Malachi 3:2

Authorized King James Version

But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' sope:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמִ֤י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

מְכַלְכֵּל֙

H3557

But who may abide

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

י֣וֹם

H3117

the 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

בּוֹא֔וֹ

H935

of his coming

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וּמִ֥י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

הָעֹמֵ֖ד

H5975

and who shall stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בְּהֵרָֽאוֹת֑וֹ

H7200

when he appeareth

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#10

הוּא֙

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#11

כְּאֵ֣שׁ

H784

fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#12

מְצָרֵ֔ף

H6884

for he is like a refiner's

to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)

#13

וּכְבֹרִ֖ית

H1287

' soap

vegetable alkali

#14

מְכַבְּסִֽים׃

H3526

and like fullers

to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative

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 revelation 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

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?