Malachi 2:4
New International Version
And you will know that I have sent you this warning so that my covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD Almighty.

New Living Translation
Then at last you will know it was I who sent you this warning so that my covenant with the Levites can continue,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

English Standard Version
So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the LORD of hosts.

Berean Standard Bible
Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts.

King James Bible
And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

New King James Version
Then you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, That My covenant with Levi may continue,” Says the LORD of hosts.

New American Standard Bible
Then you will know that I have sent this commandment to you, so that My covenant may continue with Levi,” says the LORD of armies.

NASB 1995
“Then you will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that My covenant may continue with Levi,” says the LORD of hosts.

NASB 1977
“Then you will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that My covenant may continue with Levi,” says the LORD of hosts.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then you will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that My covenant may continue with Levi,” says Yahweh of hosts.

Amplified Bible
Then you will know [without any doubt] that I have sent this [new] commandment to you (priests), that My covenant may continue with Levi [the priestly tribe],” says the LORD of hosts.

Christian Standard Bible
Then you will know that I sent you this decree, so that my covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Armies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then you will know that I sent you this decree so My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. “

American Standard Version
And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant may be with Levi, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Contemporary English Version
I am telling you this, so I can continue to keep my agreement with your ancestor Levi.

English Revised Version
And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then you will know that I sent you this warning so that my promise to Levi will continue," says the LORD of Armies.

Good News Translation
Then you will know that I have given you this command, so that my covenant with the priests, the descendants of Levi, will not be broken.

International Standard Version
"You will know that I sent this commandment to you in order to continue my covenant with Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.

Majority Standard Bible
Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,? says the LORD of Hosts.

NET Bible
Then you will know that I sent this commandment to you so that my covenant may continue to be with Levi," says the LORD who rules over all.

New Heart English Bible
You will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant may be with Levi," says the LORD of hosts.

Webster's Bible Translation
And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

World English Bible
You will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant may be with Levi,” says Yahweh of Armies.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And you have known that I have sent this charge to you, "" For My covenant being with Levi,” said YHWH of Hosts.

Young's Literal Translation
And ye have known that I have sent unto you this charge, For My covenant being with Levi, Said Jehovah of Hosts.

Smith's Literal Translation
And ye knew that I sent this command to you, for my covenant to be with Levi, said Jehovah of armies.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And you shall know that I sent you this commandment, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And you will know that I sent you this commandment, so that my covenant might be with Levi, says the Lord of hosts.

New American Bible
You should know that I sent you this commandment so that my covenant with Levi might endure, says the LORD of hosts.

New Revised Standard Version
Know, then, that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may hold, says the LORD of hosts.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant might be with Levi, says the LORD of hosts.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you shall know that I sent you this commandment that my covenant would be with Levi, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Know then that I have sent This commandment unto you, That My covenant might be with Levi, Saith the LORD of hosts.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant might be with the sons of Levi, saith the Lord Almighty.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Warning to Priests
3Behold, I will rebuke your descendants, and I will spread dung on your faces, the waste from your feasts, and you will be carried off with it. 4Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. 5“My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name.…

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

Numbers 25:12-13
Declare, therefore, that I am granting him My covenant of peace. / It will be a covenant of permanent priesthood for him and his descendants, because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.”

Deuteronomy 33:8-11
Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. / He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. / He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. ...

Jeremiah 33:20-21
“This is what the LORD says: If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that day and night cease to occupy their appointed time, / then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant and with My ministers the Levites who are priests, so that David will not have a son to reign on his throne.

Exodus 32:25-29
Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies. / So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. / He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” ...

Leviticus 10:1-3
Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. / Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.

1 Samuel 2:30
Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.

Ezekiel 44:15-16
But the Levitical priests, who are descended from Zadok and who kept charge of My sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from Me, are to approach Me to minister before Me. They will stand before Me to offer Me fat and blood, declares the Lord GOD. / They alone shall enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to minister before Me. They will keep My charge.

Psalm 106:30-31
But Phinehas stood and intervened, and the plague was restrained. / It was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come.

Hebrews 7:11-17
Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. / He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. ...

Hebrews 8:6-13
Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises. / For if that first covenant had been without fault, no place would have been sought for a second. / But God found fault with the people and said: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. ...

Hebrews 9:15
Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Hebrews 10:28-29
Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. / How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Revelation 1:6
who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.


Treasury of Scripture

And you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant might be with Levi, said the LORD of hosts.

ye.

1 Kings 22:25
And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

Isaiah 26:11
LORD, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

Jeremiah 28:9
The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.

that my.

Isaiah 1:24-28
Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies: …

Isaiah 27:9
By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up.

Ezekiel 20:38-41
And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD…

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Admonition Agreement Almighty Armies Charge Command Commandment Continue Covenant Hold Hosts Levi Order
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Admonition Agreement Almighty Armies Charge Command Commandment Continue Covenant Hold Hosts Levi Order
Malachi 2
1. He sharply reproves the priests for neglecting their covenant;
10. and the people for marrying strange wives;
13. and for putting away their former ones,
17. and for infidelity.














Then you will know
This phrase indicates a future realization or understanding. In the Hebrew, the word for "know" is "yada," which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge. This is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, personal recognition of God's actions and intentions. The context suggests that the people will come to understand the seriousness of God's message through the consequences of their actions or through divine intervention.

that I have sent you this commandment
The term "commandment" in Hebrew is "mitzvah," which refers to a directive or ordinance given by God. This underscores the authority and divine origin of the message. The sending of the commandment signifies God's active role in guiding and correcting His people. It is a reminder of the covenant relationship where God provides instructions for living in accordance with His will.

so that My covenant with Levi may continue
The "covenant with Levi" refers to the special relationship and responsibilities given to the tribe of Levi, particularly the priesthood. Historically, the Levites were set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple, tasked with teaching the law and maintaining the worship of God. The Hebrew word for "covenant" is "berith," which denotes a binding agreement. This covenant is foundational for the spiritual leadership and purity of worship in Israel. The continuation of this covenant is crucial for maintaining the integrity and faithfulness of the priestly duties.

says the LORD of Hosts
This title, "LORD of Hosts," or "Yahweh Sabaoth," emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all heavenly and earthly armies. It is a reminder of His sovereignty and ability to enforce His will. The use of this title in the context of a covenant underscores the seriousness and divine backing of the message. It reassures the faithful that God is in control and that His purposes will prevail.

(4) Commandment.--Or rather, decree, as in Malachi 2:1.

That my covenant might be.--Better, to be my covenant--i.e., so that this new decree, which I have been compelled to make against the house of Levi, may be my covenant with him instead of the old one, of which the prophet goes on to speak.

Levi denotes throughout the tribe of Levi, and especially the priests, the sons of Aaron. (See Note on Malachi 3:3.)

Verse 4. - Ye shall know. My threats are not vain; this ye shall experience and be forced to acknowledge. This commandment is the purpose and threat, as in ver. 1 (where see note). That my covenant might be with Levi; i.e. that my covenant with Levi might remain firm. The covenant with Levi was the election of that tribe to be the ministers of the sanctuary. There is here a special allusion to the blessing pronounced on Phinehas for his conduct in the matter of Zimri (Numbers 25:12, 13). This election is called "a covenant," because, while conferring certain privileges, it involved certain duties. The difficulty in this interpretation is that the verb used here (hayah) does not mean "to remain," "to continue," but only "to be, to exist." Hence many critics take "the commandment" as the subject, translating. "That it (my purpose) may be my covenant with Levi, i.e. that as God observed the covenant made with the tribe of Levi in old time, so for the future this commandment and threat will be as vigorously observed and take the place of the old covenant. This explanation is too involved and refined to be acceptable. It is easiest to translate, with Henderson and Reinke, "Because my covenant was with Levi," and to understand God as implying that he warned and punished the priests, because he willed that the covenant with Levi should hold good, and he thus desired to have a body of priests who would keep their vows and maintain the true priestly character. What that character is he procoeds to unfold.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then you will know
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֕ם (wî·ḏa‘·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I have sent
שִׁלַּ֣חְתִּי (šil·laḥ·tî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

you
אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם (’ă·lê·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

this
הַזֹּ֑את (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

commandment,
הַמִּצְוָ֣ה (ham·miṣ·wāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4687: Commandment

that My covenant
בְּרִיתִי֙ (bə·rî·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1285: A covenant

with
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

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

may continue,”
לִֽהְי֤וֹת (lih·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

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

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

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


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OT Prophets: Malachi 2:4 You will know that I have sent (Malachi Mal Ml)
Malachi 2:3
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