King James Version

What Does Malachi 2:15 Mean?

Malachi 2:15 in the King James Version says “And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. There... — study this verse from Malachi chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. residue: or, excellency godly: Heb. seed of God treacherously: or, unfaithfully

Malachi 2:15 · KJV


Context

13

And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

14

Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

15

And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. residue: or, excellency godly: Heb. seed of God treacherously: or, unfaithfully

16

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. that he: or, if he hate her, put her away putting: Heb. to put away

17

Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? This notoriously difficult verse likely alludes to Genesis 2:21-24—God made אֶחָד (echad, one) unified flesh from Adam and Eve, though He had רוּחַ (ruach, spirit/life-force) sufficient to create many wives for Adam. The divine self-limitation to monogamy establishes God's creational design. That he might seek a godly seed—זֶרַע אֱלֹהִים (zera elohim, offspring of God) reveals marriage's covenantal purpose: producing children raised in Yahweh-worship. Divorce and remarriage to pagan women undermines this goal, creating religiously divided households.

Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth—the imperatives שָׁמַר (shamar, guard/keep watch) and בָּגַד (bagad, deal treacherously) bookend the warning. Covenant fidelity requires vigilant spiritual discipline, guarding one's רוּחַ (spirit/disposition) against the treachery of casual divorce. The repetition of 'wife of thy youth' emphasizes the particular heinousness of abandoning long-faithful partners.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concern for 'godly seed' reflects post-exilic Israel's precarious position. As a small remnant surrounded by pagan nations, their survival as a distinct covenant people depended on raising children in pure Yahweh-worship. Mixed marriages threatened this by dividing children's religious loyalty (as Solomon's foreign wives turned his heart, 1 Kings 11:4). Nehemiah's horror at discovering children of mixed marriages who couldn't even speak Hebrew (Nehemiah 13:24) illustrates the generational consequences Malachi warns against.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's creational design of 'one flesh' monogamy challenge contemporary serial monogamy and 'trading up'?
  2. What does 'seeking godly seed' reveal about marriage's purpose beyond personal fulfillment?
  3. In what practical ways must believers 'guard their spirit' against the cultural normalization of covenant-breaking?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְלֹא1 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָֽאֶחָ֔ד2 of 17

And wherefore one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

עָשָׂ֗ה3 of 17

And did not he make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וּשְׁאָ֥ר4 of 17

Yet had he the residue

H7605

a remainder

בְּר֣וּחֲכֶ֔ם5 of 17

of the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

ל֔וֹ6 of 17
H0
וּמָה֙7 of 17
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הָֽאֶחָ֔ד8 of 17

And wherefore one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ9 of 17

That he might seek

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

זֶ֣רַע10 of 17

seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

אֱלֹהִ֑ים11 of 17

a godly

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙12 of 17

Therefore take heed

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

בְּר֣וּחֲכֶ֔ם13 of 17

of the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

וּבְאֵ֥שֶׁת14 of 17

against the wife

H802

a woman

נְעוּרֶ֖יךָ15 of 17

of his youth

H5271

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

אַל16 of 17
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִבְגֹּֽד׃17 of 17

and let none deal treacherously

H898

to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Malachi. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Malachi 2:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Malachi 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study