Malachi 3:4

Authorized King James Version

Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעָֽרְבָה֙

H6149

be pleasant

to be agreeable

לַֽיהוָ֔ה

H3068

unto the LORD

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

מִנְחַ֥ת

H4503

Then shall the offering

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

יְהוּדָ֖ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וִירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

and Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

כִּימֵ֣י

H3117

as in the days

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

עוֹלָ֔ם

H5769

of old

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וּכְשָׁנִ֖ים

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

קַדְמֹנִיּֽוֹת׃

H6931

and as in former

(of time) anterior or (of place) oriental

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?