Malachi 2:16 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021

¹⁶ For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel, and covering one’s garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So take heed to yourselves and do not be faithless.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

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.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

¹⁶ For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate].

American Standard Version (1901)

¹⁶ For I hate putting away, saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, and him that covereth his garment with violence, saith Jehovah of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

Common English Bible

¹⁶ because he hates divorce, says the LORD God of Israel, and he also hates the one covering his garment with violence, says the LORD of heavenly forces. Guard your own life, and don’t cheat.

Catholic Public Domain Version

¹⁶ If you would hold hatred, dismiss her, says the Lord, the God of Israel. But iniquity will cover his garment, says the Lord of hosts. Preserve your spirit, and do not be willing to despise.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

¹⁶ When thou shalt hate her put her away, saith the Lord the God of Israel: but iniquity shall cover his garment, saith the Lord of hosts, keep your spirit, and despise not.

Malachi 2:16 Cross References

Psalm 73:6

Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them like a garment.

Proverbs 28:13

No one who conceals transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

Proverbs 5:20

Why should you be intoxicated, my son, by another woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?

Isaiah 28:20

For the bed is too short to stretch oneself on it, and the covering is too narrow to wrap oneself in it.

Isaiah 50:1

Thus says the Lord: Where is your mother’s bill of divorce with which I dismissed her? Or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? No, because of your sins you were sold, and for your transgressions your mother was dismissed.

Isaiah 59:6

Their webs cannot serve as clothing; they cannot cover themselves with what they make. Their works are works of iniquity, and deeds of violence are in their hands.

Luke 16:18

“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and whoever marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.

1 Corinthians 7:10

To the married I give this command—not I but the Lord—that the wife should not separate from her husband