Malachi 2:16

‘A man who divorces or puts away his wife,’ says Lord, the God of Israel, ‘overwhelms her with cruelty.’ The Lord of hosts says: ‘Keep watch over your spirit, do not be unfaithful.’

Open English Bible (UK)

In The King James Version

For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

In Context

15Did not the one God make everyone, so that all both flesh and spirit is his? And what does that one God seek but godly children? Therefore keep watch over your spirit, and let none of you deal faithlessly with the wife of your youth.

17You have wearied the Lord with your words. You ask, ‘How have we wearied him?’ By saying, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.’ Or, ‘Where is the God of justice?’

Read all of Malachi 2

Cross References

Matthew 5:31‘It was also said – “Let anyone who divorces his wife serve her with a notice of separation.”

Mark 10:2Presently some Pharisees came up and, to test him, asked, ‘Has a husband the right to divorce his wife?’

Matthew Henry on Malachi 2:11-17

Unlawful Marriages; Breach of the Marriage-covenant; Charge of Corrupt Principles. ( b. c. 400.) 10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? 11 Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. 12 The Lord will cut off the man that doeth this,… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Malachi 2:16