Malachi 3:5
Malachi 3:5 in Multiple Translations
“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against the false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the sojourner from his right, and fear not me, saith Jehovah of hosts.
And I will come near to you for judging; I will quickly be a witness against the wonder-workers, against those who have been untrue in married life, against those who take false oaths; against those who keep back from the servant his payment, and who are hard on the widow and the child without a father, who do not give his rights to the man from a strange country, and have no fear of me, says the Lord of armies.
I will come and put you on trial. I am ready to be a witness against those who: practice witchcraft commit adultery tell lies give false evidence cheat employees oppress widows and orphans abuse foreigners and do not respect me, says the Lord Almighty.
And I will come neere to you to iudgement, and I will be a swift witnesse against the southsayers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that wrongfully keepe backe the hirelings wages, and vexe the widowe, and the fatherlesse, and oppresse the stranger, and feare not me, sayth the Lord of hostes.
And I have drawn near to you for judgment, And I have been a witness, Making haste against sorcerers, And against adulterers, And against swearers to a falsehood, And against oppressors of the hire of an hireling, Of a widow, and of a fatherless one, And those turning aside a sojourner, And who fear Me not, said Jehovah of Hosts.
I will come near to you to judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against the perjurers, and against those who oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and who deprive the foreigner of justice, and don’t fear me,” says the LORD of Armies.
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right , and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
And I will come to you in judgment, and will be a speedy witness against sorcerers, and adulterers, and false swearers, and them that oppress the hireling in his wages; the widows, and the fatherless: and oppress the stranger, and have not feared me, saith the Lord of hosts.
This is what the Commander of the armies of angels says: “At that time, I will come to you to judge you. I will quickly testify against all those who practice sorcery/witchcraft, all those who have committed adultery, and all liars. I will testify against those who have not given their workers the pay/wages that they promised, those who ◄oppress/treat cruelly► widows and orphans, and those who do not allow foreigners who live among you to be treated fairly. I will testify that all the people who do those things do not revere me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Malachi 3:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Malachi 3:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/קָרַבְתִּ֣י
אֲלֵי/כֶם֮
לַ/מִּשְׁפָּט֒
וְ/הָיִ֣יתִי
עֵ֣ד
מְמַהֵ֗ר
בַּֽ/מְכַשְּׁפִים֙
וּ/בַ/מְנָ֣אֲפִ֔ים
וּ/בַ/נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים
לַ/שָּׁ֑קֶר
וּ/בְ/עֹשְׁקֵ֣י
שְׂכַר
שָׂ֠כִיר
אַלְמָנָ֨ה
וְ/יָת֤וֹם
וּ/מַטֵּי
גֵר֙
וְ/לֹ֣א
יְרֵא֔וּ/נִי
אָמַ֖ר
יְהוָ֥ה
צְבָאֽוֹת
וְ/קָרַבְתִּ֣י
qârab
H7126
to present
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֲלֵי/כֶם֮
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לַ/מִּשְׁפָּט֒
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms
וְ/הָיִ֣יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
עֵ֣ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-ms
מְמַהֵ֗ר
mâhar
H4116
to hasten
V-Piel
בַּֽ/מְכַשְּׁפִים֙
kâshaph
H3784
to practice sorcery
Prep | V-Piel
וּ/בַ/מְנָ֣אֲפִ֔ים
nâʼaph
H5003
to commit adultery
Conj | Prep | V-Piel
וּ/בַ/נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
Conj | Prep | V-Niphal
לַ/שָּׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
Prep | N-ms
וּ/בְ/עֹשְׁקֵ֣י
ʻâshaq
H6231
to oppress
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
שְׂכַר
sâkâr
H7939
wages
N-ms
שָׂ֠כִיר
sâkîyr
H7916
hired
Adj
אַלְמָנָ֨ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
widow
N-fs
וְ/יָת֤וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
orphan
Conj | N-ms
וּ/מַטֵּי
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
Conj | V-Hiphil
גֵר֙
gêr
H1616
sojourner
N-ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יְרֵא֔וּ/נִי
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָאֽוֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Malachi 3:5
וְ/קָרַבְתִּ֣י
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
אֲלֵי/כֶם֮
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לַ/מִּשְׁפָּט֒
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
וְ/הָיִ֣יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עֵ֣ד
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
מְמַהֵ֗ר
mâhar
H4116
"to hasten"
V-Piel
This word means to hurry or do something quickly, like when someone is in a rush. It can also mean to buy something by paying a price. The Bible uses it in Genesis.
Definition: 1)(Qal) to hasten 1a) (Niphal) to be hurried, be anxious 1a) hasty, precipitate, impetuous 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to hasten, make haste 1b2) hasten (used as adverb with another verb) 1b3) to hasten, prepare quickly, do quickly, bring quickly
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: be carried headlong, fearful, (cause to make, in, make) haste(-n, -ily), (be) hasty, (fetch, make ready) [idiom] quickly, rash, [idiom] shortly, (be so) [idiom] soon, make speed, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] straightway, [idiom] suddenly, swift. See also: Genesis 18:6; 1 Samuel 28:24; Psalms 16:4.
בַּֽ/מְכַשְּׁפִים֙
kâshaph
H3784
"to practice sorcery"
Prep | V-Piel
To practice sorcery means to use magic or witchcraft to try to control or manipulate others. In the Bible, this is strongly condemned, as seen in books like Deuteronomy and Revelation.
Definition: 1) (Piel) to practice witchcraft or sorcery, use witchcraft 1a) sorcerer, sorceress (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: sorcerer, (use) witch(-craft). See also: Exodus 7:11; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Malachi 3:5.
וּ/בַ/מְנָ֣אֲפִ֔ים
nâʼaph
H5003
"to commit adultery"
Conj | Prep | V-Piel
This word means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, like in the story of David and Bathsheba. It can also mean to worship idols, which is a form of spiritual adultery. In the Bible, it is used to describe both physical and spiritual unfaithfulness.
Definition: 1) to commit adultery 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to commit adultery 1a1a) usually of man 1a1a1) always with wife of another 1a1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1a2) idolatrous worship (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to commit adultery 1b1a) of man 1b1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1b2) idolatrous worship (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: adulterer(-ess), commit(-ing) adultery, woman that breaketh wedlock. See also: Exodus 20:14; Jeremiah 23:10; Psalms 50:18.
וּ/בַ/נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
Conj | Prep | V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
לַ/שָּׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
וּ/בְ/עֹשְׁקֵ֣י
ʻâshaq
H6231
"to oppress"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
To oppress means to press upon or defraud someone, often violently. It is used to describe wrongdoing in the Bible, such as in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) to press upon, oppress, violate, defraud, do violence, get deceitfully, wrong, extort 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to oppress, wrong, extort 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Pual) to be exploited, be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: get deceitfully, deceive, defraud, drink up, (use) oppress(-ion), -or), do violence (wrong). See also: Leviticus 5:21; Proverbs 14:31; Psalms 72:4.
שְׂכַר
sâkâr
H7939
"wages"
N-ms
Payment for work or services, like the wages paid to the laborers in Matthew 20:8. This word encompasses various forms of compensation, including salary, fare, or maintenance. It is about receiving payment for something.
Definition: 1) hire, wages 1a) wages 1b) reward, pay 1c) fare, fee, passage-money
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: hire, price, reward(-ed), wages, worth. See also: Genesis 15:1; 2 Chronicles 15:7; Psalms 127:3.
שָׂ֠כִיר
sâkîyr
H7916
"hired"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a hired worker, someone paid by the day or year. In the Bible, hired laborers were common, and the KJV translates this word as hired or hireling.
Definition: 1) hired 1a) hired (of animal) 1b) hireling, hired labourer (subst) 1b1) mercenary
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: hired (man, servant), hireling. See also: Exodus 12:45; Deuteronomy 15:18; Isaiah 16:14.
אַלְמָנָ֨ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
"widow"
N-fs
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, often left alone and vulnerable. The Bible teaches care and compassion for widows, as seen in the stories of Ruth and Naomi. God commands his people to look out for them.
Definition: widow
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: desolate house (palace), widow. See also: Genesis 38:11; Job 29:13; Psalms 68:6.
וְ/יָת֤וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
"orphan"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an orphan or a child without a father, like in Exodus where God commands the Israelites to care for the fatherless.
Definition: an orphan, fatherless
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fatherless (child), orphan. See also: Exodus 22:21; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 10:14.
וּ/מַטֵּי
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
Conj | V-Hiphil
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
גֵר֙
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְרֵא֔וּ/נִי
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָאֽוֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
Study Notes — Malachi 3:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Malachi 3:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Malachi 3:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 3:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 3:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 3:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 3:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 3:5
- Cambridge Bible on Malachi 3:5
- Barnes' Notes on Malachi 3:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Malachi 3:5
- Sermons on Malachi 3:5
Context — I Will Send My Messenger
3And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.
4Then the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in days of old and years gone by.
5“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.
6“Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed. 7Yet from the days of your fathers, you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. “But you ask, ‘How can we return?’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 5:8–9 | You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door! |
| 2 | Hebrews 13:4 | Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 5:11 | You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain. |
| 4 | James 5:4 | Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 27:19 | ‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 6 | Malachi 2:14 | Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. |
| 7 | Galatians 5:19–21 | The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 | Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. |
| 9 | Revelation 22:15 | But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 7:9–10 | Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? |
Malachi 3:5 Summary
[In Malachi 3:5, God says He will come near to judge those who are doing wrong, like sorcerers, adulterers, and people who cheat others, which is similar to what He says in Jeremiah 5:28-29 where He condemns those who do not defend the cause of the fatherless. He is especially concerned about people who hurt those who are already vulnerable, like widows and orphans, as seen in James 1:27 where it says pure religion is to care for the fatherless and widows. God wants us to respect and obey Him, and to treat others with fairness and kindness, as seen in Micah 6:8 where it says we are to do justice and love kindness. If we do not fear God and live according to His ways, we can expect Him to hold us accountable, but if we turn to Him and live righteously, He will bless us, as seen in Psalm 34:15-16 where it says the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to be a 'swift witness' against certain groups of people?
In Malachi 3:5, God says He will be a swift witness against those who practice evil, such as sorcerers and adulterers, which means He will quickly testify against them and bring judgment, as seen in Revelation 20:12 where God judges people according to their deeds.
Why does God specifically mention the widowed and fatherless in this verse?
God has a special concern for the vulnerable, such as the widowed and fatherless, as seen in Exodus 22:22 and Deuteronomy 10:18, and He will hold those who oppress them accountable for their actions.
What does it mean to 'fear' God in the context of this verse?
To fear God means to have a deep respect and reverence for Him, recognizing His power and authority, as seen in Psalm 111:10, and to live in obedience to His commands, which is lacking in those who defraud laborers and deny justice to the foreigner.
How does God's judgment relate to His refining and purifying of the sons of Levi in Malachi 3:3?
God's judgment in Malachi 3:5 is a continuation of His refining and purifying work, as He seeks to cleanse His people of sin and restore them to righteousness, as seen in Isaiah 48:10 where God refines His people like silver.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be oppressing or taking advantage of others, and how can I make things right?
- How can I demonstrate a deeper fear of God in my daily life, and what would be the consequences of not fearing Him?
- What are some ways I can show love and care to the vulnerable, such as the widowed and fatherless, in my community?
- How does the promise of God's swift judgment against evil affect my perspective on justice and morality in the world?
Gill's Exposition on Malachi 3:5
And I will come near to you to judgment,.... And so will manifestly appear to be the God of judgment they asked after, Malachi 2:17 this is not to be understood of Christ's coming to judgment at the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 3:5
Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 3:5
And I; either God the Father, or Christ the Messiah, to whom the Father hath committed all judgment, . Will come near; you have spoken as if you thought I was far off, but by what I do you shall see I am near to you, and you shall feel my hand, that you may believe I am a God of judgment, and they happy who wait for him, and they miserable who fall under his judgments. To you O Jews; not those very persons Malachi preached to, but those who should be then living when the Messiah cometh, which was more than four hundred years after Malachi’ s preaching, by which time his hearers were all dead. To judgment, against the wicked, to whom he would be what fire is to the dross in the furnace; to the righteous what the fire is to purer parts of the gold: he will consume the wicked, he will refine the good, he will be terrible to both in doing this. I will be a swift witness: in that he will be a witness, they may be assured that they should. not be quitted in judgment for want of evidence; and in that a swift witness, they may be sure he will come in timely enough against them. And further yet, he that comes near as Judge to call them to an account, was always near them to observe all they did, all they spake, or thought, and he will be near as witness against them. Against the sorcerers: sorcery was forbidden, and God testifies his detestation of the sin, and such as practise it, : the people of God, who may consult with their God, his word, and prophets, do very abominably if they consult with the devil; a sin their fathers learnt among the Egyptians, a sin they had learnt among the Chaldeans during the captivity, and practised under the second temple. The adulterers; who transgressed the law of nature and of God, 22:22; and were by the law to die for it. False swearers; perjury, against which ,4, and God hateth this sin, . Those that oppress the hireling in his wages; either detaining it, or lessening it, .
The widow; who should be relieved, , not oppressed, . The fatherless: such are not only those who have lost their fathers by death, but all friendless ones; God requires us to assist and help such, not oppress them, . That turn aside the stranger from his right; pervert judgment, or wrest the law, or admit false witness against a stranger. Not doing right is ill, though to an enemy, but it is a crying sin to do wrong to a stranger, and God will punish it when it crieth, as he did upon your fathers, , with . And fear not me; neither reverence my precepts to keep them, not tremble at my threats to prevent the execution of them by declining the sins I threaten. Irreligion is the root of all these oppressions, and God will punish them.
Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 3:5
Malachi 3:5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.Ver. 5. And I will come near to you to judgment] q.d. You conceit me a great way off, and put far from you the thoughts of my coming, having been so bold as to ask, "Where is the God of judgment?" &c. "Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me." Not, as you desired, to avenge you of your enemies, but, as justice requireth, to be avenged of you for your impieties which I have here billed up against yon. And that ye may not think to escape, know that as I am a Judge at hand, so a present witness, testis festinantissimus, a most swift witness, to evict and punish you, for your most secret sins. So, then, however the Lord spare long, yet he will be at length both a hasty witness and a severe Judge against those that abuse his patience; he will not always stand them for a sinning stock, but pay them home for the new and the old, Jeremiah 6:6 Micah 1:3. God owned a revenge to the house of Eli; and yet, at length, by the dilation of Doeg, takes occasion to pay it. It is a vain hope that is raised from the delay of judgment; no time can be any prejudice to the Ancient of days. If his word sleep, it shall not die; but after long intermissions, breaks forth into those effects which men had forgotten to look for, and ceased to fear. The sleeping of vengeance causeth the overflow of sin, Ecclesiastes 8:11, and the overflow of sin causeth the awakening of vengeance, Psalms 50:21, so that sometimes he strikes before he gives any further warning; as Absalom, intending to kill Amnon, spake neither good nor evil to him.
Subito tollitur qui diu toleratur. He was suddenly destroyed who was tolerated for a long time. Till the fiery serpents, God had ever consulted with Moses, and threatened before he punished. Now he strikes and says nothing. The anger is so much more by how much less notified. Still revenges are ever most dangerous and deadly, when God is not heard before he is felt (as in hewing of wood the blow is not heard till the axe be seen to have struck); or if he be heard to say, as Nehemiah 1:9, what do ye imagine against the Lord? he will make an utter end affliction shall not arise up the second time; it is a sign he is implacably bent, and means to have but one blow. The wicked’ s happiness will take its end surely and swiftly. The end is come is come, is come, saith Ezekiel, Ezekiel 7:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 3:5
(5) All these crimes were explicitly forbidden by the Law. Sorcery (Exodus 22:18), adultery (Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22), false-swearing (Leviticus 19:12), defrauding, or withholding of wages (Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15), oppressing the widow and orphan (Exodus 22:22-24), doing injustice to a stranger (Deuteronomy 24:17; Deuteronomy 27:19). (Comp. also Zechariah 7:9-10; Zechariah 8:16-17.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 3:5
Verse 5. I will come near to you to judgment] And what fearful cases does he get to judge! Sorcerers, adulterers, false swearers, defrauders of the wages of the hireling, oppressors of widows and orphans, and perverters of the stranger and such as do not fear the Lord: a horrible crew; and the land at that time was full of them. Several were converted under the preaching of Christ and his apostles, and the rest the Romans destroyed or carried into captivity.
Cambridge Bible on Malachi 3:5
5. to judgment] This is the answer to the challenge of the people at large, “Where is the God of judgment?” The “messenger” shall be sent. The Lord of the temple shall suddenly follow him (Malachi 3:1). His first work shall be to purify the priesthood (Malachi 3:2-4). That accomplished, He shall open His solemn assize for the people generally (Malachi 3:5). a swift witness] What need of further witnesses, when the Judge Himself is Witness also! “How great the dread of judgment, when He is witness and Judge! Witness too He is against all ‘sorcerers’ and ‘adulterers’, for these crimes are perpetrated in secret, and shall thus be brought forth to light, that they be hid no longer.” Jerome, quoted by Rosenmuller. We have a similar example of the identity of Judge and Witness, Psalms 50:6-7. By “swift” is denoted not only the alacrity of the witness, but the suddenness with which the judgment falls: “not only that which happens without delay, but also that which bursts unexpectedly, after an interval of time, upon those who forgetful of warnings are living in security. In that sense the day of final judgment is predicted as αἰφνίδιος and sudden, Luke 21:34.” Rosenm. Comp. “suddenly”, Malachi 3:1 above. from his right] These words are added both in A.V. and R.V. The fuller, though somewhat different expression, “turn aside (‘pervert’ A.V., ‘wrest’ R.V.) the judgment of the stranger”, occurs Deuteronomy 24:17; Deuteronomy 27:19.
All the sins enumerated in this verse are condemned in terms in the Law. fear not me] To this as to their root all the sins already mentioned are traced up, while at the same time many who were free from gross outward sins are by this condemned.
Barnes' Notes on Malachi 3:5
And I will come near to you to judgment - They had clamored for the coming of “the God of judgment;” God assures them that He will come to judgment, which they had desired, but far other than they look for.
Whedon's Commentary on Malachi 3:5
5. Jehovah will prove himself a God of judgment (Malachi 2:17) to every evil doer, for the judgment will not be confined to the priests; the whole nation will feel it and all sinners will be swept away.
Sermons on Malachi 3:5
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God Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the need for a revival of faith and a return to God's unchanging truth. He emphasizes that while God and the gospel remain constant, it is o |
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I Am the God That Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing our accountability to God. He warns that without the blessing of God and the guidance of His Word, we are los |
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A Cry Against Wicked Youth! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Cry Against Wicked Youth!' where he draws parallels between the wickedness of Nineveh and the moral decline of modern youth. He |
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Be Ye Ready Is No Joking Matter by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Matthew 24:42-51, emphasizing the importance of being ready for the coming of the Lord. He urges the congregation to turn their |
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Are You Ready for the Coming of Jesus by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the coming of Jesus and the signs that will precede it. He references the scripture in Matthew 24, where Jesus compares his co |
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James by Billy Strachan | In this sermon, the speaker introduces the epistle of James and provides background information before diving into the main subject. The writer of the epistle is identified as Jame |
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It Will Not Be Long by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of patience and steadfastness in the face of trials, reminding believers that the coming of the Lord is near. He encourages the faithful to |