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2front:introaxt40# Introduction to Malachi\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of Malachi\n\n1. The word of Yahweh comes to Israel (1:1)\n1. Yahweh loves Israel and rejects Esau (Edom) (1:2–5)\n1. A message against the priests (1:6–2:9)\n1. A message against Judah: they have broken faith by divorcing and intermarrying (2:10–16)\n1. A message about the day of refining (2:17–3:6)\n1. A message about tithing (3:7–12)\n1. A message about those who others treated shamefully, but who were faithful to Yahweh (3:13–18)\n1. Yahweh will punish the wicked and send Elijah before the “great and terrible day of Yahweh” (4:5–6)\n\n### What is the Book of Malachi about?\n\nThe Book of Malachi is about the prophecies that Malachi spoke to the Jews who had returned from Babylon to Judah. 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. And the Persian Empire still ruled over them. As a result, they no longer were concerned about the law or worshiping Yahweh. Malachi rebuked them for not trusting in Yahweh. But he also promised them that Yahweh would do everything that he promised to do.\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 “The Book about Malachi” or “The Sayings of Malachi.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Malachi?\n\nThe prophet Malachi wrote these messages from Yahweh to the Jews. However, since “Malachi” means “my messenger,” it is possible that this was a title for this prophet. If so, we do not know his real name.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### What was meant by the day of Yahweh?\n\nMalachi spoke about “the day” several times. This is the same as “the day of Yahweh.” In the Book of Malachi, this is the time when Yahweh would judge his people. He would remove those who wickedly sin and bless those who trust in him. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
31:introb7vm0# Malachi 1 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Yahweh of hosts\n\nThis is an important title used in this chapter. It reminds the reader of the great power Yahweh has to punish the nations. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/yahwehofhosts]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Rhetorical questions\n\nThere are many rhetorical questions in this chapter. They all have a rather dramatic effect. They increase the emotional connotations of what is being said. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
41:1qm8zמַשָּׂ֥א דְבַר־יְהוָ֖ה אֶל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל בְּ⁠יַ֖ד מַלְאָכִֽי1If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “This is the declaration of the word of Yahweh to Israel by the hand of Malachi”
51:1x4vmיְהוָ֖ה1**Yahewh** is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
61:1lx85rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּ⁠יַ֖ד מַלְאָכִֽי1The phrase **by the hand of** is an idiom that means that Yahweh used Malachi to deliver his message. Alternate translation: “through Malachi” or “spoken to them by Malachi” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
71:2vb2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionבַּ⁠מָּ֣ה אֲהַבְתָּ֑⁠נוּ1This question indicates that the people doubt the truth of what God says. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have not shown that you love us.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
81:2cy61rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לוֹא־אָ֨ח עֵשָׂ֤ו לְ⁠יַֽעֲקֹב֙1This question, a reply of Yahweh reminding the people of their nation’s history, may also be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that Esau was Jacob’s brother.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
91:2l68tנְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה1Alternate translation: “Yahweh has solemnly said this”
101:2ef9grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוָ⁠אֹהַ֖ב אֶֽת־יַעֲקֹֽב1Here **loved** implies a relationship of loyalty between Yahweh and **Jacob**, in which a covenant existed between them. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “as you know, I obligated myself with a covenant to love Jacob” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
111:2j176rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheיַעֲקֹֽב1This name **Jacob** refers here not only to Jacob, but also to all his descendants. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
121:3xf47עֵשָׂ֖ו שָׂנֵ֑אתִי1Here **hated** implies that there was no covenant between Yahweh and Esau. However, it does not imply that Yahweh was emotionally against Esau.
131:3e38qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעֵשָׂ֖ו1This name **Esau** refers here not only to Esau, but also to all his descendants. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
141:3t9buאֶת־הָרָי⁠ו֙1This refers to the hill country of Edom.
151:3q6yqוְ⁠אֶת־נַחֲלָת֖⁠וֹ לְ⁠תַנּ֥וֹת מִדְבָּֽר1In the Old Testament, the presence of wild animals such as **jackals** was a frequent description of land deserted by the people who once lived there.
161:3rff9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorנַחֲלָת֖⁠וֹ1Here **inheritance** stands for the region that Esau’s descendants, the nation of Edom, occupied. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
171:4z8qdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכִּֽי־תֹאמַ֨ר אֱד֜וֹם1Here **Edom** stands for the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “If the people of Edom say” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
181:4x6krrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוַ⁠אֲנִ֣י אֶהֱר֑וֹס1Here **tear down** stands for “destroy.” Alternate translation: “but I will destroy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
191:4zv9vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsגְּב֣וּל רִשְׁעָ֔ה1Here **wickedness** stands either for wicked people or for wicked actions. Alternate translation: “country of wicked people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
201:5bq14rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶ֖ם תִּרְאֶ֑ינָה1Here **your own eyes** stands for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “You yourselves will see this” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
211:6zu710# General Information:\n\nYahweh rebukes the priests using an imaginary conversation in which the priests protest that they are doing right and Yahweh tells them what they are doing wrong.
221:6u3vjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבּוֹזֵ֣י שְׁמִ֔⁠י1Here **my name** stands for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “who treat me as though you hate me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
231:6awt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionבַּ⁠מֶּ֥ה בָזִ֖ינוּ אֶת־שְׁמֶֽ⁠ךָ1Here the priests are asking a question in order to state that they have not really despised Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We have not really despised your name.” or “Tell us how we have despised your name, because we do not think that we have done so.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
241:7dyc6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֶ֣חֶם מְגֹאָ֔ל1Here **polluted** describes anything that is not suitable to sacrifice to God. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
251:7v4atrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionבַּ⁠מֶּ֣ה גֵֽאַלְנ֑וּ⁠ךָ1Here the priests are asking a question in order to state that they have not really polluted Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We have not polluted you.” or “Tell us how we have polluted you, because we do not think that we have done so.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
261:7h6dvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorגֵֽאַלְנ֑וּ⁠ךָ1This expression refers to insulting God by giving him unsuitable sacrifices. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
271:7efa3שֻׁלְחַ֥ן1This refers to an altar.
281:7xu5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisבֶּ⁠אֱמָרְ⁠כֶ֕ם שֻׁלְחַ֥ן יְהוָ֖ה נִבְזֶ֥ה הֽוּא1This is the answer that Yahweh gives to the priests, but the full answer is only implied. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “You have polluted me by saying, ‘Yahweh’s table is contemptible.’” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
291:7agd8נִבְזֶ֥ה1regarded as worthless
301:8zw52rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠כִֽי־תַגִּשׁ֨וּ⁠ן עִוֵּ֤ר לִ⁠זְבֹּ֨חַ֙ אֵ֣ין רָ֔ע1Here Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “You know very well that it is evil for you to offer blind animals for sacrifice!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
311:8i5xbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠כִ֥י תַגִּ֛ישׁוּ פִּסֵּ֥חַ וְ⁠חֹלֶ֖ה אֵ֣ין רָ֑ע1Here Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “And you know very well that it is evil for you to offer lame and sick animals!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
321:8f8k3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoהַקְרִיבֵ֨⁠הוּ נָ֜א לְ⁠פֶחָתֶ֗⁠ךָ הֲ⁠יִּרְצְ⁠ךָ֙ א֚וֹ הֲ⁠יִשָּׂ֣א פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ1The command in the first sentence functions as a hypothetical condition. Alternate translation: “If you present that to your governor, will he accept you or will he lift up your face?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
331:8kw16rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יִּרְצְ⁠ךָ֙ א֚וֹ הֲ⁠יִשָּׂ֣א פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ1Here Yahweh asks this question in order to remind the people that their governor would never accept defective animals from them. Alternate translation: “If you do those things, you know that the governor will not accept you. He will not lift up your face.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
341:8ch8qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהֲ⁠יִשָּׂ֣א פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ1Lifting up someone’s **face** refers to accepting him with favor. Alternate translation: “will he accept you with favor” or “will he agree to help you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
351:8j8zcהַקְרִיבֵ֨⁠הוּ נָ֜א1give as a gift to show respect
361:9d7q3וְ⁠עַתָּ֛ה חַלּוּ־נָ֥א פְנֵי־אֵ֖ל וִֽ⁠יחָנֵ֑⁠נוּ1Malachi is no longer speaking for God. He is talking directly to the Israelites; he is criticizing them for daring to think that God will have mercy on them.
371:9kht7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheחַלּוּ־נָ֥א פְנֵי־אֵ֖ל1Here “face” stands for God and also for his presence. Alternate translation: “keep asking God in his presence” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
381:9ylm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶם֙ הָ֣יְתָה זֹּ֔את הֲ⁠יִשָּׂ֤א מִ⁠כֶּם֙ פָּנִ֔ים1Here Yahweh is asking a question in order to make a statement of rebuke. Alternate translation: “if you offer unacceptable offerings, he will certainly not lift up your faces.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
391:9wg22מִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶם֙ הָ֣יְתָה זֹּ֔את1This difficult phrase in Hebrew is interpreted in many different ways by modern versions.
401:9kmg8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶם֙1Here **hand** stands for the people bringing the offering. Alternate translation: “brought by you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
411:9m84qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהֲ⁠יִשָּׂ֤א מִ⁠כֶּם֙ פָּנִ֔ים1Lifting up someone’s face refers to accepting him with favor. Alternate translation: “would he accept any of you with favor” or “would he agree to help any of you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
421:10w5ucמִ֤י גַם1This expresses great desire.
431:10pv8hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠לֹֽא־תָאִ֥ירוּ מִזְבְּחִ֖⁠י חִנָּ֑ם1Here **light fires on my altar** stands for offering sacrifices on Yahweh’s altar. Alternate translation: “so that you might not make fires to burn offerings that I will not accept” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
441:10ju31rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶֽם1Here **your hand** stands for “you.” Alternate translation: “from you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
451:11v4x9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismמִ⁠מִּזְרַח־שֶׁ֜מֶשׁ וְ⁠עַד־מְבוֹא֗⁠וֹ1This double expression means “everywhere.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
461:11hl9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismמִ⁠מִּזְרַח־שֶׁ֜מֶשׁ וְ⁠עַד־מְבוֹא֗⁠וֹ1This expression is parallel to “among the nations” and “in every place” later in this verse. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
471:11ls76rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyגָּד֤וֹל שְׁמִ⁠י֙ בַּ⁠גּוֹיִ֔ם1Here **my name** stands for Yahweh’s reputation and honor. Alternate translation: “I will be honored in other nations” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
481:11rx5crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־מָק֗וֹם מֻקְטָ֥ר מֻגָּ֛שׁ לִ⁠שְׁמִ֖⁠י וּ⁠מִנְחָ֣ה טְהוֹרָ֑ה1This may be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “in these nations people will offer incense and pure offerings to me in order to worship me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
491:11m2j4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלִ⁠שְׁמִ֖⁠י1Here **name** stands for Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
501:12n6gqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠נִיב֖⁠וֹ & אָכְלֽ⁠וֹ1This could mean: (1) “the meat sacrificed on the altar from animals whose other parts the priests should eat” or (2) “the meat sacrificed on the altar.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
511:13la3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠הִפַּחְתֶּ֣ם אוֹת֗⁠וֹ1This means to show great disrespect by making noises through the nose. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
521:13kz7prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠אֶרְצֶ֥ה אוֹתָ֛⁠הּ מִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶ֖ם1Here Yahweh is asking a question in order to make a statement of rebuke. Alternate translation: “I should certainly not accept this from you!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
531:13nx88rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶ֖ם1Here **your hand** stands for “you.” Alternate translation: “from you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
541:14v5fdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוּ⁠שְׁמִ֖⁠י נוֹרָ֥א בַ⁠גּוֹיִֽם1This may be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “people in the other nations honor my name” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
551:14z5rarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ⁠שְׁמִ֖⁠י נוֹרָ֥א בַ⁠גּוֹיִֽם1Here **my name** stands for Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will be honored” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
562:introjc2b0# Malachi 2 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Levites\n\nThe priests are given a strong warning in this chapter. They have not followed the law of Moses and have led the people in the wrong direction. Yahweh has not accepted their sacrifices. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])\n\n### Marital unfaithfulness\n\nBecause the Jews lived under a covenantal arrangement with Yahweh, their relationship is described using the imagery of a marriage. Marital unfaithfulness indicates a person’s unfaithfulness to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
572:2y1ilrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹא֩ תָשִׂ֨ימוּ עַל־לֵ֜ב1To **lay it on your heart** refers to considering something to be very important. Alternate translation: “consider it to be very important” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
582:2w6csrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלָ⁠תֵ֧ת כָּב֣וֹד לִ⁠שְׁמִ֗⁠י1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **honor**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “honor my name” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
592:2e4vhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלִ⁠שְׁמִ֗⁠י1Here **my name** refers to God. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
602:2k5mdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠שִׁלַּחְתִּ֤י בָ⁠כֶם֙ אֶת־הַ⁠מְּאֵרָ֔ה1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **curse**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I will curse you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
612:2b7vlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאֵינְ⁠כֶ֖ם שָׂמִ֥ים עַל־לֵֽב1This refers to considering God’s **command** to be very important. Alternate translation: “you are not considering my command to be very important” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
622:3vsb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠זֵרִ֤יתִי פֶ֨רֶשׁ֙ עַל־פְּנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם1Here **dung on your faces** stands for disgrace. Alternate translation: “I will most certainly put you in deep disgrace; it will be as bad as if I had spread dung on your faces” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
632:3skc9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyפֶּ֖רֶשׁ חַגֵּי⁠כֶ֑ם1Here **festivals** stands for the animals that the priests offered in sacrifice at the Israelite festivals. “The dung” probably refers both to the dung that was produced by the animals just before they were slaughtered for sacrifice, and to the dung that was found inside the animals when their bodies were cut apart before being sacrificed. Temple workers had to transport this dung to a place outside of the temple, and probably outside of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
642:3m2bsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠נָשָׂ֥א אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם אֵלָֽי⁠ו1This difficult expression can be translated as “God will take you away with it,” that is, with the dung. This expression continues the same metaphor of slaughtering animals for sacrifice, and it can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “they will throw you on the dung pile; God will make sure that they take you away when they remove all the dung” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
652:3zti7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠נָשָׂ֥א אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם אֵלָֽי⁠ו1This could mean: (1) God will punish the unfaithful priests by killing them and causing their bodies to be carried away on the piles of animal dung, or (2) God will punish the unfaithful priests in such a horrible way that it will be as if their bodies had been carried away with the animal dung. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
662:4cr4jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלֵוִ֔י1Here **Levi** represents his descendants, the tribe of Levi. Alternate translation: “so that my covenant may be with you, the descendants of Levi” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
672:5x7pvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0# General Information:\n\nYahweh speaks of the tribe of Levi as though they are Levi. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
682:5t8fsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּרִיתִ֣⁠י ׀ הָיְתָ֣ה אִתּ֗⁠וֹ הַֽ⁠חַיִּים֙ וְ⁠הַ֨⁠שָּׁל֔וֹם1Here the intended results of the **covenant** are spoken of as if they were the covenant itself. Alternate translation: “The purpose of my covenant with Levi was for the priests to live in prosperity and peace” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
692:5f2ifrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisמוֹרָ֖א וַ⁠יִּֽירָאֵ֑⁠נִי1This expression continues the same metaphor, but leaves out an idea that is implied in the text. This can begin a new sentence. Alternate translation: “My covenant with him was also fear, and he feared me” or “In my covenant with him, I required him to fear me, and he did fear me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
702:5td35rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyשְׁמִ֖⁠י1Here **my name** stands for God himself. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
712:6e73zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠עַוְלָ֖ה לֹא־נִמְצָ֣א1Here finding something stands for that thing existing. Alternate translation: “there was no falsehood” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
722:6pjq6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבִ⁠שְׂפָתָ֑י⁠ו1Here **lips** stands for a person’s ability to speak. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
732:6u9rhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָלַ֣ךְ אִתִּ֔⁠י1Here walking stands for living, conducting one’s life in a certain way. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
742:6ws89rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠שָׁל֤וֹם וּ⁠בְ⁠מִישׁוֹר֙1Here the idea of location stands for the manner in which Levi lived. Alternate translation: “peacefully and uprightly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
752:6p1lhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠רַבִּ֖ים הֵשִׁ֥יב מֵ⁠עָוֺֽן1Here persuading people to stop sinning is spoken of as if it were turning them away from sin. Alternate translation: “he persuaded many people to stop sinning” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
762:7kp5vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכִּֽי־שִׂפְתֵ֤י כֹהֵן֙ יִשְׁמְרוּ־דַ֔עַת1Here knowledge is spoken of as if it were an object that a priest could keep. In this passage, the idea of “keep knowledge” implies communicating true knowledge about God. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
772:7d2larc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠תוֹרָ֖ה יְבַקְשׁ֣וּ1Here instruction is spoken of as if it were an object that people could look for. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word ****, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “and people should want to be instructed” or “and people should want a priest to teach them truly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
782:7sp8urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠פִּ֑י⁠הוּ1Here **mouth** stands for what a person says. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
792:8si1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠אַתֶּם֙ סַרְתֶּ֣ם מִן־הַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ1The right **way** to behave is spoken of as if it were the right path to follow, and abandoning right conduct is spoken of as if it were turning away from that path. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
802:8um6vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהִכְשַׁלְתֶּ֥ם רַבִּ֖ים1Disobeying God is spoken of as if it were stumbling. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
812:8j9xsהִכְשַׁלְתֶּ֥ם רַבִּ֖ים בַּ⁠תּוֹרָ֑ה1The expression **by your instruction** gives the context for the “stumbling.” Alternate translation: “You have caused many to disobey the law”
822:9gx4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ⁠כָל־הָ⁠עָ֑ם1This spatial idea stands for the people’s awareness of the priests’ evil behavior. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
832:9wq7prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֵֽינְ⁠כֶם֙ שֹׁמְרִ֣ים אֶת־דְּרָכַ֔⁠י1Here **ways** stands for “desires” and “behavior.” These ways are spoken of as if they were things that could be kept by people. Alternate translation: “you have not followed my desires in how you should live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
842:9z4gmוְ⁠נֹשְׂאִ֥ים פָּנִ֖ים בַּ⁠תּוֹרָֽה1Alternate translation: “but have set easy standards of behavior for people you like and difficult standards of behavior for people you do not like”
852:9z9ytrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠נֹשְׂאִ֥ים פָּנִ֖ים1Here the habit of favoring some people more than others is spoken of as if it were a thing that could be shown to others. Alternate translation: “but have made people aware that you favor some people more than others (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
862:10h2mp0# General Information:\n\nHere the prophet Malachi begins to speak to his fellow Israelites.
872:10e1l1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠ל֨וֹא אָ֤ב אֶחָד֙ לְ⁠כֻלָּ֔⁠נוּ הֲ⁠ל֛וֹא אֵ֥ל אֶֽחָ֖ד בְּרָאָ֑⁠נוּ1Malachi asks these questions in order to remind his fellow Israelites about what they already know. Alternate translation: “You know that we all have one father, that our God has created a nation out of us.” or “You all know that God is the father of all us Israelites, because he is the one who made our nation.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
882:10q37trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠ל֛וֹא אֵ֥ל אֶֽחָ֖ד בְּרָאָ֑⁠נוּ1This question is meant to express a statement. Alternate translation: “Certainly it is the same God who has created us.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
892:10t4alבְּרָאָ֑⁠נוּ1This probably refers to God forming the Hebrews into a nation.
902:10rm21rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַדּ֗וּעַ נִבְגַּד֙ אִ֣ישׁ בְּ⁠אָחִ֔י⁠ו לְ⁠חַלֵּ֖ל בְּרִ֥ית אֲבֹתֵֽי⁠נוּ1Malachi asks this question in order to rebuke his fellow Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We should certainly not mistreat our brothers and disrespect God’s covenant by disobeying his commands, as you have been doing.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
912:11h25urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבָּגְדָ֣ה יְהוּדָ֔ה1Here **Judah** stands for the people in the region of Judah, and the fact that they have been faithless to Yahweh is spoken of as if they were one man named **Judah**. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah have been faithless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
922:11ef4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠תוֹעֵבָ֛ה נֶעֶשְׂתָ֥ה בְ⁠יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וּ⁠בִ⁠ירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “People have done disgusting things in Israel and in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
932:11zbw5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכִּ֣י ׀ חִלֵּ֣ל יְהוּדָ֗ה קֹ֤דֶשׁ יְהוָה֙1Here **Judah** refers again to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “For the people of Judah have profaned the holy place of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
942:11h7i9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ⁠בָעַ֖ל בַּת־אֵ֥ל נֵכָֽר1The people of Judah are again referred to as if they were one man named “Judah.” Alternate translation: “have married women from other nations, women who worship idols” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
952:12bxx3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיַכְרֵ֨ת יְהוָ֜ה לָ⁠אִ֨ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֤ר & מֵ⁠אָהֳלֵ֖י יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב1Destroying something is often spoken of as it were cutting it off from something else. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh destroy anyone in the tents of Jacob who” or “May Yahweh kill anyone in the community of Israel who” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
962:12tkp6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמֵ⁠אָהֳלֵ֖י יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב1Here **tents of Jacob** stands for the community of Israel. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
972:12f33mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיַֽעֲקֹ֑ב1Here **Jacob** stands for all the Israelites, because Jacob was one of the patriarchs from whom the Israelites were descended. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
982:12vdy5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomעֵ֣ר וְ⁠עֹנֶ֔ה1This expression seems to mean “absolutely everyone.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
992:13jvgprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleכַּסּ֤וֹת דִּמְעָה֙ אֶת־מִזְבַּ֣ח יְהוָ֔ה בְּכִ֖י וַֽ⁠אֲנָקָ֑ה מֵ⁠אֵ֣ין ע֗וֹד פְּנוֹת֙ אֶל־הַ⁠מִּנְחָ֔ה וְ⁠לָ⁠קַ֥חַת רָצ֖וֹן מִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶֽם1Malachi sarcastically exaggerates the amount of tears the people cry to show that Yahweh knows that the people do not really feel sad. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1002:13rx8erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletבְּכִ֖י וַֽ⁠אֲנָקָ֑ה1The words **weeping** and **groaning** share similar meanings and intensify the idea of weeping. Alternate translation: “with great weeping” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1012:13gt5urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמֵ⁠אֵ֣ין ע֗וֹד פְּנוֹת֙ אֶל־הַ⁠מִּנְחָ֔ה1Here turning toward a gift stands for receiving it and showing favor to the giver. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1022:13lbk9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמֵ⁠אֵ֣ין ע֗וֹד פְּנוֹת֙ אֶל־הַ⁠מִּנְחָ֔ה1This implies that those who are weeping at Yahweh’s altar have offered sacrifices to him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1032:13y3lrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמִ⁠יֶּדְ⁠כֶֽם1Here **hand** stands for the person giving the offering. Alternate translation: “from you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1042:14n6ulrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisעַל־מָ֑ה1The full thought, as in [Malachi 2:13](../02/13.md), is “Why does he not turn toward the offering or accept it with favor from our hand?” Some translators may decide to provide this entire thought in their versions. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1052:14u2qpאֵ֣שֶׁת נְעוּרֶ֗י⁠ךָ1Alternate translation: “the woman you married when you were young”
1062:14xn6frc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundיְהוָה֩ הֵעִ֨יד בֵּינְ⁠ךָ֜ וּ⁠בֵ֣ין ׀ אֵ֣שֶׁת נְעוּרֶ֗י⁠ךָ1This statement assumes that this woman is still living. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
1072:14s3k3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֵעִ֨יד בֵּינְ⁠ךָ֜ וּ⁠בֵ֣ין ׀ אֵ֣שֶׁת נְעוּרֶ֗י⁠ךָ1Here Yahweh is spoken of as if he was a witness to an agreement between two people, standing between them in order to testify about what they agreed to, in case a dispute arises between them. This sentence also was meant to remind the people that Yahweh would punish any Israelite who broke the covenant of marriage. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1082:14mz1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundוְ⁠הִ֥יא חֲבֶרְתְּ⁠ךָ֖ וְ⁠אֵ֥שֶׁת בְּרִיתֶֽ⁠ךָ1This statement implies that many of the Israelites had divorced their wives. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
1092:14txe1וְ⁠אֵ֥שֶׁת בְּרִיתֶֽ⁠ךָ1Alternate translation: “and your wife by the covenant of marriage that you agreed to”
1102:15x1girc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠לֹא־אֶחָ֣ד עָשָׂ֗ה וּ⁠שְׁאָ֥ר ר֨וּחַ֙ ל֔⁠וֹ1If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He certainly made husband and wife one, with a portion of his spirit.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1112:15qfl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundוְ⁠לֹא־אֶחָ֣ד עָשָׂ֗ה1This expression implies making husband and wife one flesh. Alternate translation: “Did God not make husband and wife one flesh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
1122:15i3nyזֶ֣רַע אֱלֹהִ֑ים1Children who would honor and obey God.
1132:16hp7zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsשָׂנֵ֣א שַׁלַּ֗ח1Here **divorce** stands for the act of divorce, when a man sends away his wife, so as to end his marriage to her. Alternate translation: “I hate it when a man divorces his wife” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1142:16ly2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠כִסָּ֤ה חָמָס֙ עַל־לְבוּשׁ֔⁠וֹ1This phrase probably means any man who is violent toward his wife. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1152:16iv8hוְ⁠נִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם בְּ⁠רוּחֲ⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠לֹ֥א תִבְגֹּֽדוּ1Alternate translation: “So be careful to be loyal to your wife”
1162:17ug3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהוֹגַעְתֶּ֤ם יְהוָה֙1Yahweh is spoken of as if human behavior could make him tired, but God cannot grow weary in a physical or emotional sense. This statement probably means that Yahweh has become offended or exasperated. Alternate translation: “You have offended Yahweh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1172:17d6k5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionבַּ⁠מָּ֣ה הוֹגָ֑עְנוּ1This question is meant to deny that the people have done any wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We have certainly not wearied him.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1182:17ba81rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבֶּ⁠אֱמָרְ⁠כֶ֗ם1The complete idea here is, “You have wearied him by saying.” This is the prophet’s answer to the rhetorical question. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1192:17wde5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י1The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “in the opinion” or “in the judgment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1202:17ze8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאַיֵּ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּֽט1The priests ask this question in order to claim either that Yahweh does not care whether people do evil or not, or that he never punishes evildoers. Alternate translation: “God certainly does not punish evil people!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1212:17kw1tאֱלֹהֵ֥י הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּֽט1the God who punishes evildoers justly
1223:introwb480# Malachi 3 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Messiah\n\nThere are several prophecies in this chapter concerning the Messiah and the one who comes before the Messiah. At times, this chapter switches between prophesying about the first coming of the Messiah and the second coming of the Messiah without formal divisions between them. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Rhetorical questions\n\nSeveral rhetorical questions are used in this chapter to convince the reader of the truth of what he is saying and of their sin. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
1233:1zeq20# General Information:\n\nYahweh begins speaking again to the people of Israel in verse 1, but the prophet Malachi begins speaking in verse 2.
1243:1v6seהִנְ⁠נִ֤י1Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
1253:1j5perc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠פִנָּה־דֶ֖רֶךְ לְ⁠פָנָ֑⁠י1Here getting people ready to welcome Yahweh is spoken of as if a road were being cleared for Yahweh to travel on. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1263:1d1j7הָ⁠אָד֣וֹן ׀ אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּ֣ם מְבַקְשִׁ֗ים וּ⁠מַלְאַ֨ךְ הַ⁠בְּרִ֜ית אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּ֤ם חֲפֵצִים֙1Some modern versions translate this in a way that implies that these two expressions refer to the same person. Other modern versions leave this matter ambiguous. We recommend that translations leave this matter ambiguous, as the ULT and UST do.
1273:1w8yfוּ⁠מַלְאַ֨ךְ הַ⁠בְּרִ֜ית1Almost all versions leave ambiguous the sense of this expression. But translators may need to make explicit the relationship between “messenger” and “the covenant.” The UST presents “the messenger” as one promised by the covenant that Yahweh had with Israel. Another choice is to present the messenger as a person who will either confirm that covenant or announce a new covenant.
1283:2f24jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מִ֤י מְכַלְכֵּל֙ אֶת־י֣וֹם בּוֹא֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠מִ֥י הָ⁠עֹמֵ֖ד בְּ⁠הֵרָֽאוֹת֑⁠וֹ1These rhetorical questions imply that no one will be able to resist Yahweh when he comes. They can be combined into one statement. Alternate translation: “However, no one will be able to resist Yahweh when he comes to judge them.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1293:2phd6אֶת־י֣וֹם בּוֹא֔⁠וֹ1Here “day” stands for “time.” Alternate translation: “the time when he comes”
1303:2z2xerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָ⁠עֹמֵ֖ד1Here standing represents resisting someone’s attack or accusations. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1313:2iqv7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכִּֽי־הוּא֙ כְּ⁠אֵ֣שׁ מְצָרֵ֔ף וּ⁠כְ⁠בֹרִ֖ית מְכַבְּסִֽים1This sentence gives the reason why no one will be able to resist God when he comes. God’s power to judge the people and to stop them from sinning is spoken of as if it were the power of strong soap to clean clothes, or the power of fire to melt an object. These are ways of saying that God’s power to do these things cannot be stopped. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1323:3pfr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוְ⁠יָשַׁ֨ב1Here sitting implies the action of a metalworker, who sits down in order to purify small amounts of gold or silver. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1333:3bxz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠טִהַ֤ר אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־לֵוִי֙1Forgiving **the sons of Levi** and persuading them not to sin any longer is spoken of as if it were purifying metal. Alternate translation: “he will correct the sons of Levi and forgive them for having sinned” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1343:3tcd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּנֵֽי־לֵוִי֙1Here **sons** refers to descendants. The male descendants of Levi were the priests and workers in the temple. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1353:3q9lirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוְ⁠זִקַּ֣ק אֹתָ֔⁠ם כַּ⁠זָּהָ֖ב וְ⁠כַ⁠כָּ֑סֶף1Here persuading people not to sin any longer is spoken of as if a metalworker were making **gold and silver** more pure. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1363:3n3xsוְ⁠הָיוּ֙ לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה מַגִּישֵׁ֥י מִנְחָ֖ה בִּ⁠צְדָקָֽה1Here **in righteousness** means “motivated by righteous desires to worship God.” Alternate translation: “they will bring acceptable offerings to Yahweh in order to worship Yahweh”
1373:4ws2lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִנְחַ֥ת יְהוּדָ֖ה וִ⁠ירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1Here **Judah and Jerusalem** stands for the people in those places. Alternate translation: “the offerings brought by the people of Judah and Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1383:4y8h1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismכִּ⁠ימֵ֣י עוֹלָ֔ם וּ⁠כְ⁠שָׁנִ֖ים קַדְמֹנִיּֽוֹת1These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the offering was once pleasing to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “as it was in the distant past” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1393:5te3urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠קָרַבְתִּ֣י אֲלֵי⁠כֶם֮ לַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּט֒1Here **judgment** refers to the act of judging. Alternate translation: “Then I will approach you in order to judge you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1403:5dx2iוּ⁠בְ⁠עֹשְׁקֵ֣י שְׂכַר־שָׂ֠כִיר1Alternate translation: “and against those who cause the hired worker to suffer by not paying him for his work”
1413:5k42erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ⁠מַטֵּי־גֵר֙1That is, **turn aside** the foreigner from gaining his rights. Depriving people of their rights is spoken of as if it were physically turning them away from oneself. Perhaps the idea is turning away someone who comes for a wrong to be set right. Alternate translation: “against those who deny foreigners living in Israel the rights that they should have” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1423:6mep4לֹ֥א כְלִיתֶֽם1Alternate translation: “have not perished”
1433:7ji32rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ⁠מִ⁠ימֵ֨י אֲבֹתֵי⁠כֶ֜ם סַרְתֶּ֤ם מֵֽ⁠חֻקַּ⁠י֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א שְׁמַרְתֶּ֔ם1Disobeying God’s **statutes** is spoken of as if it were turning away from them. Alternate translation: “You have disobeyed my statutes ever since the days of your ancestors” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1443:7deh7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשׁ֤וּבוּ אֵלַ⁠י֙ וְ⁠אָשׁ֣וּבָה אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֔ם1Here loving each other and being faithful to each other is spoken of as if it were returning to each other. Alternate translation: “Love me and honor me, and I will always help you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1453:7l1irrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionבַּ⁠מֶּ֥ה נָשֽׁוּב1The people ask this question in order to claim that they have never stopped obeying God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We have never gone away from you, so we cannot return to you.” or “We have never gone away from you, so it makes no sense to speak of us as returning to you.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1463:8dn4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יִקְבַּ֨ע אָדָ֜ם אֱלֹהִ֗ים1This question implies that the idea of robbing God is very wicked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “A man should certainly not rob God.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1473:8p8nlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personהֲ⁠יִקְבַּ֨ע אָדָ֜ם אֱלֹהִ֗ים1God speaks of himself in the third person Alternate translation: “No one should ever rob me.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1483:8ijc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionבַּ⁠מֶּ֣ה קְבַעֲנ֑וּ⁠ךָ1This question implies that the people do not think they have robbed God. Alternate translation: “We have certainly not robbed you.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1493:8cy6mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהַֽ⁠מַּעֲשֵׂ֖ר וְ⁠הַ⁠תְּרוּמָֽה1This reply from Yahweh implies a fuller answer. Alternate translation: “You have robbed me by withholding from me your tithes and offerings” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1503:9grs1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveבַּ⁠מְּאֵרָה֙ אַתֶּ֣ם נֵֽאָרִ֔ים1If 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: “I have certainly cursed you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1513:9mr47וְ⁠אֹתִ֖⁠י אַתֶּ֣ם קֹבְעִ֑ים הַ⁠גּ֖וֹי כֻּלּֽ⁠וֹ1Here **nation** stands for the people to whom Yahweh is speaking. Alternate translation: “for all of you in the whole nation are robbing me”
1523:10n4chאֶת־כָּל־הַֽ⁠מַּעֲשֵׂ֜ר1Alternate translation: “all the tithes”
1533:10dmr8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠בֵיתִ֔⁠י1Here **house** stands for the temple. Alternate translation: “in my temple” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1543:10wcp4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠בְחָנ֤וּ⁠נִי נָא֙ בָּ⁠זֹ֔את & אִם־לֹ֧א אֶפְתַּ֣ח לָ⁠כֶ֗ם אֵ֚ת אֲרֻבּ֣וֹת הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֔יִם1Here the command **test me** stands for something that the people can do and should do: “if you test me.” This can be divided into two sentences also. Alternate translation: “And if you test me … I will open up the windows of heaven” or “And you should test me … If you do, I will open up the windows of heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1553:12mfq1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠אִשְּׁר֥וּ אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם כָּל־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֑ם1Here to be called **blessed** stands for being blessed. Alternate translation: “All the nations will know that you have been blessed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1563:12bvs1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכָּל־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֑ם1This expression stands for the people in all **the nations**. Alternate translation: “The people in all the nations” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1573:12rm7vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאֶ֣רֶץ חֵ֔פֶץ1Here **delight** stands for the condition in which the inhabitants of a land take delight in their land. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1583:13l55w0# General Information:\n\nThese verses begin a new section in the book. Here Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel.
1593:13h229rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsחָזְק֥וּ עָלַ֛⁠י דִּבְרֵי⁠כֶ֖ם1Here **strong** stands for “harsh” or “terrible.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1603:13f9dhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחָזְק֥וּ עָלַ֛⁠י דִּבְרֵי⁠כֶ֖ם1Here **Your words** stands for “What you have said.” Alternate translation: “What you have said about me is terrible” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1613:13fv74rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַה־נִּדְבַּ֖רְנוּ עָלֶֽי⁠ךָ1The people ask this question in order to claim that they have said nothing against God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We have not said anything among ourselves against you.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1623:14hnv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מַה־בֶּ֗צַע כִּ֤י שָׁמַ֨רְנוּ֙ מִשְׁמַרְתּ֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠כִ֤י הָלַ֨כְנוּ֙ קְדֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת1The people ask this question among themselves in order to make a statement. Alternate translation: “It is useless that we have kept his requirements and walked mournfully before Yahweh of hosts.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1633:14j6y1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָלַ֨כְנוּ֙ קְדֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת1Here **walked mournfully** stands for “behaved in a sorrowful manner,” probably in order to indicate sorrow over their sins. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1643:14n7bsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת1Here this expression refers to God being aware of what the people were doing. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1653:15maa8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֲנַ֖חְנוּ מְאַשְּׁרִ֣ים זֵדִ֑ים1Here to be called **blessed** stands for being blessed. Alternate translation: “we say that the arrogant are blessed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1663:15a55nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנַ֖חְנוּ מְאַשְּׁרִ֣ים זֵדִ֑ים1This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we say that the arrogant are well off” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1673:15e45rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַ⁠יִּמָּלֵֽטוּ1That is, “and they escape God’s punishment.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1683:16e2b80# General Information:\n\nThe event described here may have taken place after the godly people in Israel repented of their sins.
1693:16le6yוַ֠⁠יִּכָּתֵב סֵ֣פֶר זִכָּר֤וֹן לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֙ לְ⁠יִרְאֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה1This could mean: (1) the Israelites wrote a book so they would remember what they had promised and listed the names of people who feared Yahweh or (2) Yahweh caused someone in heaven to write a book with the names of people who feared him.
1703:16tdq5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsסֵ֣פֶר זִכָּר֤וֹן1This expression refers to any book that helps people remember important things, such as events or people who lived in the past. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1713:16b8vcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ⁠לְ⁠חֹשְׁבֵ֖י שְׁמֽ⁠וֹ1Here **his name** stands for God himself. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1723:17em21וְ⁠הָ֣יוּ לִ֗⁠י1Alternate translation: “They will be my people”
1733:17j5aprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsסְגֻלָּ֑ה1Here **possession** refers to one’s personal property. This idea can be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: “those who will belong completely to me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1743:17pp17לַ⁠יּ֕וֹם1the time when Yahweh will judge and punish the rebellious Israelites, giving victory to the faithful Israelites
1753:18d9hzוּ⁠רְאִיתֶ֔ם בֵּ֥ין1Alternate translation: “you will see a difference between” or “you will treat differently”
1764:introazp50# Malachi 4 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Last days\n\nAlthough the Jews may have hoped these prophecies referenced a time in the near future to them, the prophecies of this chapter exclusively relate to the last days. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/lastday]])
1774:1q73fהִנֵּ֤ה1Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
1784:1y5w1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהַ⁠יּוֹם֙ בָּ֔א בֹּעֵ֖ר כַּ⁠תַּנּ֑וּר1The disaster occurring at this time is spoken of as if the day itself were **burning**. God’s judgment is often spoken of as if it were a fire. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1794:1e9jyזֵדִ֜ים & עֹשֵׂ֤ה רִשְׁעָה֙1See how you translated these words in [Malachi 3:15](../03/15.md).
1804:1i1qyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠הָי֨וּ כָל־זֵדִ֜ים וְ⁠כָל־עֹשֵׂ֤ה רִשְׁעָה֙ קַ֔שׁ1These people are spoken of as if they will become dried-up plants fit only for being burned. It is common for the Bible to speak of people as if they were plants or trees. Alternate translation: “all the arrogant and all the evildoers will burn up like dry plants” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1814:1f4xrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠לִהַ֨ט אֹתָ֜⁠ם הַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠בָּ֗א1Here **The day** stands for the events that will occur on that day. Alternate translation: “On that day I will burn them up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1824:1x4llrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹא־יַעֲזֹ֥ב לָ⁠הֶ֖ם שֹׁ֥רֶשׁ וְ⁠עָנָֽף1This expression continues to speak of people as if they were plants or trees. Alternate translation: “nothing will be left” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1834:1o0u8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹא־יַעֲזֹ֥ב לָ⁠הֶ֖ם שֹׁ֥רֶשׁ וְ⁠עָנָֽף1Being deprived of all roots and branches stands for being completely killed off. Alternate translation: “nothing will be left” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1844:2tqe5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלָ⁠כֶ֜ם יִרְאֵ֤י שְׁמִ⁠י֙1Here **my name** stands for Yahweh himself. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1854:2jc14וְ⁠זָרְחָ֨ה & שֶׁ֣מֶשׁ צְדָקָ֔ה וּ⁠מַרְפֵּ֖א בִּ⁠כְנָפֶ֑י⁠הָ1This could mean: (1) Yahweh, who always acts righteously, will come and heal his people on that day or (2) on that day Yahweh will reveal the people’s righteousness and heal them.
1864:2p4ncrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ⁠מַרְפֵּ֖א בִּ⁠כְנָפֶ֑י⁠הָ1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **healing**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the ability to heal in its wings” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1874:2nogurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מַרְפֵּ֖א בִּ⁠כְנָפֶ֑י⁠הָ1This could mean: (1) the act of healing someone is spoken of as if it were an object that the sun carried to people by means of its wings or (2) the healing takes place under the wings, that is, in the security God gives his people. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1884:2n991rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבִּ⁠כְנָפֶ֑י⁠הָ1It was common in the Ancient Near East to speak of the sun as if it had **wings**, with which it moved across the sky. This could mean: (1) the sun’s life-giving rays of light are spoken of as if they were its wings or (2) the wings are said to cover God’s people so as to give them peace and safey. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1894:2is44rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוִֽ⁠יצָאתֶ֥ם וּ⁠פִשְׁתֶּ֖ם כְּ⁠עֶגְלֵ֥י מַרְבֵּֽק1Here the redeemed people of Yahweh are spoken of as if they were young bulls released from their stalls, allowed to go out into their pasture. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1904:3cn2rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠עַסּוֹתֶ֣ם רְשָׁעִ֔ים כִּֽי־יִהְי֣וּ אֵ֔פֶר תַּ֖חַת כַּפּ֣וֹת רַגְלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם1Here the victory of God’s people is spoken of as if they were walking over the burned bodies of their enemies. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1914:3f8ctיִהְי֣וּ אֵ֔פֶר1The Israelites’ enemies are spoken of as having been burned to **ashes** ([Malachi 4:1](../04/01.md)).
1924:4if2vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsזִכְר֕וּ תּוֹרַ֖ת מֹשֶׁ֣ה עַבְדִּ֑⁠י אֲשֶׁר֩ צִוִּ֨יתִי אוֹת֤⁠וֹ1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **law**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “taught.” Alternate translation: “Remember what I taught my servant Moses” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1934:4td5cזִכְר֕וּ1Here **Remember** stands for “Think about” and, at the same time, “Obey.”
1944:4n5drבְ⁠חֹרֵב֙1**Horeb** is another name for Sinai.
1954:4r85grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל1Here **all Israel** is a reference to all the people in the nation of Israel. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1964:4arq6חֻקִּ֖ים1These are the laws that God gave Israel for all time.
1974:4l5p2וּ⁠מִשְׁפָּטִֽים1These are legal decisions meant to make clear how the general statutes apply to everyday life.
1984:5cnc1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבּ֚וֹא י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה הַ⁠גָּד֖וֹל וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹרָֽא1Here the occurrence of this **day** is spoken of as if it were **coming**. Alternate translation: “before the great and fearful day of Yahweh happens” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1994:5s6igי֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה הַ⁠גָּד֖וֹל וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹרָֽא1This expression refers to any time in which Yahweh acts decisively.
2004:6kql7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠הֵשִׁ֤יב לֵב־אָבוֹת֙ עַל־בָּנִ֔ים וְ⁠לֵ֥ב בָּנִ֖ים עַל־אֲבוֹתָ֑⁠ם1Here changing how people think is spoken of as if it were turning their hearts. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])