OET interlinear MAL 2:1

2:1

In the Hebrew text, the speaker, “the LORD of hosts,” is not identified until 2:2d. If this would cause difficulty in your translation, you can move the speech clause forward from 2:2d to the beginning of the chapter. GNT does this:

The Lord Almighty says to the priests… (GNT)

And now: The Hebrew word which the BSB translates as now is a time word. It is preceded by the conjunction w-, usually translated as “and.” The LORD used this expression to introduce the next things he would say. It emphasizes that these things were important. In some languages, it may not be natural to use a time word to express this meaning. Some other ways to say this are:

Listen, you priests; this command is for you! (NLT)

I, the Lord All-Powerful, have something else to say to you priests. (CEV)

Some English versions omit this phrase. Use what would be natural in your language to present another important topic as part of the same discourse.

decree: The Hebrew word which the BSB translates as decree can also be translated “warning” (GW). That is, it refers to a solemn, unchangeable decree/pronouncement. In this context it refers to the warnings which follow in 2:2–9. The same Hebrew word is translated as “commandment" in 2:4a.

O priests: The LORD was still speaking to the priests. In some languages it may be necessary to put this expression at the start of the speech. For example:

Priests, this command is for you. (NCV)