Malachi 3:17

Authorized King James Version

And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָ֣יוּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לִ֗י
H0
#3
אָמַר֙
H559
And they shall be mine saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
צְבָא֔וֹת
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
#6
לַיּ֕וֹם
H3117
in that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
אֲנִ֖י
H589
i
#9
עֹשֶׂ֣ה
H6213
when I make up
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
סְגֻלָּ֑ה
H5459
my jewels
wealth (as closely shut up)
#11
יַחְמֹ֣ל
H2550
and I will spare
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
#12
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
יַחְמֹ֣ל
H2550
and I will spare
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
#15
אִ֔ישׁ
H376
them as a man
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)
#16
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
בְּנ֖וֹ
H1121
his own son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#18
הָעֹבֵ֥ד
H5647
that serveth
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#19
אֹתֽוֹ׃
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Malachi Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection