2:2b

take it to heart: The Hebrew expression which the Berean Standard Bible translates as take it to heart is a figure of speech. In this context it means to understand that the command is an important matter and to sincerely resolve to obey it.

2:2c

honor: The Hebrew word which the Berean Standard Bible translates as honor is kabod. A form of this word was used in 1:6c, in the rhetorical question, “where is My honor ?” In some languages it may be possible to use a similar expression to translate this idea in both verses.

My name: Here the phrase My name means the same thing as “me.” See the notes on 1:6f and 1:14g.

2:2d

says the LORD of Hosts: See the note on 1:6e.

Notice that Good News Translation placed this phrase at the beginning of the paragraph to make it clear who was speaking and to whom:

The Lord Almighty says to the priests… (Good News Translation)

the LORD of Hosts: See the note on 1:4d and 1:6e. Translate this term in the same way here.

2:2e

I will send a curse among you: Although the Hebrew uses the article “the” here, it does not imply that there has been a particular previously mentioned curse. Instead, the definite article implies “a very great curse.”

In Hebrew culture, once a curse was spoken, it was certain to take place. See also the discussion of curse in 1:14a.

send: In some languages it may not be natural to say, “I will send a curse.” Other ways to express this are, “I will speak a curse” or “I will cause a curse to be ⌊on you⌋.”

2:2f

your blessings: Scholars differ about what the phrase your blessings refers to in this verse. There are at least two main views:

(1) It refers to the special privileges which the priests had. They served the LORD in the temple. Because of the work that they did there, they received the gifts which the other tribes of Israel gave to the LORD. The LORD was warning the priests that he would take away their privileges. For example:

I will put a curse on the things you receive for your support. (Good News Translation)

(2) It refers to the blessings that the priests pronounced for the people to ask the LORD to favor them. The LORD was warning the priests that he would no longer use their words to bless the people. Instead, he would use the words of the blessings to harm the people. For example:

Otherwise, when you give a blessing, I will turn it into a curse. (Contemporary English Version)

Most English versions are ambiguous, and both interpretations are possible. If you must choose between them in your translation, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

2:2h

because: The Hebrew word ki which the Berean Standard Bible translates as because introduces the reason that the LORD had already cursed the priests’ blessings. Most English versions have because here. See the notes on 1:11a and 1:14e, where this same Hebrew word was used. Use what would be natural in your language for this context.

you are not taking it to heart: See the note on 2:2b.

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