Malachi 3:16

Authorized King James Version

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָ֧ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

נִדְבְּר֛וּ

H1696

spake often

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יִרְאֵ֥י

H3373

Then they that feared

fearing; morally, reverent

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

and the LORD

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

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶל

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

רֵעֵ֑הוּ

H7453

to another

an associate (more or less close)

וַיַּקְשֵׁ֤ב

H7181

hearkened

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

and the LORD

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

#10

וַיִּשְׁמָ֔ע

H8085

and heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#11

וַ֠יִּכָּתֵב

H3789

was written

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

#12

סֵ֣פֶר

H5612

it and a book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

#13

זִכָּר֤וֹן

H2146

of remembrance

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

#14

לְפָנָיו֙

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#15

לְיִרְאֵ֣י

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#16

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

and the LORD

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

#17

וּלְחֹשְׁבֵ֖י

H2803

and that thought

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

#18

שְׁמֽוֹ׃

H8034

upon his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?