The words And now are parallel with the same words in 1.9, and introduce the second major unit in the long Response element that embraces 1.7c-2.9. Translators should express them in a form as similar as possible to that in 1.9. However, it will probably be difficult to show the connection with the previous passage. In the original text there were no chapter divisions, but in modern translations the new chapter number will probably discourage many readers from looking back to 1.9. The Contemporary English Version translation helps to build a bridge between the chapters by saying in 1.6 “I … have something to say…” and here “I … have something else to say….” Another possibility here is “I … have something else to say to you priests. I command you as follows….”

The vocative (address form) O priests comes at the end of the verse in Hebrew (as in Bible de Jérusalem, New International Version; compare 1.6), and this gives it more prominence than is apparent from Revised Standard Version. The vocative serves to make it clear that the prophet is still addressing the same group as in 1.6-14. In some languages it may be advisable to place the vocative at or near the beginning of the sentence, or even to restructure the verse by incorporating part of verse 2, as Good News Translation has: “The LORD Almighty says to the priests…” (similarly Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, Contemporary English Version). Another possibility is “Now for you priests, here is my charge” (Moffatt).

This command is for you: The meaning of the word translated command has been debated. Scholars such as Driver and Verhoef link the occurrence of the word here with the repetition of it in verse 4. These two occurrences indicate that the word is used as an introduction and conclusion to verses 1-4, and that the content of the command is essentially to listen to, obey, and honor the LORD, as verses 2-3 suggest.

Since the LORD refers to himself in the first person in verses 2-3, it would be quite appropriate to restructure verse 1 as “And now, this is the command I give to you priests” (Bible en français courant).

Quoted with permission from Clark, David J. & Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Malachi. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2002. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .