Malachi 3:7

Authorized King James Version

Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְמִימֵ֨י
H3117
Even from 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
#2
אֲבֹתֵיכֶ֜ם
H1
of your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#3
סַרְתֶּ֤ם
H5493
ye are gone away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#4
מֵֽחֻקַּי֙
H2706
from mine ordinances
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#5
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
שְׁמַרְתֶּ֔ם
H8104
and have not kept
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#7
נָשֽׁוּב׃
H7725
Wherein shall we return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#8
אֵלַי֙
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
נָשֽׁוּב׃
H7725
Wherein shall we return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם
H559
But ye said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
צְבָא֑וֹת
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
#14
וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם
H559
But ye said
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
בַּמֶּ֥ה
H4100
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#16
נָשֽׁוּב׃
H7725
Wherein shall we return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

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