Definition: Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Malachi 2:14. It’s a really powerful and complex message about forgiveness and judgment. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that someone has been mistreating a person – a spouse – in a way that’s causing serious problems. The speaker is asking why they're still arguing about it, when the Lord (God) has witnessed their actions and knows exactly what’s happening. Let's unpack each part: “Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth…” - This is a question to someone who is defending themselves or arguing about why this situation is so serious. "Wherefore?" means “Why?” – they're asking for a reason. The Lord has witnessed – meaning He’s seen – their actions. “…against whom thou hast dealt treacherously…” - This is the crucial part. The speaker is accusing someone of betraying trust and causing harm. They’ve likely been dishonest, unfaithful, or treated this person poorly in some way. “yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.” – This is where it gets really significant. The speaker isn't just saying they are friends. "Covenant" means a promise or agreement. This woman is their partner, their companion, and represents a deep, important bond in their lives. “She is your companion” means they have been together for a long time, and the verse suggests this relationship is now being damaged. “The wife of thy covenant” emphasizes that this relationship has been broken - it’s not just any friendship, but a significant commitment or promise. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Malachi 2:14 isn't about simple forgiveness. It’s about a situation where someone has wronged a person deeply and causing irreparable damage to their relationships. The Lord is watching, and He recognizes the injustice. The verse suggests that repentance and reconciliation are possible , but only after the hurt caused by the betrayal is addressed. It's often interpreted as a call for forgiveness and a plea for someone to turn away from their wrongdoing. It’s a message of hope, suggesting that even after serious damage, healing and restoration can happen if there is sincere remorse and change. Important Note: The context of this verse in the Old Testament is within a larger story about judgment and repentance. It's about the consequences of sin and the need for redemption. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Provide some examples of how this verse might be applied in real-life situations?