Malachi 3:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָ֣יוּ
H1961
וְהָ֣יוּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אָמַר֙
And they shall be mine saith
H559
אָמַר֙
And they shall be mine saith
Strong's:
H559
Word #:
3 of 19
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
5 of 19
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
לַיּ֕וֹם
in that day
H3117
לַיּ֕וֹם
in that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 19
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
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֹשֶׂ֣ה
when I make up
H6213
עֹשֶׂ֣ה
when I make up
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אִ֔ישׁ
them as a man
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
them as a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
15 of 19
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)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּנ֖וֹ
his own son
H1121
בְּנ֖וֹ
his own son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
17 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Exodus 19:5Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:Deuteronomy 7:6For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.2 Corinthians 6:18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Psalms 135:4For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.Jeremiah 31:33But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.Romans 8:32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?Deuteronomy 14:2For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.Malachi 1:6A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?1 Corinthians 6:20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Historical Context
The term "segullah" appears in Exodus 19:5 where God calls Israel His "peculiar treasure" (treasured possession). Here it narrows to the faithful remnant within Israel—those who feared the LORD (3:16) versus those who questioned His justice (3:13-15). This anticipates New Testament teaching that not all ethnic Israel is true Israel (Romans 9:6-8), but those who believe constitute God's treasured possession (Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9). The "day" when God makes up His jewels is judgment day when He vindicates the faithful and judges the wicked.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be God's "jewels" or treasured possession?
- How does the father-son analogy illustrate God's relationship with faithful servants?
- What assurance does this verse provide about God's ultimate vindication of His people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"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." God declares the faithful remnant His "jewels" (segullah)—treasured possession, special treasure. The phrase "in that day" points to judgment day when God separates wheat from chaff. "When I make up my jewels" (be-yom asher ani oseh segullah) describes God gathering His treasured ones. "I will spare them" (chamalti alav) means show compassion, have pity. The comparison to a father sparing his son who serves him illustrates covenant relationship—not arbitrary selection but loving response to faithful service.