The Bible — World English Bible

Malachi 4

In brief

Malachi 4 is the last chapter of the Old Testament. God announces a burning day that will consume the wicked, but for those who fear his name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. He recalls the law of Moses, then promises to send the prophet Elijah before the great day of Yahweh. His mission: to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers. This chapter opens the expectation that the New Testament comes to fulfill.

The chapter in 3 parts

  1. v. 1-3The day of Yahweh: judgment of the wicked, a sun of righteousness for those who fear God
  2. v. 4Remember the law of Moses
  3. v. 5-6Elijah sent before the day of Yahweh

1“For, behold, the day comes, it burns as a furnace; and all the proud, and all who work wickedness, will be stubble; and the day that comes will burn them up,” says Yahweh of Armies, “that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

2But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out, and leap like calves of the stall.

3You shall tread down the wicked; for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make,” says Yahweh of Armies.

4“Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded to him in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances.

5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes.

6He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

Key verses

Verse 2
But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out, and leap like calves of the stall.

For those who fear God’s name, the sun of righteousness will rise. Christians have recognized in it a title of Jesus Christ, the light that brings healing and joy.

Verse 5
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes.

God promises to send Elijah before the day of Yahweh. The Gospels link this promise to John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way of the Lord.

Verse 6
He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

The last verse of the Old Testament speaks of reconciliation between generations: the hearts of the fathers and of the children turn toward each other. Fatherhood is at the heart of preparing for God’s return.

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What the sermons say

Return to Your Father with a Son's LanguageMEISTAD: the preacher cites Malachi 4:6, the last verse of the Old Testament, as a red thread through the Bible: God wants hearts to turn toward a father, and first of all toward him.Read the summary →Acts 2: From Sinai to the Upper Room, Receive the Holy SpiritÉglise Évangélique Vie Nouvelle: the preacher places Malachi 4:5-6 among the announcements that prepare Pentecost: a new prophet like Elijah, then four hundred years of silence before the fulfillment.Read the summary →John 13: The Foot-Washing, When Jesus Kneels Down for YouÉglise des Ternes: citing Malachi 4:2, the preacher presents Jesus as the sun of righteousness. Even a small piece of mirror turned toward him can reflect his light.Read the summary →When the Little Horn Shouts, Jesus Leads Your BattleCentre Chrétien Nouvelle Vie: Malachi 4:2-3 seals a promise of strength for the one who fears God: the sun of righteousness will rise on him.Read the summary →

Frequently asked questions about Malachi 4

What does “the sun of righteousness” mean in Malachi 4:2?

The expression announces the coming of a light that brings God’s justice and healing to those who fear him. Christians recognize Jesus Christ in it, but the original text speaks first of God’s own intervention on the day he has set. Both readings meet in the hope of deliverance.

Why does Malachi 4 announce the return of Elijah?

God promises to send the prophet Elijah before the great day of Yahweh to prepare the people. The New Testament links this promise to John the Baptist, who called for repentance before Jesus came. Some believers also see it as an announcement still to come. Christian traditions differ on this point.

What is the main message of Malachi 4?

The day of Yahweh comes with justice: judgment for the proud, light for those who fear God. Before that day, God calls us to remember his law and to reconcile the generations. The chapter closes the Old Testament on a promise that stays open and that the New Testament takes up.

Articles quoting Malachi 4

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World English Bible translation — public domain.