King James Version

What Does Malachi 2:3 Mean?

“Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it. corrupt: or, reprove spread: Heb. scatter one: or, it shall take you away to it”

Context

And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.

If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.

Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it. corrupt: or, reprove spread: Heb. scatter one: or, it shall take you away to it

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

My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **I will corrupt your seed.**—Better, *I will destroy for you the seed*—viz., of the crops. It must be remembered that because the people neglected to pay the tithes, the Levites were obliged to go and till the fields (Nehemiah 13:10). The LXX. for “seed” reads “corn.” **Dung of your solemn feasts.**—Or rather, *of your festival sacrifices.* (Comp. Exodus 23:18; Psalm 118:27.) The dung of the sacrificial animals was to be carried to an unclean place outside the camp, and burnt there. The priests, because they had profaned God’s Name by offering unfit animals in sacrifice, were to be treated in the most ignominious manner. **And one shall take you away with it**—*i.e.,* according to a Hebrew idiom, *and ye shall be carried away to it* (comp. Isaiah 8:4):—ye shall be treated like it.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 2:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.