Malachi 3:12

And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִשְּׁר֥וּ

H833

shall call you blessed

to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper

אֶתְכֶ֖ם

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)

הַגּוֹיִ֑ם

H1471

And all nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִהְי֤וּ

H1961

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

אַתֶּם֙

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֶ֣רֶץ

H776

land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

חֵ֔פֶץ

H2656

for ye shall be a delightsome

pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)

#10

אָמַ֖ר

H559

saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#12

צְבָאֽוֹת׃

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Malachi, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Malachi.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?