Malachi 3:10

Authorized King James Version

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָבִ֨יאוּ

H935

Bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַֽמַּעֲשֵׂ֜ר

H4643

ye all the tithes

a tenth; especially a tithe

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּבֵיתִ֔י

H1004

in mine house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הָאוֹצָ֗ר

H214

into the storehouse

a depository

וִיהִ֥י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

טֶ֙רֶף֙

H2964

that there may be meat

something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food

#10

בְּבֵיתִ֔י

H1004

in mine house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#11

וּבְחָנ֤וּנִי

H974

and prove

to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate

#12

נָא֙

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#13

בָּזֹ֔את

H2063

me now herewith

this (often used adverb)

#14

אָמַ֖ר

H559

saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#15

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

צְבָא֑וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#17

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#18

לֹ֧א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#19

אֶפְתַּ֣ח

H6605

if I will not open

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

#20

לָכֶ֗ם

#21

אֵ֚ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#22

אֲרֻבּ֣וֹת

H699

you the windows

a lattice; (by implication) a window, dovecot (because of the pigeon-holes), chimney (with its apertures for smoke), sluice (with openings for water)

#23

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#24

וַהֲרִיקֹתִ֥י

H7324

and pour you out

to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e., empty

#25

לָכֶ֛ם

#26

בְּרָכָ֖ה

H1293

a blessing

benediction; by implication prosperity

#27

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#28

בְּלִי

H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

#29

דָֽי׃

H1767

that there shall not be room enough

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Malachi. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Malachi chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?