Malachi 2:6

KJV

The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

The law {H8451} of truth {H571} was in his mouth {H6310}, and iniquity {H5766} was not found {H4672} in his lips {H8193}: he walked {H1980} with me in peace {H7965} and equity {H4334}, and did turn {H7725} many {H7227} away {H7725} from iniquity {H5771}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The true Torah was in his mouth, and no dishonesty was found on his lips; he walked with me in peace and uprightness and turned many away from sin.

Berean Standard Bible

True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.

American Standard Version

The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Malachi 2:6 presents a profound portrait of the ideal priest, contrasting sharply with the corrupt religious leadership of Malachi's day. This verse describes a faithful minister of God whose teaching is rooted in divine truth, whose life is free from moral compromise, and whose walk with God is characterized by peace and uprightness. The ultimate fruit of such integrity is the spiritual transformation of others, as the priest's example and instruction lead many away from sin and toward a right relationship with the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Malachi 2:6 is strategically positioned within a severe prophetic indictment against the priests of Judah, spanning [Malachi 2:1-9](/malachi/2-1-9 "Malachi 2:1-9 - God's Rebuke of the Priests"). While the preceding and succeeding verses decry the priests' negligence, false teaching, and violation of the covenant of Levi, verse 6 serves as a powerful retrospective. It describes the characteristics of an ideal, faithful priest, likely referring either to Levi himself, the progenitor of the priestly line, or to the pristine standards God originally established for the Aaronic priesthood. This verse functions as a stark and painful contrast, highlighting the profound chasm between God's divine expectation for His ministers and the abysmal failure of the contemporary priests, who had "corrupted the covenant of Levi" ([Malachi 2:8](/malachi/2-8 "Malachi 2:8 - Priests Corrupt the Covenant")). It underscores the foundational principles that should have governed their ministry, making their deviation all the more egregious.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Malachi is set in the post-exilic period, roughly a century after the return of the Jewish exiles to Judah from Babylon, around 450-430 BC. The temple had been rebuilt, and religious life was ostensibly re-established, yet a deep spiritual malaise permeated the community. The people were offering defiled sacrifices, neglecting their tithes, and engaging in social injustices, while the priests, who were meant to be spiritual exemplars and instructors of the Law, had become complacent, corrupt, and ineffective. They were responsible for teaching the [Torah](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Priestly Instruction") and mediating between God and the people through sacrifices. In this context, Malachi 2:6 harks back to a time or an ideal where priestly integrity was paramount, serving as a reminder of the sacred trust placed upon them by God through the [covenant with Levi](/numbers/25-12-13 "Numbers 25:12-13 - Covenant of Peace with Phinehas"). The verse implicitly critiques the cultural decay that allowed such priestly corruption to flourish, where the spiritual leaders had become indistinguishable from the people in their moral failings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes central to the book of Malachi and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes the **integrity of God's Word**, highlighting that "the law of truth was in his mouth." This underscores the priest's primary duty to accurately and faithfully transmit divine instruction, the *Torah*, without distortion or personal bias, ensuring that God's truth remained pure and accessible to the people. Secondly, it stresses **moral purity and honesty**, noting that "iniquity was not found in his lips." This speaks to a life free from deceit, hypocrisy, and false counsel, where the priest's words and actions were consistently aligned with God's character. Thirdly, the verse points to **righteous conduct and a vibrant relationship with God**, stating "he walked with me in peace and equity." This signifies a personal, intimate walk with God characterized by *shalom* (wholeness, well-being, right relationship) and *mishor* (justice, uprightness). This conduct was not merely external but reflected an inner alignment with God's righteous standards, echoing the call for all God's people to [walk blamelessly](/psalms/15-2 "Psalm 15:2 - Walking Blamelessly"). Finally, the verse highlights **spiritual influence and transformation**, as the priest "did turn many away from iniquity." The ultimate fruit of faithful teaching and righteous living was the spiritual transformation of the people, demonstrating that true spiritual leadership leads others to repentance and a closer walk with God, much like the call for believers to [let their light shine](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine") before others.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** From H8451, meaning "a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch; law." In this context, *tôwrâh* refers to divine instruction or teaching, specifically the revealed will of God given to Israel. When combined with "truth" (*ʼemeth*), it signifies instruction that is fundamentally true, reliable, and trustworthy because it originates from God Himself. The ideal priest's primary function was to be a faithful custodian and dispenser of this divine truth.
* **walked (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** From H1980, a primitive root meaning "to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively); behave (self), come, continually, be conversant, depart, follow, get, go." Here, *hâlak* is used figuratively to describe a manner of life or conduct. "He walked with me" denotes an intimate, ongoing relationship with God, characterized by obedience, companionship, and alignment with His will. It implies a consistent, progressive journey of faith and integrity.
* **turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, a primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In this verse, *shûwb* is used transitively, indicating the priest's active role in causing others to turn away from sin. It implies a call to repentance and a redirection of life, demonstrating the transformative power of a faithful priest's ministry and example.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The law of truth was in his mouth":** This clause emphasizes the priest's primary responsibility as a teacher and communicator of God's revealed will. "The law of truth" (Hebrew *Torah emet*) signifies divine instruction that is inherently true, reliable, and faithful. Having it "in his mouth" means that the priest's speech was saturated with God's pure, unadulterated truth, implying both accurate teaching and consistent proclamation. It highlights the priest's role as a faithful messenger of God's Word, ensuring its integrity and clarity.
* **"and iniquity was not found in his lips":** This phrase complements the first, focusing on the priest's moral integrity and purity of speech. "Iniquity" (*ʻevel* or *ʻâvôn*) refers to moral evil, perverseness, or unrighteousness. The absence of iniquity "in his lips" means that his words were free from deceit, falsehood, hypocrisy, or any form of moral compromise. It speaks to a life where speech and character are aligned with God's righteousness, demonstrating authenticity and trustworthiness.
* **"he walked with me in peace and equity":** This clause describes the priest's personal relationship with God and his righteous conduct. "Walked with me" signifies an intimate, ongoing communion and fellowship with God, reminiscent of Enoch and Noah ([Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch Walked with God") and [Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6:9 - Noah Walked with God")). "Peace" (*shâlôwm*) denotes wholeness, well-being, and right relationship, encompassing both internal harmony and external reconciliation. "Equity" (*mîyshôwr*) refers to uprightness, straightforwardness, and moral rectitude, indicating a life lived justly and fairly according to God's standards. This describes a priest whose life was characterized by a deep, personal alignment with God's character and will.
* **"and did turn many away from iniquity":** This final clause highlights the transformative impact of the ideal priest's ministry. Because his teaching was truthful, his life pure, and his walk with God intimate, his influence led others to repentance and spiritual change. "Turn many away from iniquity" indicates a positive, redemptive outcome—people were convicted of their sin and redirected toward righteousness. This demonstrates that genuine spiritual leadership, rooted in integrity and divine truth, yields fruit in the lives of the people it serves.

#### Literary Devices
Malachi 2:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Contrast** is central, as this verse stands in stark opposition to the corrupt priests described elsewhere in Malachi 2, serving as a foil that magnifies their failings by presenting the ideal. The phrase "the law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips" utilizes **Synecdoche**, where "mouth" and "lips" represent the entirety of the priest's speech and, by extension, his character and actions. This highlights that his very words were infused with truth and devoid of falsehood, indicating a comprehensive moral purity. Furthermore, "he walked with me" is a powerful **Metaphor** for an intimate, ongoing relationship with God, portraying a life lived in constant communion and obedience, rather than a literal physical journey. The verse also implicitly uses **Cause and Effect**, where the priest's internal integrity (truth in mouth, no iniquity in lips, walking with God) directly results in external impact ("did turn many away from iniquity"), illustrating the fruit of righteous living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Malachi 2:6 is rich with theological significance, extending beyond the immediate context of the Old Testament priesthood. It underscores God's unwavering expectation for those who represent Him to embody truth, integrity, and righteousness. The "law of truth" points to the unchanging nature of God's revelation and the non-negotiable demand for its faithful proclamation. The priest's "walk with God in peace and equity" highlights the essential link between personal piety and public ministry; true spiritual authority flows from an authentic relationship with the Divine. Moreover, the transformative outcome—turning "many away from iniquity"—reveals God's ultimate purpose for His ministers: to be instruments of repentance and restoration, leading people into a right relationship with Him. This verse serves as a timeless paradigm for all who are called to lead, teach, or simply bear witness to God's truth, emphasizing that the authenticity of one's message is inextricably tied to the integrity of one's life. It speaks to the enduring biblical principle that genuine spiritual influence is a natural outflow of a life lived in communion with God and adherence to His righteous standards.

* [Leviticus 10:11](/leviticus/10-11 "Leviticus 10:11 - Priestly Instruction and Distinction")
* [Psalm 15:2](/psalms/15-2 "Psalm 15:2 - The One Who Walks Blamelessly")
* [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Malachi 2:6, while originally addressed to the Levitical priesthood, offers profound and timeless principles for all believers, particularly those in positions of spiritual influence. It challenges us to examine the consistency between what we profess and how we live. For those who teach or lead, this verse is a solemn reminder of the sacred trust to accurately and faithfully communicate God's "law of truth," guarding against personal bias or distortion. Our words must be free from deceit, hypocrisy, or any form of "iniquity," reflecting a genuine commitment to righteousness. Furthermore, the call to "walk with me in peace and equity" extends to every Christian, inviting us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, characterized by inner harmony and outward justice. This personal walk is the wellspring of authentic spiritual impact. When our lives are marked by integrity and our words by truth, we become effective instruments in God's hands, capable of drawing others away from sin and toward His saving grace. This verse compels us to consider: Is the "law of truth" truly in our mouths? Is "iniquity" absent from our lips? Are we genuinely "walking with God in peace and equity"? And as a result, are we "turning many away from iniquity"?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my speech reflect "the law of truth," and where might "iniquity" still be found in my words?**
* **How does my daily "walk with God" manifest in "peace and equity" in my relationships and actions?**
* **Am I consistently living in a way that genuinely influences others to "turn away from iniquity" and toward God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to align my words, actions, and inner life more closely with the ideal presented in Malachi 2:6?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "he" referred to in Malachi 2:6, and why is this description so significant?**

Answer: The "he" in Malachi 2:6 refers to an ideal or exemplary priest, likely either Levi himself (the ancestor of the priestly tribe) or the standard of the covenant God established with the Levitical priesthood. This description is profoundly significant because it stands in stark contrast to the corrupt and negligent priests of Malachi's own day, whom God is rebuking throughout [Malachi 2:1-9](/malachi/2-1-9 "Malachi 2:1-9 - God's Rebuke of the Priests"). By presenting this ideal, God not only highlights the severe deviation of the contemporary priests but also underscores the original, pure intent and high calling of their office. It serves as a powerful reminder of what true spiritual leadership should embody: faithfulness to God's truth, moral integrity, a vibrant personal relationship with God, and a transformative influence on the people, leading them away from sin and toward righteousness. It sets a timeless benchmark for all who claim to represent God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Malachi 2:6, though describing an Old Testament priestly ideal, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential High Priest, embodying every characteristic described in this verse with absolute perfection. As the very Word of God made flesh, "the law of truth was in his mouth" not merely as a taught doctrine, but as His very being ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). "Iniquity was not found in his lips" because He was without sin, the spotless Lamb of God ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted But Without Sin"); [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ Committed No Sin")). Jesus perfectly "walked with [God] in peace and equity," demonstrating perfect communion with the Father and living a life of unparalleled righteousness and justice ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father"); [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1-4 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant of the Lord")). Most profoundly, through His life, teaching, atoning death, and resurrection, He "did turn many away from iniquity," offering the ultimate path to repentance and reconciliation with God ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand"); [Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Be Converted")). Jesus is the faithful High Priest who perfectly fulfills the covenant of Levi, not by mediating sacrifices that merely cover sin, but by offering Himself as the final, perfect sacrifice that truly takes away the sin of the world, establishing a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, Malachi 2:6 serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the perfect ministry of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 12:3

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Revelation 14:5

And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:16

But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

Jeremiah 23:22

But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

James 5:19

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;