Malachi condemns faithlessness in marriage and describes divorce as covering one’s garment with violence Malachi 2:16. The passage frames the issue as dealing treacherously with the wife of one’s youth Malachi 2:14–15. It repeatedly warns against treachery in spirit and action Malachi 2:15–16.

Malachi says the people were robbing God in their tithes and contributions Malachi 3:8. The accusation comes after they ask, "How shall we return?" Malachi 3:7–8. The passage says the nation is under a curse because of this withholding Malachi 3:9.

Malachi says, "I the LORD do not change," and connects it to why the children of Jacob are not consumed Malachi 3:6. The statement appears in the context of coming judgment and God’s steady covenant dealings Malachi 3:5–6. It leads into the call to return and the promise of return from God Malachi 3:7.

God opens Malachi by declaring, "I have loved you" Malachi 1:2. When Israel questions that love, God points to his choice of Jacob over Esau as evidence Malachi 1:2–3. The passage contrasts Israel’s covenant favor with Edom’s judgment Malachi 1:3–5.

Malachi quotes the people saying that those who do evil are good in God’s sight and that God delights in them Malachi 2:17. The question "Where is the God of justice?" is presented as part of speech that wearies the LORD Malachi 2:17. It sets up the response about God’s coming to judge Malachi 3:1.

Malachi states that from the rising to the setting of the sun, God’s name will be great among the nations Malachi 1:11. The verse describes incense and offerings being presented to God’s name in many places Malachi 1:11. It contrasts with the priests who were profaning the altar in Judah Malachi 1:12.

Malachi says the priest’s lips should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth Malachi 2:7. The priest is called the messenger of the LORD of hosts Malachi 2:7. This is contrasted with priests who caused many to stumble by their instruction Malachi 2:8.

Malachi accuses the priests of profaning God’s table by treating it as contemptible Malachi 1:12. They say the food is despised and bring what is taken by violence, lame, or sick Malachi 1:12–13. God calls this offering unacceptable Malachi 1:13.

Malachi says Judah profaned the covenant by marrying the daughter of a foreign god Malachi 2:11. The text calls it an abomination and treachery within the community Malachi 2:10–11. It also includes a warning about being cut off from the tents of Jacob Malachi 2:12.

Malachi describes the Lord’s coming as a refining and purifying work, like a refiner’s fire and fullers’ soap Malachi 3:2. He will purify the sons of Levi so offerings may be presented in righteousness Malachi 3:3. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing as in former days Malachi 3:4.

Malachi recalls God’s covenant with Levi as a model for priestly faithfulness Malachi 2:5. It is described as a covenant of life and peace, connected with fear and reverence Malachi 2:5. The passage says true instruction was in his mouth and he turned many from iniquity Malachi 2:6.

Malachi says God will be a swift witness against sorcerers, adulterers, and those who swear falsely Malachi 3:5. He also names those who oppress hired workers, widows, and fatherless children, and those who thrust aside the sojourner Malachi 3:5. The verse concludes that these actions show they do not fear the LORD Malachi 3:5.

The priests offered blind, lame, and sick animals on God’s altar Malachi 1:8. God calls this dishonoring and says he has no pleasure in such offerings Malachi 1:6–10. The text compares it to what a governor would reject Malachi 1:8.

Malachi pronounces a curse on the one who vows a proper sacrifice but offers a blemished animal instead Malachi 1:14. The reason given is that the LORD is a great King and his name is feared among the nations Malachi 1:14. The verse targets deliberate deceit in worship Malachi 1:14.

Malachi 3:1 speaks of a messenger sent to prepare the way before the LORD Malachi 3:1. It also says "the Lord" will suddenly come to his temple, along with "the messenger of the covenant" Malachi 3:1. The verse presents these figures in connection with God’s coming visitation Malachi 3:1.

Malachi links rejected offerings to marital treachery, saying the LORD was witness between a man and the wife of his youth Malachi 2:14. The passage says they dealt treacherously even though she was a companion and wife by covenant Malachi 2:14. Because of this, God no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor Malachi 2:13.

Malachi cites Jacob and Esau to answer Israel’s question about God’s love Malachi 1:2. God says he loved Jacob but made Esau’s hill country a desolation Malachi 1:2–3. The contrast is used as historical proof of God’s covenant choice and judgment Malachi 1:4–5.

God says he would rather have the doors shut than receive worthless offerings Malachi 1:10. The statement rejects their current worship as unacceptable Malachi 1:10. It is set beside the claim that God’s name will be honored among the nations Malachi 1:11.

The priests are rebuked for not taking God’s ways to heart and for corrupting worship and instruction Malachi 2:1–2. Malachi says they turned aside from the way and caused many to stumble by their instruction Malachi 2:8. Because of this, God says he made them despised and abased before the people Malachi 2:9.