Exegetical analysis of Malachi 2:16 as a new normal in solving the problem of divorce among Christians in Nigeria

The rate of divorce in Nigeria, especially among Christians is on the increase, and this has negatively affects the church and the society. Although, much has been done to address the problem, but apparently success has been minimal. Thus the researcher sees it as a result of inadequate interpretation of Malachi 2:16.The text is perhaps the most commonly quoted passage by interpreters to support divorce, possibly because many of the English versions make it a direct condemnation from God and interpreters rarely consider other English versions that read differently and most especially the Masoretic Text. God says, “The man who hates and divorces his wife, does violence to the one he should protect.” This decree is a direct warning to the man who hates and divorces his wife and to reprimand or reproof unfaithful spouses. This paper aimed to examine the exegetical analysis of Mal 2:16 as a new normal in solving the problem of divorce among Christians in Nigeria. This will alley the fear of the youths into marring the right person. And also encourage couples to avoid divorce, and develop God’s perspective on marriage and cultivate good relationship with their spouse. Methodology employed for this study is the analytical and exegetical methods, the paper examines the intent of Mal 2:16. Its employs the analytical approach in studying the citation of Malachi 2:16, while it exploits the exegetical method for the study of Mal 2:10-16 with a view to ascertaining the intent of verse 16. The paper recommends that commitment to personal holiness and a steadfast fidelity to one spouse is needed in holy matrimony.If we believe that the Bible is the word of God; if we believe that it is sufficient, necessary, clear and authoritative; then we must go to the text itself and let it speak for itself. And lastly, for better understanding to reducing divorce among Christians in Nigeria, appreciating and working knowledge of the biblical languages is a prerequisite for the preachers.