Malachi 3:18

Authorized King James Version

Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשַׁבְתֶּם֙
H7725
Then shall ye return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
וּרְאִיתֶ֔ם
H7200
and discern
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#3
בֵּ֥ין
H996
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#4
צַדִּ֖יק
H6662
between the righteous
just
#5
לְרָשָׁ֑ע
H7563
and the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#6
בֵּ֚ין
H996
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#7
עֲבָדֽוֹ׃
H5647
and him that serveth
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#8
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
H430
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#9
לַאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
עֲבָדֽוֹ׃
H5647
and him that serveth
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

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 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