Malachi 3:4
What does Malachi 3:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Malachi 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Malachi 3:4 means
This verse envisions the positive outcome of the intense purification described in the preceding verses. Once the sons of Levi are refined and offer sacrifices in righteousness, the worship of the entire nation, represented by "Judah and Jerusalem," will again be acceptable to God. The phrase "as in the days of old, and as in ancient years" points to a return to a golden age of pure worship, perhaps recalling the time of Solomon's temple or even earlier, when offerings were truly pleasing to the Lord. It signifies a restoration of Israel's spiritual vitality and covenant faithfulness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto Jehovah, as in the days of old, and as in ancient years.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto Jehovah, as in the days of old, and as in ancient years.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord, as in days gone by, and as in past years.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And sweet to Jehovah hath been the present of Judah and Jerusalem, As in days of old, and as in former years.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the sacrifice of Juda and of Jerusalem shall please the Lord, as in the days of old, and in the ancient years.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then shall the oblation of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto Jehovah, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
Context
Following the promise of priestly purification in verse 3, this verse presents the hopeful result: the restoration of acceptable worship for the entire nation. It shifts from the difficult process of refining to the blessed outcome, setting up a contrast with the current defiled state of worship. This positive vision then provides a stark contrast to the subsequent verses, where God warns of judgment against continued sin.
v.3and he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver; and they shall offer unto Jehovah offerings in righteousness.
v.4This passage
v.5And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against the false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the sojourner from his right, and fear not me, saith Jehovah of hosts.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Chronicles 31:20
And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah; and he wrought that which was good and right and faithful before Jehovah his God.
- 1 Chronicles 21:26
And David built there an altar unto Jehovah, and offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, and called upon Jehovah; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt-offering.
- 1 Chronicles 29:20
And David said to all the assembly, Now bless Jehovah your God. And all the assembly blessed Jehovah, the God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped Jehovah, and the king.
- Zechariah 14:20
In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLY UNTO JEHOVAH; and the pots in Jehovah’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar.
- 1 Chronicles 16:1
And they brought in the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before God.
- 2 Chronicles 7:1
Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of Jehovah filled the house.
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