Malachi is probably using the term **God** here to contrast with the mention of “the governor” in the previous verse. The implication is that if people would not offer inferior gifts to a human being, they should certainly not offer them to God. So here it would be appropriate to use your languages term for the true God who created the world rather than using the name Yahweh.
461:9e8x4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveוִֽ⁠יחָנֵ֑⁠נוּ1Malachi is using the pronoun **us** to refer to himself and his listeners, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction. (If you are treating this as a direct quotation from Yahweh, you may use the plural form of “you.”)
471:9p1j6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsמִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶם֙ הָ֣יְתָה זֹּ֔את1The pronoun **This** refers to the unacceptable sacrifices. It may be helpful to clarify the referent for your readers. Alternate translation: “These unacceptable sacrifices have been from your hand”
481:9s7f2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶם֙1Malachi is using one part of the priests' bodies, the **hand**, to mean all of themselves in the act of offering sacrifices. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from you”
491:9f2g9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsמִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶם֙1Since Malachi is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **hand**. Alternate translation: “from your hands”
501:9i5h9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהֲ⁠יִשָּׂ֤א מִ⁠כֶּם֙ פָּנִ֔ים1See how you translated the similar expression in [1:8](../01/08.md).
511:9r3n8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יִשָּׂ֤א מִ⁠כֶּם֙ פָּנִ֔ים1Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “He certainly will not lift your faces!” or “He will certainly not show you favor!”
521:10u9w2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִ֤י גַם בָּ⁠כֶם֙ וְ⁠יִסְגֹּ֣ר דְּלָתַ֔יִם וְ⁠לֹֽא תָאִ֥ירוּ מִזְבְּחִ֖⁠י חִנָּ֑ם1Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I wish one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not kindle useless fires on my altar!”
531:10e3m7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitדְּלָתַ֔יִם1Yahweh assumes that his listeners will know that by **the doors** he means the doors of the temple. You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the doors of the temple”
541:10c8n2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsאֶרְצֶ֥ה מִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶֽם1Since Yahweh is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **hand**. Alternate translation: “offerings from your hands”
551:10s6p4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶֽם1Yahweh is using one part of the priests' bodies, the **hand**, to mean all of themselves in the act of offering sacrifices. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that you give”\n
561:11m2t7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠מִּזְרַח שֶׁ֜מֶשׁ וְ⁠עַד מְבוֹא֗⁠וֹ1Yahweh is using the **rising** and **setting** of the **sun** by association to mean the east and the west. Alternate translation: “from the east to the west”
571:11m9r3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismמִ⁠מִּזְרַח שֶׁ֜מֶשׁ וְ⁠עַד מְבוֹא֗⁠וֹ1Yahweh is speaking of two extremes in order to include them and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “everywhere in the world”
581:11n4f8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyגָּד֤וֹל שְׁמִ⁠י֙ & גָד֤וֹל שְׁמִ⁠י֙1Yahweh is using the word **name** by association to mean his reputation. See how you translated the same expression in [1:6](../01/06.md). Alternate translation: “my reputation will be great … my reputation will be great”
591:11r6qarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisגָּד֤וֹל שְׁמִ⁠י֙1The Hebrew text leaves out a verb in this phrase. Many languages require a verb to make this phrase complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply the verb from the context. The verb that needs to be supplied could be: (1) future tense, “will be.” (2) present tense, “is.” Alternate translation: “my name is great”
601:11s7h1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלִ⁠שְׁמִ֖⁠י1Yahweh is using one part of himself, his **name**, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to me”
611:12p2k6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠אַתֶּ֖ם מְחַלְּלִ֣ים אוֹת֑⁠וֹ1Here, the pronoun **it** refers to Yahwehs name or reputation. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “But you are profaning my name” or “But you are making my reputation no more than ordinary”
621:12joexrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוְ⁠אַתֶּ֖ם מְחַלְּלִ֣ים אוֹת֑⁠וֹ בֶּ⁠אֱמָרְ⁠כֶ֗ם שֻׁלְחַ֤ן אֲדֹנָ⁠י֙ מְגֹאָ֣ל ה֔וּא וְ⁠נִיב֖⁠וֹ נִבְזֶ֥ה אָכְלֽ⁠וֹ1If your language would not use a direct quotation inside of a direct quotation, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “But you are profaning it when you say that my table is defiled, and its fruit, its food, is despised”
631:12o7j9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשֻׁלְחַ֤ן אֲדֹנָ⁠י֙1See how you translated the same expression in [1:7](../01/07.md). Alternate translation: “The altar of the Lord”
641:12h3k5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesאֲדֹנָ⁠י֙1In the same phrase in [1:7](../01/07.md), the name “Yahweh” is used. Here a title, **the Lord**, is used instead. It may be that in the earlier instance Yahweh is speaking of himself in the third person, while in this instance Yahweh is quoting what the priests would say. (In order not to misuse his name, Jews would use this title instead.) Some versions of the Bible use their representation of the divine name here, since that is what the priests meant. Other versions use the title **Lord** to reflect this Jewish practice and the original text of the book. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
651:12a4d7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveמְגֹאָ֣ל ה֔וּא1If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it is not holy” or “it is nothing special”
661:12l5t2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠נִיב֖⁠וֹ1Yahweh is speaking as if the altar were a tree that produced **fruit**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what we get from it”
671:12e7n5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאָכְלֽ⁠וֹ1Yahweh assumes that his listeners will know that by **its food** he means the food allowance the priests receive from the altar. You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “our food allowance”
681:12p9f3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנִבְזֶ֥ה1If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “is contemptible”
691:13ur5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוַ⁠אֲמַרְתֶּם֩ הִנֵּ֨ה מַ⁠תְּלָאָ֜ה1If your language would not use a direct quotation inside of a direct quotation, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “But you say that it is a weariness”
701:13m3h8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהִנֵּ֨ה1The priests are speaking as if they wanted their listeners to **Behold** or look at something. They are using this term to focus their listeners attention on what they are about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation.
711:13x6r2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsמַ⁠תְּלָאָ֜ה1The priests are using a phrase that expresses a strong feeling of tiredness or boredom. There may be an equivalent word or phrase in your language that you can use in your translation to convey this same feeling. You could also state what the priests were feeling. Alternate translation: “what drudgery” or “we are tired of doing this”
721:13s2k9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוְ⁠הִפַּחְתֶּ֣ם אוֹת֗⁠וֹ1In this culture, to **puff** at something, blowing a small breath at it, was a symbolic action that showed contempt. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of an action that has the same significance in your culture. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you sniff at it” or “And you show contempt for it”
731:13g7n4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounגָּז֗וּל וְ⁠אֶת הַ⁠פִּסֵּ֨חַ֙ וְ⁠אֶת הַ֣⁠חוֹלֶ֔ה1Yahweh is not referring to specific **stolen**, **lame**, or **sick** animals. He means animals that have been **stolen** or are **lame** or **sick** in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “stolen animals, lame animals, and sick animals”
741:13iovrגָּז֗וּל1The word the ULT translates as **the stolen** could refer to: (1) animals that have been stolen. Alternate translation: “animals that are stolen” (2) animals that have been attacked and as a result are mutilated or torn. Alternate translation: “the torn” or “the injured”
751:13xq60rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs- activepassiveגָּז֗וּל1If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “animals that you have obtained by theft”
761:13r9t5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠אֶרְצֶ֥ה אוֹתָ֛⁠הּ מִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶ֖ם1Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I will certainly not accept this from you!”
771:14e2f7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-eventsוְ⁠אָר֣וּר נוֹכֵ֗ל וְ⁠יֵ֤שׁ בְּ⁠עֶדְר⁠וֹ֙ זָכָ֔ר וְ⁠נֹדֵ֛ר וְ⁠זֹבֵ֥חַ מָשְׁחָ֖ת לַֽ⁠אדֹנָ֑⁠י1Yahweh is describing one event before describing another event that would precede it. In your translation, you may wish to relate these events in the order in which they would happen. Alternate translation: “But if someone has a male in his flock and he vows it, but he sacrifices the blemished to the Lord, then that deceiver will be cursed”
781:14p8m3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠אָר֣וּר1If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But I will curse”
791:14e5k1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠יֵ֤שׁ בְּ⁠עֶדְר⁠וֹ֙ זָכָ֔ר1Yahweh assumes that his listeners will know that by **a male**, he means a healthy, unblemished male animal. You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “if a healthy, unblemished male is in his flock”
801:14g3n9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounמָשְׁחָ֖ת1Yahweh is not referring to a specific **blemished** animal. He means blemished animals in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “blemished animals”
811:14t7r2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personלַֽ⁠אדֹנָ֑⁠י & אָמַר֙ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֔וֹת1Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these in the first person. Alternate translation: “to me … says, I, Yahweh of Armies”
821:14s4h6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוּ⁠שְׁמִ֖⁠י נוֹרָ֥א בַ⁠גּוֹיִֽם1Yahweh is using one part of himself, his **name**, to mean all of him in the act of being feared. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I am feared among the nations because of my reputation”
832:introjc2b0# Malachi 2 General Notes\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n2:19 Priests must teach and apply the law faithfully\n\n2:1016 Yahweh is concerned for justice: no divorce\n\n2:173:5 Yahweh is concerned for justice and will punish evildoers\n\n## Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter\n\n### “My covenant was with him, life and peace, and I gave them to him {for} fear” (2:5)\n\nHere Yahweh seems to be alluding implicitly to what he said in [Numbers 25:1213](../num/25/12.md), that he was making a **covenant** of **peace** establishing Phineas (the son of the first high priest, Aaron) and his descendants in the priesthood permanently. Yahweh did this because Phineas zealously opposed the worship of foreign gods. That is what Yahweh means here by “I gave them to him for fear.” He is saying, in other words, “because he worshiped me exclusively and devotedly.” Yahweh was punishing the Israelites for this idol-worship with a plague that was killing many of them, but he ended the plague because of what Phineas did. So this was a covenant of **peace** (Yahweh was no longer hostile to the Israelites). It was also a covenant of **life** (Yahweh was no longer punishing the Israelites with death). The word **life** may also reflect that this was a permanent covenant that would not end. The notes to [2:5](../02/05.md) suggest ways to translate these statements.\n\n## Translation Issues\n\n### And did he not make one (2:15a)\n\nHere are two views Bible scholars have regarding the correct interpretation of these words. (1) The word **one** refers to the close connection a husband and wife have. Alternate translation: “And did not God make you one with your wife?” (2) The word **one** refers to God. Alternate translation: “And did not the one God make you” \n\n### and a remnant of spirit {was} to him? (2:15b)\n\nHere are two views, among many, that Bible scholars have regarding the correct interpretation of these words. (1) These words mean that a husband and wife are united in body and spirit. Alternate translation: “God made you to become united with your wife in body and spirit” (2) These words mean that the bodies and spirits of a husband and wife belong to God. Alternate translation: “and you and your wife belong to God”\n\n\n### “and one {who} covers over his garment with violence” (2:16)\n\nHere are three views Bible scholars have regarding the correct interpretation of these words. (1) it means that husband and wife Malachi is speaking as if **violence** were a substance with which a person could cover a **garment**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The idea of complete covering conveys emphasis. Alternate translation: “and one who acts very violently” (2) The word **violence** refers to harsh actions that could include actions other than divorce. Alternate translation: “and one who acts violently” (3) The word **violence** refers to violent or cruel actions which a person conceals. Alternate translation: “and one who conceals their violence”\n
842:1j8l1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוְ⁠עַתָּ֗ה1See how you translated the same expression in [1:9](../01/09.md).
852:2k2n6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹ֣א תִשְׁמְע֡וּ1In contexts such as this, the word translated as **listen** has the specific sense of complying with what someone has said. Alternate translation: “you will not obey”
862:2o1q7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹא֩ תָשִׂ֨ימוּ עַל לֵ֜ב & אֵינְ⁠כֶ֖ם שָׂמִ֥ים עַל לֵֽב1This is an expression that people of this culture would commonly use to mean to take something seriously or to pay attention to it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will not take it seriously … you are not taking this seriously” or “you will not pay attention to it … you are not paying attention to this”
872:2in3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלָ⁠תֵ֧ת כָּב֣וֹד לִ⁠שְׁמִ֗⁠י1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **glory**, you could express the same idea with a or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to glorify my name”
882:2u4w8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלִ⁠שְׁמִ֗⁠י1Yahweh is using one part of himself, his **name**, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to me”
892:2v7x3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠שִׁלַּחְתִּ֤י בָ⁠כֶם֙ אֶת הַ⁠מְּאֵרָ֔ה1Yahweh is speaking as if a **curse** were an object that he could **send**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then I will curse you”
902:2y9z5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠אָרוֹתִ֖י אֶת־בִּרְכֽוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֑ם1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **blessings**, you could express the same idea in another way. This term could: (1) refer to the blessings that the priests spoke to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “and I will make ineffective what you say to bless the Israelites” (2) have the sense of “gift,” the portion of the peoples tithes, atonement money, and sacrifices that the priests received. Alternate translation: “and I will reduce what the people bring, so that you will receive very few gifts”
912:2b1c6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאָרוֹתִ֔י⁠הָ1Since the pronoun **it** refers back to **blessings**, it may be more natural in your language to use a plural form. Alternate translation: “I have cursed them”
922:3f3h7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהִנְ⁠נִ֨י גֹעֵ֤ר1**Behold me** is an expression that people of this culture would commonly use to mean that they were about to do something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Now I am about to rebuke”
932:3i7k1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationגֹעֵ֤ר לָ⁠כֶם֙ אֶת־הַ⁠זֶּ֔רַע1The author is speaking of **seed** as if it were a living thing that he could rebuke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “making your crops fail”
942:3l9n4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠זֵרִ֤יתִי פֶ֨רֶשׁ֙ עַל פְּנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם1Yahweh is speaking as if he would **spread dung** on the priests faces. This is a vivid way of saying that he will humiliate them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will humiliate you terribly”
952:3q3s8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyפֶּ֖רֶשׁ חַגֵּי⁠כֶ֑ם1Yahweh is using the word **dung** by association to mean the entrails of the animals that were sacrificed during festivals. Alternate translation: “the entrails of the animals you sacrifice during festivals”
962:3u7w1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠נָשָׂ֥א אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם אֵלָֽי⁠ו1Here, **one** is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “and you will be taken away with it”
972:4x9z2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשִׁלַּ֣חְתִּי אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֔ם אֵ֖ת הַ⁠מִּצְוָ֣ה הַ⁠זֹּ֑את1Yahweh is speaking as if his **commandment** were an object that he could have **sent**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have given you this commandment”
982:4b3d5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלִֽ⁠הְי֤וֹת בְּרִיתִ⁠י֙ אֶת לֵוִ֔י1Yahweh means implicitly that he has given this commandment so that his **covenant** with **Levi** will continue. He says in [3:3](../03/03.md) that he will “purify the sons of Levi” so that they will once again perform their duties “in righteousness.” You could indicate the meaning here explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “so that my covenant with Levi will continue”
992:4f7h2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלֵוִ֔י1Yahweh is using the name **Levi** by association to mean the priests who descended from that man and who served in the tabernacle and temple in subsequent generations. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Levi who became priests”
1002:5j5l8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבְּרִיתִ֣⁠י הָיְתָ֣ה אִתּ֗⁠וֹ הַֽ⁠חַיִּים֙ וְ⁠הַ֨⁠שָּׁל֔וֹם1If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **life** and **peace**, you could express the same idea in another way. See the further discussion in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “I made a covenant with him that made conditions peaceful and allowed people to live”
1012:5n7q1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsהָיְתָ֣ה אִתּ֗⁠וֹ & ל֥⁠וֹ & וַ⁠יִּֽירָאֵ֑⁠נִי & נִחַ֥ת הֽוּא1Since Yahweh is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form. Alternate translation: “was with them … to them … and they feared me … they were dismayed”
1022:5r1t6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismוַ⁠יִּֽירָאֵ֑⁠נִי וּ⁠מִ⁠פְּנֵ֥י שְׁמִ֖⁠י נִחַ֥ת הֽוּא1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “and he had great reverence for me and my reputation”
1032:5v3x9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheשְׁמִ֖⁠י1Yahweh is using one part of himself, his **name**, to mean all of himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “me”
1042:6y5z8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsבְּ⁠פִ֔י⁠הוּ & בִ⁠שְׂפָתָ֑י⁠ו & הָלַ֣ךְ & הֵשִׁ֥יב1Since Yahweh is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form. Alternate translation: “in the mouths of the earlier priests … on their lips … they walked … they turned”
1052:6c1n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyתּוֹרַ֤ת אֱמֶת֙ הָיְתָ֣ה בְּ⁠פִ֔י⁠הוּ1Yahweh is using the word **mouth** by association to mean what the priests said. Alternate translation: “He spoke the instruction of truth”
1062:6d3f5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsתּוֹרַ֤ת אֱמֶת֙ הָיְתָ֣ה בְּ⁠פִ֔י⁠הוּ1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **truth**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “He taught the people true things”
1072:6a9d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠עַוְלָ֖ה לֹא נִמְצָ֣א בִ⁠שְׂפָתָ֑י⁠ו1The people of this culture commonly said that something **was … found** to mean that it existed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and there was no iniquity on his lips”
1082:6i2h8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠עַוְלָ֖ה לֹא נִמְצָ֣א בִ⁠שְׂפָתָ֑י⁠ו1Yahweh is using the word **lips** by association to mean what the priests said. Alternate translation: “and there was no iniquity in what he said” or “and there was no iniquity found in what he said”
1092:6m4t9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠עַוְלָ֖ה לֹא נִמְצָ֣א בִ⁠שְׂפָתָ֑י⁠ו1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **iniquity**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and he did not say things that led people to do what was wrong”
1102:6a7n1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבְּ⁠שָׁל֤וֹם וּ⁠בְ⁠מִישׁוֹר֙1If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **peace** and **uprightness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Peacefully and righteously”
1112:6a2k6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָלַ֣ךְ אִתִּ֔⁠י1Yahweh is speaking of how a person lives as if that were a path that he would **walk** along. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “he lived as I want people to live” or “he lived in fellowship with me”
1122:6k3l8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠רַבִּ֖ים הֵשִׁ֥יב מֵ⁠עָוֺֽן1Yahweh is speaking as if **iniquity** were a place from which people could be **turned** away. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he influenced many to stop committing iniquity”
1132:6m1j7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsמֵ⁠עָוֺֽן1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **iniquity**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from doing what is wrong”
1142:7a5n9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheשִׂפְתֵ֤י כֹהֵן֙ יִשְׁמְרוּ דַ֔עַת1Yahweh is using one part of a priest, his **lips**, to mean all of him in the act of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a priest, through what he says, should give people better knowledge of how to obey Yahweh”
1152:7s3h2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִשְׁמְרוּ דַ֔עַת1Yahweh is speaking as if **knowledge** were something that one could **guard** or protect. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “should preserve and promote knowledge”
1162:7m6t1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsיִשְׁמְרוּ דַ֔עַת1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **knowledge**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “should help people to know how to obey Yahweh”
1172:7a8k4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיְבַקְשׁ֣וּ1The pronoun **they** refers to people in general. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “people should seek”
1182:7p7n3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠תוֹרָ֖ה יְבַקְשׁ֣וּ1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **instruction**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and they should seek to be instructed”
1192:7a1j6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠פִּ֑י⁠הוּ1Yahweh is using the word **mouth** by association to mean what the priest says. Alternate translation: “by what he says”
1202:7o5q2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personמַלְאַ֥ךְ יְהוָֽה צְבָא֖וֹת1Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “is the messenger of me, Yahweh of Armies”
1212:8r7s4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠אַתֶּם֙ סַרְתֶּ֣ם מִן הַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ1See how you translated the similar image in [2:6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: “But you yourselves have stopped living as I want people to live”
1222:8m9t2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהִכְשַׁלְתֶּ֥ם רַבִּ֖ים1Yahweh is speaking as if the priests had caused people to **stumble** or trip and fall. This image represents leading people to sin. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You have led many people to sin”
1232:8m2k7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבַּ⁠תּוֹרָ֑ה1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **instruction**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by what you have taught them”
1242:8a6n1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשִֽׁחַתֶּם֙1Yahweh is speaking as if his **covenant** with the priests descended from Levi were something that they had **corrupted**, that is, physically spoiled and made useless, like the crops eaten by pests described with the same term in [3:11](../03/11.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You have failed to fulfill the purpose of”
1252:8m4h8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהַ⁠לֵּוִ֔י1See how you translated the same expression in [2:4](../02/04.md). Alternate translation: “the descendants of Levi who became priests”
1262:9m7t3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠נֹשְׂאִ֥ים פָּנִ֖ים1See how you translated the similar expression in [1:8](../01/08.md). Alternate translation: “and you are showing favoritism”
1272:9i9k2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבַּ⁠תּוֹרָֽה1Yahweh assumes that the priests will know that in this instance, the expression **the instruction** implicitly means the law of Moses and how the priests have been applying it in individual cases. (Elsewhere in the chapter, the term has a more general meaning.) You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “regarding how you apply the law of Moses”
1282:10e5n8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠ל֨וֹא אָ֤ב אֶחָד֙ לְ⁠כֻלָּ֔⁠נוּ הֲ⁠ל֛וֹא אֵ֥ל אֶֽחָ֖ד בְּרָאָ֑⁠נוּ1Malachi is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “We all have one father; one God created us!”
1292:10t1u6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismהֲ⁠ל֨וֹא אָ֤ב אֶחָד֙ לְ⁠כֻלָּ֔⁠נוּ הֲ⁠ל֛וֹא אֵ֥ל אֶֽחָ֖ד בְּרָאָ֑⁠נוּ1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them. However, since the first uses an image and the second explains the image, you might keep both phrases in your translation and show how the second explains the first. Alternate translation: “The same God created all of us. And so it is as if we all had the same father”
1302:10w3y7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַדּ֗וּעַ נִבְגַּד֙ אִ֣ישׁ בְּ⁠אָחִ֔י⁠ו לְ⁠חַלֵּ֖ל בְּרִ֥ית אֲבֹתֵֽי⁠נוּ1Malachi is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “We should not deal treacherously, a man against his brother, profaning the covenant of our fathers!”
1312:10z1b4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִ֣ישׁ בְּ⁠אָחִ֔י⁠ו1This is an expression that people of this culture would commonly use to mean that people were acting against others of their own community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people against others of their own community”
1322:10d1f3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֲבֹתֵֽי⁠נוּ1Malachi is speaking of the ancestors of the Israelites as if they were the **fathers** of the current generation. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our forefathers”
1332:11h1j4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismבָּגְדָ֣ה יְהוּדָ֔ה וְ⁠תוֹעֵבָ֛ה נֶעֶשְׂתָ֥ה בְ⁠יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וּ⁠בִ⁠ירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah are doing treacherous things in Israel and in Jerusalem”
1342:11l3n6rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsבָּגְדָ֣ה יְהוּדָ֔ה & חִלֵּ֣ל יְהוּדָ֗ה1Since Malachi is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah have dealt treacherously … The people of Judah have profaned”
1352:11q5s9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠תוֹעֵבָ֛ה נֶעֶשְׂתָ֥ה בְ⁠יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וּ⁠בִ⁠ירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the people have done an abomination in Israel and in Jerusalem” or “and the people have committed an abomination in Israel and in Jerusalem”
1362:11u1w4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠בָעַ֖ל בַּת אֵ֥ל נֵכָֽר1Malachi is speaking as if foreign gods had **daughters** that the people of Judah could **marry**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. This could mean: (1) that the Judeans have allied themselves closely with foreign gods as their worshipers, as if they had made a marriage alliance the way kingdoms did. Alternate translation: “and has worshiped foreign gods” (2) that Judean men have married foreign women, and this has led them to worship foreign gods. Alternate translation: “and Judean men have married foreign women and begun to worship their gods”
1372:12x3z7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיַכְרֵ֨ת יְהוָ֜ה & מֵ⁠אָהֳלֵ֖י יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב1Malachi is describing the people of Israel by association with their ancestor **Jacob**, who was also known as Israel. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh cut off from the tents of the people of Israel”
1382:12f9h3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמֵ⁠אָהֳלֵ֖י יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב1Malachi is using the word **tents** by association to mean the community of **Israel**. Alternate translation: “from the community of Israel”
1392:12j3l6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsלָ⁠אִ֨ישׁ1Here the masculine term **man** has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “anyone”
1402:12n1q4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismעֵ֣ר וְ⁠עֹנֶ֔ה1Malachi is speaking of two extremes in order to include them and everything in between. He is alluding to a watchman guarding a city at night (**the one being awake**) and someone approaching the city who is responding to the challenge, “Who is there?” (**the one answering**). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “no matter who he is”
1412:13r3t7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleכַּסּ֤וֹת דִּמְעָה֙ אֶת מִזְבַּ֣ח יְהוָ֔ה1Malachi is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “weeping profusely at the altar of Yahweh”
1422:13v5x8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletפְּנוֹת֙ אֶל הַ⁠מִּנְחָ֔ה וְ⁠לָ⁠קַ֥חַת רָצ֖וֹן מִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶֽם1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Malachi uses them together to emphasize how Yahweh is rejecting the offerings. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “accepting your offerings favorably”
1432:13c3d6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶֽם1Malachi is using one part of the people, their **hand**, to mean all of them in the act of offering sacrifices. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from you” or “that you give”
1442:14g1i4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיְהוָה֩ הֵעִ֨יד בֵּינְ⁠ךָ֜ וּ⁠בֵ֣ין אֵ֣שֶׁת נְעוּרֶ֗י⁠ךָ1In this culture, when people made promises to one another, they often did this with witnesses watching. The role of those witnesses included holding the people to their promises. The Judean men had made covenant promises to their wives when they married them. Malachi assumes that those men will know that when he refers to Yahweh as a **witness**, he means that Yahweh is holding them to those promises. Yahweh is doing that by showing his disfavor through not accepting their offerings. You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Because Yahweh is enforcing the covenant promises you made to the wife of your youth”
1452:14k5m8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularבֵּינְ⁠ךָ֜ & נְעוּרֶ֗י⁠ךָ & אַתָּה֙ בָּגַ֣דְתָּה & חֲבֶרְתְּ⁠ךָ֖ & בְּרִיתֶֽ⁠ךָ1Except for the first occurrence of the the word **you**, the words **you**, **your**, and **yourself** are singular in this verse because, even though Malachi is speaking to the Judeans as a group, he is addressing an individual situation. So use singular forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
1462:14o3q6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאֵ֣שֶׁת נְעוּרֶ֗י⁠ךָ1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **youth**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the wife you married when you were young”
1472:15s1u4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠לֹא אֶחָ֣ד עָשָׂ֗ה וּ⁠שְׁאָ֥ר ר֨וּחַ֙ ל֔⁠וֹ1Malachi is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. See the General Notes to this chapter for a discussion of this sentence. Alternate translation: “After all, he made one, and a remnant of spirit was to him!”
1482:15yyy8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוּ⁠שְׁאָ֥ר ר֨וּחַ֙ ל֔⁠וֹ1The pronoun **him** refers back to the pronoun **one**, meaning the husband and the wife. It may be more natural in your language to use a plural pronoun. See the General Notes to this chapter for a discussion of this clause. Alternate translation: “and a remnant of spirit was to them”
1492:15w5y8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מָה֙ הָֽ⁠אֶחָ֔ד מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ זֶ֣רַע אֱלֹהִ֑ים1Malachi is not asking the question **And why one?** to get information. Rather, he is asking and then answering his own question. This was a common practice of Jewish public speakers in this time period (and also in New Testament times). Alternate translation: “And I will tell you why he made one: he was seeking seed of God”
1502:15z3b6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionזֶ֣רַע אֱלֹהִ֑ים1Malachi is using this possessive form to mean offspring that would be faithful to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “offspring that would be faithful to God”
1512:15d5f8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠נִשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙ בְּ⁠ר֣וּחֲ⁠כֶ֔ם1Malachi is speaking as if a persons **spirit** were a physical place where they could be **guarded**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “So be careful about your attitudes”
1522:16h3j6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠כִסָּ֤ה חָמָס֙ עַל לְבוּשׁ֔⁠וֹ1For a discussion of the phrase **covers his garment with violence** and suggestions for how to translate it, see the General Notes to this chapter.
1532:16sgfmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠נִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם בְּ⁠רוּחֲ⁠כֶ֖ם1See how you translated this in the previous verse.
1542:17l7n1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠דִבְרֵי⁠כֶ֔ם1Yahweh is using the term **words** by association to mean what the people are saying. Alternate translation: “by what you are saying”
1552:17q9s2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsעֹ֨שֵׂה רָ֜ע1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **evil**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the people who do evil things”
1562:17u3w6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י יְהוָ֗ה1Malachi is using the word **eyes** by association to mean sight. Sight, by association, represents judgment and perspective. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in Yahwehs perspective”
1572:17x7z1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאַיֵּ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּֽט1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **justice**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Where is the God who judges fairly?”
1582:17b9d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאַיֵּ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּֽט1The people are using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “God is not punishing people who do not act justly”
1593:introwb480# Malachi 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n\n2:173:5 Yahweh is concerned for justice and will punish evildoers\n\n\n3:612 Judeans are not bringing proper tithes\n\n\n3:1315 Yahweh will punish the wicked, despite what Judeans are saying\n\n\n3:164:6 Yahweh will bless and protect those who fear him\n\n\n\n
1603:1f5h8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהִנְ⁠נִ֤י שֹׁלֵחַ֙1**Behold me** is an expression that people of this culture would commonly use to mean that they were about to do something. See how you translated the similar expression in [2:3](../02/03.md). Alternate translation: “Now I am about to send”
1613:1j7l1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ⁠פִנָּה דֶ֖רֶךְ לְ⁠פָנָ֑⁠י1Yahweh is using the word **face** to mean his presence by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “and he will prepare the way for me to be present among you”
1623:1n3q6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠פִנָּה דֶ֖רֶךְ לְ⁠פָנָ֑⁠י1Yahweh is speaking of his coming as if it were a journey for which a **way** needed to be prepared. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will get things ready for my coming”
1633:1r5t8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהִנֵּה1Yahweh uses this word to get the peoples attention. See how you translated a similar use of this word in [1:13](../01/13.md). Alternate translation: “pay attention”
1643:2v7x1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultוּ⁠מִ֤י מְכַלְכֵּל֙ אֶת י֣וֹם בּוֹא֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠מִ֥י הָ⁠עֹמֵ֖ד בְּ⁠הֵרָֽאוֹת֑⁠וֹ כִּֽי הוּא֙ כְּ⁠אֵ֣שׁ מְצָרֵ֔ף וּ⁠כְ⁠בֹרִ֖ית מְכַבְּסִֽים1If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “He will be like the fire of a refiner and like the soap of launderers. So who will be able to endure the day of his coming? And who will be able to stand when he appears?”
1653:2y1z4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מִ֤י מְכַלְכֵּל֙ אֶת י֣וֹם בּוֹא֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠מִ֥י הָ⁠עֹמֵ֖ד בְּ⁠הֵרָֽאוֹת֑⁠וֹ1Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one will be able to endure the day of his coming! No one will be able to stand when he appears!”
1663:2g3i6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָ⁠עֹמֵ֖ד1Yahweh is using the image of **standing** to speak of a person being declared innocent. The idea is that if he were declared guilty, that would be like a weight too heavy for the person to carry, and the person would sink down under it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will be declared innocent”
1673:2k7m1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileהוּא֙ כְּ⁠אֵ֣שׁ מְצָרֵ֔ף וּ⁠כְ⁠בֹרִ֖ית מְכַבְּסִֽים1The point of this comparison is that just as fire refines metal and soap cleans clothes, so the messenger will purify the people, that is, he will help them forsake the sins they have been committing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “just as fire refines metal and soap cleans clothes, he will purify people by helping them stop sinning”
1683:3o5q8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠יָשַׁ֨ב מְצָרֵ֤ף וּ⁠מְטַהֵר֙ כֶּ֔סֶף1Yahweh is speaking as if the messenger were going to be a metalworker who was **refining** and **purifying** precious metals. Since he expresses this same image as a comparison in the next clause, you may wish to present it as a comparison here as well. Alternate translation: “Yes, in that way he will be like someone who sits refining and purifying silver”
1693:3s3u6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֶת בְּנֵֽי לֵוִי֙1Yahweh is speaking as if these priests were the **sons** of their ancestor **Levi**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Levi who are priests”
1703:3w7y1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוְ⁠זִקַּ֣ק אֹתָ֔⁠ם כַּ⁠זָּהָ֖ב וְ⁠כַ⁠כָּ֑סֶף1The point of this comparison is that just as gold and silver are refined to remove impurities, so the messenger will purify the people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and he will purify the people from sin just as gold and silver are refined to remove impurities from them”
1713:4z5b8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsמִנְחַ֥ת יְהוּדָ֖ה וִ⁠ירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1Since Yahweh is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form. Alternate translation: “the offerings of the people of Judah and Jerusalem”
1723:4d7f1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletכִּ⁠ימֵ֣י עוֹלָ֔ם וּ⁠כְ⁠שָׁנִ֖ים קַדְמֹנִיּֽוֹת1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “as in the past”
1733:5h5j8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultבַּֽ⁠מְכַשְּׁפִים֙ וּ⁠בַ⁠מְנָ֣אֲפִ֔ים וּ⁠בַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים לַ⁠שָּׁ֑קֶר וּ⁠בְ⁠עֹשְׁקֵ֣י שְׂכַר שָׂ֠כִיר אַלְמָנָ֨ה וְ⁠יָת֤וֹם וּ⁠מַטֵּי גֵר֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יְרֵא֔וּ⁠נִי1If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “against those who, because they do not fear me, are sorcerers or adulterers or swear to a lie or oppress the wage of the hired worker, the widow, and the orphan or turn aside the foreigner”
1743:5l1n4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּט֒1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **judgment**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “as a judge”
1753:5q3s6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠הָיִ֣יתִי עֵ֣ד מְמַהֵ֗ר בַּֽ⁠מְכַשְּׁפִים֙ וּ⁠בַ⁠מְנָ֣אֲפִ֔ים וּ⁠בַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים לַ⁠שָּׁ֑קֶר וּ⁠בְ⁠עֹשְׁקֵ֣י שְׂכַר שָׂ֠כִיר אַלְמָנָ֨ה וְ⁠יָת֤וֹם וּ⁠מַטֵּי גֵר֙1Yahweh is using the idea of being a **witness** to represent the entire process of judging and punishing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I will declare people guilty and punish them for what they have done wrong, including sorcerers, adulterers, those who swear to a lie, those who oppress the wage of the hired worker, the widow, and the orphan, and those who turn aside the foreigner”
1763:5u5w8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוּ⁠בְ⁠עֹשְׁקֵ֣י שְׂכַר1Yahweh is speaking of **wage** as if it were a person who could be oppressed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and against those who do not pay fair wages to”
1773:5x1z4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounשָׂ֠כִיר אַלְמָנָ֨ה וְ⁠יָת֤וֹם & גֵר֙1Here, **the hired worker** and **the widow** and **the orphan** and **the foreigner** represent hired workers, widows, orphans, and foreigners in general, not a specific **hired worker** or **widow** or **orphan** or **foreigner**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use more natural expressions. Alternate translation: “hired workers, widows, orphans … foreigners”
1783:5b3d6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מַטֵּי גֵר֙1Yahweh is speaking of denying justice to foreigners as if people who did that were **turning** them **aside** from a road they were walking on and needed to stay on. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and those who deny justice to foreigners”
1793:6f7h1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesכִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה לֹ֣א שָׁנִ֑יתִי וְ⁠אַתֶּ֥ם בְּנֵֽי יַעֲקֹ֖ב לֹ֥א כְלִיתֶֽם1If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate the double negatives **do not change** and **have not come to an end**. Alternate translation: “It is only because I, Yahweh, have remained the same that you, sons of Jacob, are still a people group”
1803:6j1l4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹ֣א שָׁנִ֑יתִי1Yahweh assumes that the Judeans will understand that when he says that he does **not change**, he means that he always keeps his promises. He promised Abraham that he would bless his descendants, and so he is still taking care of them, even though they have been disobedient. You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “always keep my promises” or “intend to keep my promise to Abraham to bless his descendants”
1813:6n5q8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּנֵֽי יַעֲקֹ֖ב1Yahweh is speaking of the Israelites as if they were the **sons** of their ancestor Jacob. See how you translated the similar expression in [3:3](../03/03.md). Alternate translation: “descendants of Jacob”
1823:7r7t1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֲבֹתֵי⁠כֶ֜ם1Yahweh is speaking of the ancestors of the Israelites as if they were the literal **fathers** of the current generation. Alternate translation: “forefathers”
1833:7v1x4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletסַרְתֶּ֤ם מֵֽ⁠חֻקַּ⁠י֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א שְׁמַרְתֶּ֔ם1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Yahweh uses them together to emphasize how the people have disobeyed him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “you have completely disobeyed my statutes”
1843:7y3z6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorסַרְתֶּ֤ם מֵֽ⁠חֻקַּ⁠י֙1Yahweh is speaking of disobeying his **statutes** as if that were turning **aside** from a path on which one needed to walk. Alternate translation: “you have disobeyed my statutes”
1853:7c7d1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוַ⁠אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם בַּ⁠מֶּ֥ה נָשֽׁוּב1If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But you ask how you should return”
1863:8g5i8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יִקְבַּ֨ע אָדָ֜ם אֱלֹהִ֗ים כִּ֤י אַתֶּם֙ קֹבְעִ֣ים אֹתִ֔⁠י1Yahweh is not asking the question **Will a human rob God?** to get information. Rather, he is asking and then answering his own question. See how you translated the similar instance in [2:15](../02/15.md). Alternate translation: “It does not seem that a human would dare to rob God, yet you are robbing me”
1873:8k1m4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוַ⁠אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם בַּ⁠מֶּ֣ה קְבַעֲנ֑וּ⁠ךָ1If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But you ask how you have robbed me”
1883:8o7q1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisהַֽ⁠מַּעֲשֵׂ֖ר וְ⁠הַ⁠תְּרוּמָֽה1Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “You have robbed me in the tithe and the contribution”
1893:9s5u8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultבַּ⁠מְּאֵרָה֙ אַתֶּ֣ם נֵֽאָרִ֔ים וְ⁠אֹתִ֖⁠י אַתֶּ֣ם קֹבְעִ֑ים1If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because you are robbing me, you are cursed with a curse”
1903:9w1y4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveבַּ⁠מְּאֵרָה֙ אַתֶּ֣ם נֵֽאָרִ֔ים1If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have cursed you with a curse”
1913:9z7b1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryבַּ⁠מְּאֵרָה֙ אַתֶּ֣ם נֵֽאָרִ֔ים1For emphasis, Yahweh is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “You are solemnly cursed” or “I have solemnly cursed you”
1923:9d1f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהַ⁠גּ֖וֹי כֻּלּֽ⁠וֹ1The pronoun **it** refers to the nation of Israel and specifically to the Judeans of that nationality whom Yahweh is addressing. Since Yahweh is addressing them directly, it may be more natural in your language to use the pronoun “you.” Alternate translation: “the nation, all of you” or “every one of you Israelites”
1933:10h7j1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבֵּ֣ית הָ⁠אוֹצָ֗ר1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **treasure**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the temple treasury”
1943:10m001rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorטֶ֨רֶף֙ בְּ⁠בֵיתִ֔⁠י1Yahweh is speaking of the temple as if it were his **house**. Alternate translation: “provision for the priests who serve in my temple”
1953:10q5s8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִם לֹ֧א אֶפְתַּ֣ח לָ⁠כֶ֗ם אֵ֚ת אֲרֻבּ֣וֹת הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֔יִם וַ⁠הֲרִיקֹתִ֥י לָ⁠כֶ֛ם בְּרָכָ֖ה1Yahweh is speaking of giving blessings as if he were opening windows in the sky and pouring them out. Alternate translation: “if I will not give you abundant blessings”
1963:10m002rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבְּרָכָ֖ה1Yahweh assumes that the people will understand that by **a blessing** he means abundant crops. You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “abundant crops”
1973:10x3z6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsעַד בְּלִי דָֽי1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **sufficiency**, you could express the same idea in another way. Yahweh is not saying that there will not be sufficient crops; he means that there will be so many crops that the storehouses of the Judeans will not be sufficient to contain them. Alternate translation: “until you no longer have sufficient room to contain it”
1983:11m003rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ⁠גָעַרְתִּ֤י לָ⁠כֶם֙ בָּֽ⁠אֹכֵ֔ל1Yahweh is not speaking about a specific **devourer**, that is, not about a specific insect or animal that would eat the Judeans crops. He means such pests in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “And I will rebuke the devourers for you” or “And I will rebuke the pests that would eat your crops”
1993:11f1h4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠גָעַרְתִּ֤י לָ⁠כֶם֙ בָּֽ⁠אֹכֵ֔ל1Yahweh is speaking of pests as if they were a person he could **rebuke**. Alternate translation: “And I will keep pests from eating your crops”
2003:11m004rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֶת פְּרִ֣י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֑ה1Yahweh is speaking of crops as if they were the **fruit** of the ground. Alternate translation: “the crops that grow from the ground”
2013:11m005rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠לֹא תְשַׁכֵּ֨ל לָ⁠כֶ֤ם הַ⁠גֶּ֨פֶן֙ בַּ⁠שָּׂדֶ֔ה1Yahweh is speaking of vines as if they were women who could be **barren** or unable to have children. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And your vines will steadily produce grapes”
2023:12r1t4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאֶ֣רֶץ חֵ֔פֶץ1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **delight**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a land that delights people”
2033:13v3x6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyחָזְק֥וּ עָלַ֛⁠י דִּבְרֵי⁠כֶ֖ם1Yahweh is using the term **words** by association to mean what the people have been saying. Alternate translation: “You have been speaking strongly against me”
2043:13m006rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוַ⁠אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם מַה נִּדְבַּ֖רְנוּ עָלֶֽי⁠ךָ1If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But you ask what you have spoken among yourselves against me”
2053:14c1d4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם שָׁ֖וְא עֲבֹ֣ד אֱלֹהִ֑ים וּ⁠מַה בֶּ֗צַע כִּ֤י שָׁמַ֨רְנוּ֙ מִשְׁמַרְתּ֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠כִ֤י הָלַ֨כְנוּ֙ קְדֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת1If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “You have said that it is worthless to serve God, and you have asked how it has profited you that you have kept his charge and that you have walked mournfully to the face of Yahweh of Armies”
2063:14g7i1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָלַ֨כְנוּ֙1Yahweh is speaking of how the people have lived as if they had **walked** on a path. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we have lived”
2073:14k3m6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת1The people are using the word **face** to mean presence by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh of Armies”
2083:15o1q4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוְ⁠עַתָּ֕ה אֲנַ֖חְנוּ מְאַשְּׁרִ֣ים זֵדִ֑ים גַּם נִבְנוּ֙ עֹשֵׂ֣י רִשְׁעָ֔ה גַּ֧ם בָּחֲנ֛וּ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַ⁠יִּמָּלֵֽטוּ1If you decided to translate the previous verse so that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can do the same thing here. Alternate translation: “You have said that you yourselves are blessing the arrogant. You say that even doers of wickedness are built up, they even test God and escape”
2093:15s7u1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנִבְנוּ֙ עֹשֵׂ֣י רִשְׁעָ֔ה1If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “doers of wickedness gain in stature”
2103:15w3y6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsעֹשֵׂ֣י רִשְׁעָ֔ה1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **wickedness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “people who do wicked things”
2113:16m007rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִ֣ישׁ אֶת רֵעֵ֑⁠הוּ1This is an expression that people of this culture would commonly use to describe people speaking with one another. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “discussing things with one another”
2123:16d3f6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletוַ⁠יַּקְשֵׁ֤ב יְהוָה֙ וַ⁠יִּשְׁמָ֔ע1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The author uses them together to emphasize how closely Yahweh listened. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh paid close attention as they spoke”
2133:16m008rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוַ֠⁠יִּכָּתֵב סֵ֣פֶר זִכָּר֤וֹן1If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And those people wrote a book of remembrance”
2143:16l5n8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֙1The author is using the word **face** to mean presence by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “in his presence”
2153:16q7s1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismלְ⁠יִרְאֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וּ⁠לְ⁠חֹשְׁבֵ֖י שְׁמֽ⁠וֹ1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “for the ones who feared Yahweh and esteemed his name”
2163:16m009rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ⁠לְ⁠חֹשְׁבֵ֖י שְׁמֽ⁠וֹ1The author is using the word **name** to represent Yahwehs reputation. Alternate translation: “and for the ones who were concerned for the honor of his reputation”
2173:17x5z8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠הָ֣יוּ לִ֗⁠י אָמַר֙ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֔וֹת & סְגֻלָּ֑ה1If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **possession**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: ““And I will possess them” says Yahweh of Armies, “in a special way”
2183:17b7d1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלַ⁠יּ֕וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י עֹשֶׂ֣ה1Yahweh speaks as if he is **preparing** a **day**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the time when I act, as I am now preparing to do”
2193:17f3h6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכַּֽ⁠אֲשֶׁר֙1The point of this comparison is that **just as** a father tenderly cares for his son who serves him, so Yahweh will tenderly care for those who serve him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the same way that”
2203:18m010rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠שַׁבְתֶּם֙ וּ⁠רְאִיתֶ֔ם1This is an expression that people of this culture would commonly use to mean to seeing something again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you will see once again”
2213:18m011rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠שַׁבְתֶּם֙ וּ⁠רְאִיתֶ֔ם1Yahweh assumes that the people will understand that by **see**, he means acknowledge. You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And once again you will acknowledge”
2223:18r3t6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisבֵּ֥ין צַדִּ֖יק לְ⁠רָשָׁ֑ע1Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “that there is a difference between the righteous and the wicked”
2233:18m012rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismבֵּ֥ין צַדִּ֖יק לְ⁠רָשָׁ֑ע בֵּ֚ין עֹבֵ֣ד אֱלֹהִ֔ים לַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר לֹ֥א עֲבָדֽ⁠וֹ1These two phrases mean basically the same thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “between the righteous, who serve God, and the wicked, who do not serve him”
2243:18m013rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjצַדִּ֖יק לְ⁠רָשָׁ֑ע1Yahweh is using the adjectives **righteous** and **wicked** as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these adjectives with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “righteous people and wicked people”
2254:introazp50# Malachi 4 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n\n3:164:6 Yahweh will bless and protect those who fear him\n\n\n## Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter\n\n\n### “I am sending to you Elijah the prophet” (4:5)\n\n\nWhile Malachis listeners and later generations of Jews may have expected this prophecy to be fulfilled by the return of Elijah himself, Jesus explained that it was fulfilled through the life and witness of John the Baptist ([Matthew 17:1013](../mat/17/10.md)).\n\n\n\n
2264:1a1c3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהִנֵּ֤ה1Yahweh is speaking as if he wanted his listeners to **behold** or look at something. He is using this term to focus his listeners attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation.
2274:1e9g2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבֹּעֵ֖ר כַּ⁠תַּנּ֑וּר וְ⁠הָי֨וּ כָל־זֵדִ֜ים וְ⁠כָל־עֹשֵׂ֤ה רִשְׁעָה֙ קַ֔שׁ1Yahweh is speaking of the day of judgment as if it were an **oven** that would be **burning** people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “when I will destroy all of the arrogant people and all of the doers of wickedness as if they were stubble being burned in an oven”
2284:1i3k7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjכָל זֵדִ֜ים1Yahweh is using the adjective **arrogant** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “all arrogant people”
2294:1m5o9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠כָל עֹשֵׂ֤ה רִשְׁעָה֙1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **wickedness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “all of the people who do wicked things”
2304:1q1s4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠הָי֨וּ כָל־זֵדִ֜ים וְ⁠כָל־עֹשֵׂ֤ה רִשְׁעָה֙ קַ֔שׁ1Yahweh is speaking of wicked people as if they were **stubble** that his judgment would **kindle** and burn up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “when all of the arrogant and all of the doers of wickedness will be completely destroyed, as if they were stubble that was burned up”
2314:1u7w2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismלָ⁠הֶ֖ם שֹׁ֥רֶשׁ וְ⁠עָנָֽף1Yahweh is speaking of two extremes in order to include them and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “any part of them remaining”
2324:2y3a6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠זָרְחָ֨ה לָ⁠כֶ֜ם יִרְאֵ֤י שְׁמִ⁠י֙ שֶׁ֣מֶשׁ צְדָקָ֔ה1Yahweh is speaking as if **righteousness** were the **sun** and that it would **rise** over the **fearers** of his **name**. He means that he will establish his righteous rule so that those who obey him are vindicated, honored, and blessed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “But when I establish my righteous rule, you who fear my name will be honored as if the sun were shining brightly on you”
2334:2c9e1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheיִרְאֵ֤י שְׁמִ⁠י֙1Yahweh is using his **name** to represent all of him. Alternate translation: “who fear me”
2344:2m014rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מַרְפֵּ֖א בִּ⁠כְנָפֶ֑י⁠הָ1Yahweh is speaking as if the **sun** had **wings**. He is using the image to speak of the arrival of the sun, which represents the effects of his establishing his reign. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it will bring healing to you”
2354:2m015rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוִֽ⁠יצָאתֶ֥ם וּ⁠פִשְׁתֶּ֖ם1Yahweh is speaking as if the people would be so happy that they would **go out** and **skip**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you will be very joyful”
2364:2o7q2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכְּ⁠עֶגְלֵ֥י מַרְבֵּֽק1The point of this comparison is that just as calves that have been kept in a stall are very playful when they are let out, so the people will act very joyfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and feel as playful as calves that have been let out of their stall”
2374:3m016rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultוְ⁠עַסּוֹתֶ֣ם רְשָׁעִ֔ים כִּֽי יִהְי֣וּ אֵ֔פֶר תַּ֖חַת כַּפּ֣וֹת רַגְלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם1If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “The wicked will be like ashes under the soles of your feet, so you will trample them”
2384:3w9y1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠עַסּוֹתֶ֣ם רְשָׁעִ֔ים1Yahweh is speaking of the peoples victory over the wicked as if they would **trample** them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you will be triumphant over the wicked”
2394:3m017rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרְשָׁעִ֔ים1Yahweh is using the adjective **wicked** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “wicked people”
2404:3m018rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכִּֽי יִהְי֣וּ אֵ֔פֶר תַּ֖חַת כַּפּ֣וֹת רַגְלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם1Yahweh is speaking of the complete defeat of the wicked as if they literally become **ashes** under the peoples feet. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for you will defeat them completely”
2414:3j7l2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבַּ⁠יּוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲנִ֣י עֹשֶׂ֔ה1See how you translated this expression in [3:17](../03/17.md). Alternate translation: “at the time when I act, as I am now preparing to do”
2424:4n3p6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyזִכְר֕וּ1Yahweh is using the word **Remember** to mean obey by association with the way people need to remember something in order to obey it. Alternate translation: “Obey”
2434:4r9t1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismחֻקִּ֖ים וּ⁠מִשְׁפָּטִֽים1Yahweh is speaking of two types of laws in order to include them and all other types of laws. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “including all of its laws”
2444:5m019rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהִנֵּ֤ה1See how you translated this expression in [4:1](../04/01.md). Alternate translation (ending with a period): “Pay attention to what I am about to say.”
2454:5c7dirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלִ⁠פְנֵ֗י בּ֚וֹא1Malachi is using the phrase **to the face** to represent what is in front of someone or something. Here, the thing is a **day** that is described as though it were a person who is **coming**, so what is in front of the day is there before the day arrives. Therefore, **to the face of the coming of** means “before the coming of” the day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before the coming of”
2464:5m020rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personי֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה הַ⁠גָּד֖וֹל וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹרָֽא1Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “my great and fearsome day”
2474:6d7f2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsוְ⁠הֵשִׁ֤יב לֵב אָבוֹת֙ עַל בָּנִ֔ים וְ⁠לֵ֥ב בָּנִ֖ים עַל אֲבוֹתָ֑⁠ם1Here the masculine terms **fathers** and **sons** have a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “And he will turn the heart of parents to their children and the heart of children to their parents”
2484:6l9n1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠לֵ֥ב בָּנִ֖ים עַל־אֲבוֹתָ֑⁠ם1Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and he will turn the heart of the sons to their fathers”
2494:6p5r8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsלֵב & וְ⁠לֵ֥ב1Since Yahweh is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **heart**. Alternate translation: “the hearts of … and the hearts of”