Malachi 2:6

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Malachi 2:6 is part of a strong rebuke from God, through the prophet Malachi, directed at the corrupt priests of Judah after the Babylonian exile. While the surrounding verses (Malachi 2:1-9) condemn the priests for their negligence, false teaching, and breaking of the covenant, verse 6 stands out as a description of the ideal priest, likely referring to the original intent of the Aaronic priesthood or even to Levi himself, the ancestor of the priestly line. It serves as a stark contrast to the failure of the priests of Malachi's day, highlighting what they should have been and what God expected of them.

Key Themes

  • Integrity of God's Word: "The law of truth was in his mouth." This emphasizes the priest's primary duty to accurately and faithfully teach God's divine instruction, the Torah, without distortion or personal bias.
  • Moral Purity and Honesty: "and iniquity was not found in his lips." This speaks to a life free from deceit, hypocrisy, and false counsel. The priest's words and actions were consistent with God's truth.
  • Righteous Conduct and Relationship with God: "he walked with me in peace and equity." This highlights a personal relationship with God characterized by harmony (shalom – wholeness, well-being) and justice/uprightness (yosher – straightness, fairness). This conduct was not just outward but reflected an inner alignment with God's character.
  • Spiritual Influence and Evangelism: "and did turn many away from iniquity." The ultimate fruit of a priest's faithful teaching and righteous living was the spiritual transformation of the people. Their example and instruction led others to repentance and a closer walk with God. This reflects the divine expectation for spiritual leaders to be blameless in character and teaching.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "law of truth" translates the Hebrew Torah emet. Torah refers to divine instruction or teaching, and emet signifies truth, faithfulness, and reliability. Together, it emphasizes instruction that is fundamentally true and trustworthy because it originates from God.

"Peace and equity" uses the Hebrew words shalom and yosher. Shalom is a comprehensive term meaning wholeness, completeness, well-being, and right relationship, encompassing both internal and external harmony. Yosher refers to uprightness, straightforwardness, and moral rectitude, signifying a life lived according to God's just standards.

Related Scriptures

  • For the priestly duty to teach God's laws: Leviticus 10:11
  • For the importance of walking in truth and righteousness: Psalm 15:2
  • For the impact of righteous living on others: Matthew 5:16
  • For the New Testament emphasis on sound doctrine and godly living for leaders: 1 Timothy 4:16

Practical Application

Malachi 2:6 sets a timeless standard for spiritual leadership and, by extension, for all believers. While originally addressed to priests, its principles apply to anyone who teaches or represents God's truth today:

  • For Leaders: Those in positions of spiritual authority (pastors, teachers, parents) are called to uphold the "law of truth" in their teaching and to live lives of integrity, free from hypocrisy. Their conduct should reflect peace and equity, fostering a healthy environment for spiritual growth.
  • For All Believers: As part of the New Testament "royal priesthood", every Christian is called to embody these characteristics. Our words should be truthful, our lives marked by peace and uprightness, and our influence should naturally draw others away from sin and closer to God. This verse reminds us that true spiritual impact comes not just from what we say, but from how consistently we live out our faith.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 12:3 (10 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • 2 Timothy 2:15 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 23:22 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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