The Hebrew word translated now has a logical sense rather than indicating present time: it marks the next stage in the argument, and continues the Response element of the dispute. (The same word occurs again in 2.1 with the same function.) In some languages there will not be one single term that has the same meaning as now, so it may be necessary to show the logical connection with verse 8 by using a phrase such as “in the same way.”

Entreat the favor of God: While the meaning of the words themselves is clear, there have been different opinions about whether they are to be taken literally or ironically. Some medieval Jewish scholars and some nineteenth century scholars treated them as a serious command to seek God’s favor, but almost all modern scholars and translators accept that in the context of verses 8 and 10, the command must be understood ironically. The effect of understanding the command as irony is to say that even if the priests turn to God in prayer, he will not answer their prayers because of their irreverent attitude toward sacrifices. The words translated entreat the favor of God are literally “stroke the face of God” (R. L. Smith), as in Zech 7.2; 8.21. This expression probably reinforces the irony, not least because the root of the verb (ch-l-h) is the same as the root of the word used to describe the sick animals in the previous verse. If a similar action carries the same meaning in their culture, translators may be able to use a similar idiom. It should also be noted that the expression “the face of God” (not “the LORD” here) is in Hebrew peni-ʾel and may be an ironic reference to Jacob’s encounter with God at Peniel (Gen 32.22-32). It is very unlikely however that translators will be able to retain this wordplay in a translation. They may be able to bring out the irony by saying something like “Try flattering God with such a gift.”

That he may be gracious to us: Being gracious to his people was the obligation God took upon himself as his part of his covenant relationship with Israel. Since the people had not kept their covenant obligations, they had in effect given up any right to expect God to keep his. In saying to us, the prophet associates himself with the people who need to receive God’s favor. The first person plural is inclusive here. Good News Translation succeeds in bringing out the irony and in stating the meaning of the whole sentence clearly by saying, “try asking God to be good to us.” Good News Translation has also indicated that those addressed are still “you priests.” Another way of structuring the sentence is seen in New English Bible and Revised English Bible: “if you placate God, he may show you mercy!” However, in some languages such a structure may not indicate the irony. Indeed Mason understands New English Bible not to be ironic, though an ironic interpretation of its rendering seems possible.

With such a gift from your hand: These words represent the Revised Standard Version understanding of a Hebrew clause that says literally “from-your-hand was this.” The possessive your (plural) clearly refers to the priests, but it is not clear what “this” refers to. Revised Standard Version takes it to refer to the defective offerings described in verse 8, and expresses this as with such a gift. This interpretation provides a good flow of thought in the prophet’s argument, and is to be recommended. A similar understanding appears to underlie the renderings of New American Bible, New American Standard Bible, New International Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Bible en français courant, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, 1. Edition, and Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente. Another possibility is to take “this” as referring to the attempt to placate God mentioned in the earlier part of the verse. New English Bible and Revised English Bible seem to take this view and translate this part of the verse and the next clause as “If you do this, will he withhold his favour from you?” The Good News Translation rendering “He will not answer your prayer, and it will be your fault” (compare Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version) is not convincing, because “it” must refer to God’s not answering prayer, and this is not stated in the Hebrew. The similar clauses in Jerusalem Bible and New Revised Standard Version disrupt the flow of thought quite abruptly, and this interpretation cannot be commended. This Handbook therefore recommends the interpretation taken by Revised Standard Version, New American Bible, and others (see the alternative model below).

Will he show favor to any of you?: The words show favor translate the same Hebrew expression as in verse 8, literally “lift up the faces.” Translators should use the same expression in both places if at all possible. Any of you suggests that nobody among the priests has taken his duties seriously enough for God to answer his prayers.

Says the LORD of hosts: See the comments on this expression at the end of the notes on verse 8. In the present context it may mark the climax (or possibly the end) of this part of the argument.

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• In the same way, try flattering God with such a gift to gain his favor. Do you think that he will then be good to you? No, indeed, says the LORD Almighty!

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 .