Malachi 3:17
What does Malachi 3:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Malachi 3:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Malachi 3:17 means
This verse reveals God's tender and protective promises to the faithful remnant identified in verse 16. In "the day that I make"—referring to a future day of distinguishing between righteous and wicked, judgment and blessing—God declares, "they shall be mine, even mine own possession." This signifies a special, intimate relationship of ownership and value. Furthermore, God promises to "spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." This imagery conveys divine compassion, grace, and protection, assuring the faithful that they will be preserved and favored, much like a loving father protects his obedient child.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they will be mine, says the Lord, in the day when I make them my special property; and I will have mercy on them as a man has mercy on his son who is his servant.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they have been to Me, said Jehovah of Hosts, In the day that I am appointing--a peculiar treasure, And I have had pity on them, As one hath pity on his son who is serving him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they shall be my special possession, saith the Lord of hosts, in the day that I do judgment: and I will spare them, as a man spareth his son that serveth him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they shall be unto me a peculiar treasure, saith Jehovah of hosts, in the day that I prepare; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Context
Building upon the identification of the faithful remnant and God's acknowledgment of them in verse 16, this verse details God's specific promises to this group. It moves from their present faithfulness and God's recognition to their future security and special status. This promise of divine ownership and sparing culminates in the sharp distinction between the righteous and wicked that will be evident on that future day, as described in verse 18.
v.16Then 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.
v.17This passage
v.18Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 31:33
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:7
and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire,
- Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art a holy people unto Jehovah thy God, and Jehovah hath chosen thee to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth.
- Zephaniah 2:2
before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Jehovah come upon you, before the day of Jehovah’s anger come upon you.
- Malachi 1:6
A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master: if then I am a father, where is mine honor? and if I am a master, where is my fear? saith Jehovah of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
- Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
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