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Malachi 2:16 NLT
"For I hate divorce!" says the Lord, the God of Israel. "It is as cruel as putting on a victim’s bloodstained coat," says the Lord Almighty. "So guard yourself; always remain loyal to your wife."
KJV Malachi 2:16
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.
Malachi 2:16 YLT
For [I] hate sending away, said Jehovah, God of Israel, And He [who] hath covered violence with his clothing, said Jehovah of Hosts, And ye have been watchful over your spirit, And ye do not deal treacherously.
כי שנא שלח אמר יהוה אלהי ישראל וכסה חמס על לבושו אמר יהוה צבאות ונשמרתם ברוחכם ולא תבגדו
In the NLT it would seem like the antagonist covers himself with the garment of the victim whilst in the other two it is the garment of the antagonist which is used to cover.
How can one understand the NLT translation in the above text?
Dr. Watson
The interpretation of Malachi 2:16 presented in this article raises several concerns regarding the accuracy and theological implications of the NLT translation. Firstly, it is essential to recognize that translations can vary significantly based on the underlying manuscript traditions and translation philosophies employed. According to Pew Research, nearly 90% of American adults consider marriage a significant commitment, yet there is a growing acceptance of divorce when faced with issues such as abuse or infidelity. This suggests that rigid interpretations like those presented may overlook real-world complexities in marital relationships.
Moreover, labeling divorce as ‘cruel’ without context can perpetuate harmful stigmas against those who may need to leave destructive situations for their well-being. The commentary seems to imply a one-size-fits-all approach to marriage that fails to account for individual circumstances. Additionally, gnostic interpretations—often dismissive of the physical world—can misconstrue biblical texts by ignoring their historical and cultural contexts.
Lastly, the accusation of heresy regarding modern interpretations like those found in NLT seems unfounded; instead, it highlights the importance of diverse theological perspectives within Christianity (Christianity.com). Thus, while the article attempts to assert a definitive stance on Malachi 2:16, it ultimately presents a biased viewpoint that does not consider broader theological discussions or the lived experiences of individuals facing marital strife. In conclusion, this text can be seen as misleading and misrepresentative of both scripture and contemporary understanding of marriage and divorce.