Malachi 3:16
What does Malachi 3:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Malachi 3:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Malachi 3:16 means
In direct contrast to the cynics described in verses 13-15, this verse highlights the faithful remnant within Israel. "Then they that feared Jehovah spake one with another," indicating a community of believers who encouraged each other in their faith amidst widespread apostasy. God's response is profound: "Jehovah hearkened, and heard." This signifies His attentiveness and approval of their devotion. A "book of remembrance was written before him" for those who honored God and thought upon His name, symbolizing God's meticulous record-keeping and His promise never to forget the faithful acts and devotion of His true followers, assuring them a future reward.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then they that feared Jehovah spake one with another; and Jehovah hearkened, and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared Jehovah, and that thought upon his name.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then they that feared Jehovah spake one with another; and Jehovah hearkened, and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared Jehovah, and that thought upon his name.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then those in whom was the fear of the Lord had talk together: and the Lord gave ear, and it was recorded in a book to be kept in mind before him, for those who had the fear of the Lord and gave thought to his name.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Then have those fearing Jehovah spoken one to another, And Jehovah doth attend and hear, And written is a book of memorial before Him Of those fearing Jehovah, And of those esteeming His name.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then they that feared the Lord, spoke every one with his neighbour: and the Lord gave ear, and heard it: and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that fear the Lord, and think on his name.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then they that feared Jehovah spoke often one to another; and Jehovah observed [it], and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared Jehovah, and that thought upon his name.
Context
This verse provides a vivid contrast to the cynical and complaining majority described in verses 13-15. It explicitly introduces a faithful remnant, shifting from the widespread apostasy to those who remained loyal. The divine response of hearing and recording their names then sets the stage for the specific promises of divine ownership and sparing for these faithful ones, detailed in verse 17.
v.15and now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are built up; yea, they tempt God, and escape.
v.16This passage
v.17And they shall be mine, saith Jehovah of hosts, even mine own possession, in the day that I make; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 65:6
Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, yea, I will recompense into their bosom,
- Hebrews 3:13
but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin:
- Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
- Ephesians 5:19
speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
- Job 19:23
Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
- Esther 2:23
And when inquisition was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.
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