What does it mean to be partial?

Mal 2:9Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

They kept the law but dishonoured God's name. Would this or could this be the start for legalism? Just looking for someone to expound on this.

Thanks. :)

par·tial, adj.
1.\tbeing such in part only; not total or general; incomplete: partial blindness; (a partial payment of a debt).
2.\tbiased or prejudiced in favor of a person, group, side, etc., over another, as in a controversy: (a partial witness).

It seems they only kept that part of the law that suited them.

legalism - a. the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works.

Hope that helps,
white stone

Read the first and second chapter, or all of Malachi in context, I think he is talking to the priests and teachers, of that day, in this verse. Mal 2:7-8 , Mal 2:1-2.
This applies to the teachers, and shepherds today.

Love in CHRIST tom

In context, "partial" here is where one picks and chooses what laws they will keep, and which they will not. The priests were not living up to their calling, as individuals who were to instruct the people in God's law. As a result of their picking and choosing in regard to their instruction, God's people were stumbling due to the bad counsel they were receiving.

Thank you all. Just wanting to make sure I was on the right track i suppose.
:P
The Lord bless you