Malachi — Footnotes

Chapter 2

2:14 — betrayed: that is, deliberately broke promises and/or loyalty on which others had relied. In this passage, to betray is to divorce. See other verses which use the same word. For example see Exodus 21:8 and Judges 9:23.

2:16 — he who hates, divorces: see Deut 24:1-3.

2:16 — he will cover his garment with violence: For more information on the meaning of covering of a garment with violence, see Ps 73:6 and Prov 13:2. Also compare Ps 109:29, Isa 59:6, Obad 1:10, and Hab 2:17.

2:16 — This verse could be translated less literally as, 'If someone hates, he can divorce, but then punishment will return to him because of it. Therefore watch yourself carefully, so that you do not betray your wife by divorcing her.'