But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
Read it in contextI Will Send My Messenger
Start reading at Malachi 3:1 (Malachi 3:1 to Malachi 3:5).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The answer to complaints about justice announces the messenger and purification and calls the people to return in their covenant obligations.
3:1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
3:2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
3:3And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
3:4Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
3:5And 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.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Malachi is the name traditionally given to the prophet. The Hebrew expression can also mean my messenger, so whether it is a personal name or designation is debated. Biblical references: Malachi 1:1. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Malachi 3:1–4:6): The people are challenged about justice, giving, and their words against God. Those who fear the LORD are distinguished from the wicked, and Israel is called to remember Moses' law. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israel's restored community, including priests and people whose worship, covenant conduct, and faithfulness are challenged. Biblical references: Malachi 1:1; Malachi 1:6; Malachi 2:1; Malachi 3:7. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? I Will Send My Messenger. Read Malachi 3:1 through Malachi 3:5 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The answer to complaints about justice announces the messenger and purification and calls the people to return in their covenant obligations. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The text reflects a functioning temple and refers to a governor, but it does not supply a royal year in its opening. A precise date is an inference from that setting. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The address is to Israel, with priests, temple offerings, households, and covenant life in view. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in I Will Send My Messenger (Malachi 3:1 to Malachi 3:5).
Start reading at Malachi 3:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The Gospels connect the promised messenger with John the Baptist's preparatory ministry. Read that connection with Malachi's concern for purification and covenant faithfulness. See Malachi 3:1, Matthew 11:10, Malachi 4:5, Luke 1:17. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Honor God in worship and deal faithfully with others. Commands and rebukes concerning priests, offerings, and tithes need their covenant setting stated before a modern application is drawn. interpretation
Cited: Malachi 3:1, Malachi 3:5, Matthew 11:10, Malachi 4:5, Luke 1:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
MalachiNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens as the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi. Malachi 1:1
Early traditionTradition names Malachi.
What is debatedThe name means my messenger, so a few have argued it is a title rather than a name.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Malachi 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Malachi addresses Israel through disputations concerning the LORD's love, worship, relationships, justice, and covenant faithfulness. Its named audience and temple setting remain important when applying its rebukes. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The answer to complaints about justice announces the messenger and purification and calls the people to return in their covenant obligations.
Connection to the wholeThe answer to complaints about justice announces the messenger and purification and calls the people to return in their covenant obligations.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The final dispute contrasts those who fear the LORD with the wicked and closes with the call to remember the law and the promise concerning Elijah.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Malachi
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Malachi addresses Israel through disputations concerning the LORD's love, worship, relationships, justice, and covenant faithfulness. Its named audience and temple setting remain important when applying its rebukes.
Connection to the wholeThe answer to complaints about justice announces the messenger and purification and calls the people to return in their covenant obligations.
Connection to the wholeThe final dispute contrasts those who fear the LORD with the wicked and closes with the call to remember the law and the promise concerning Elijah.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.