Malachi 1 4

Malachi 1:4 kjv

Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.

Malachi 1:4 nkjv

Even though Edom has said, "We have been impoverished, But we will return and build the desolate places," Thus says the LORD of hosts: "They may build, but I will throw down; They shall be called the Territory of Wickedness, And the people against whom the LORD will have indignation forever.

Malachi 1:4 niv

Edom may say, "Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins." But this is what the LORD Almighty says: "They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the LORD.

Malachi 1:4 esv

If Edom says, "We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins," the LORD of hosts says, "They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called 'the wicked country,' and 'the people with whom the LORD is angry forever.'"

Malachi 1:4 nlt

Esau's descendants in Edom may say, "We have been shattered, but we will rebuild the ruins." But the LORD of Heaven's Armies replies, "They may try to rebuild, but I will demolish them again. Their country will be known as 'The Land of Wickedness,' and their people will be called 'The People with Whom the LORD Is Forever Angry.'

Malachi 1 verses

Malachi 1 4 Meaning

Malachi 1:4 declares God's immutable judgment upon Edom, also known as Esau, despite their attempts to recover from previous devastation. While Edom confidently asserts their intent to rebuild, the LORD of hosts emphatically states that He will ensure their destruction. As a result of their persistent wickedness and hostility towards God and His people, they will forever be identified as "The Wicked Land" and "The People with whom the LORD is indignant forever," signifying a permanent state of divine wrath and an enduring infamous reputation among nations.

Malachi 1 4 Context

Malachi's prophecy opens with God declaring His love for Israel (Jacob) but His "hatred" for Edom (Esau). Malachi 1:4 provides the tangible demonstration of this "hatred"—not an arbitrary, emotional dislike, but a judicial consequence of Edom's persistent character and actions. Historically, Edom, descendants of Esau, consistently acted with treachery and hostility against Israel, particularly during their times of weakness, such as the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem (as seen in Psa 137 and Obadiah). Their statement "We have been shattered, but we will rebuild the ruins!" likely refers to the Nabatean conquest of Edom's traditional homeland (circa 4th-5th century BCE), forcing many Edomites to migrate northward into southern Judah (eventually becoming Idumea). The verse asserts that even this setback and their subsequent human resolve to rebuild are inconsequential before the sovereign decree of the LORD, who has determined their perpetual desolation. It serves as a stark contrast to God's patient yet reproving engagement with His chosen people, Israel, reinforcing His faithfulness to His covenant love despite their shortcomings.

Malachi 1 4 Word analysis

• Though Edom (אֱדוֹם - 'Edom): Descendants of Esau. Their historical trajectory and ongoing antagonism towards Israel served as a constant antithesis to God's chosen nation. The mention highlights a national, corporate identity, reflecting centuries of enmity. Their very name symbolizes their rejection of spiritual inheritance (Gen 25:29-34).

• says (אָמַר - 'amar): Denotes a confident, defiant declaration. Edom's statement isn't a mere wish but a strong proclamation of self-reliance and determination, underscoring their hubris.

• 'We have been shattered (הֻדָּמִיתִי - huddamiti)', but 'we will rebuild (נָשׁוּב בָּנִינוּ - nashuv baninu) the ruins (חָרָבוֹת - charavot)!': "Shattered" (from damam) suggests being brought to silence, cut off, or destroyed. This refers to a profound past devastation, specifically the Nabatean invasion that displaced them. Their response "we will rebuild the ruins" reflects human arrogance and a belief in their own strength, determined to defy the apparent permanence of their defeat and restore their fortunes, seemingly without acknowledging divine sovereignty.

• The LORD of hosts (יהוה צְבָאוֹת - Yahweh Tsebaoth): This divine title appears frequently in Malachi, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty, His control over all cosmic and earthly forces, and His role as the mighty warrior God. It contrasts starkly with Edom's puny human resolve, elevating the divine pronouncement above any mortal ambition. It declares that the outcome rests with the supreme authority.

• says (אָמַר - 'amar): Again, a firm declaration, but this time from God, signaling an irrevocable decree.

• 'They may rebuild, but I will tear down (אֶהֱרֹס - ehĕrōs)': This is the divine counter-declaration. "Tear down" (from haras) signifies active, deliberate destruction, a direct and intentional negation of Edom's efforts. It emphasizes God's superior power and His determined purpose, making any human endeavor to defy His will utterly futile.

• 'and men will call them': This phrase implies a public, recognized, and lasting identity decreed by God. It is not just God's private assessment but a permanent stigma recognized by humanity. This permanent label solidifies their notorious reputation throughout history.

• 'The Wicked Land (גְּבוּל רִשְׁעָה - gĕvul rish'ah)': Literally, "border of wickedness" or "territory of wickedness." This is not merely an adjective but a fundamental aspect of their national identity. It indicates that their land and, by extension, their nation is intrinsically defined by ungodliness, malice, and rebellion against divine order, an antithesis to any land blessed by God.

• 'and The People with whom the LORD is indignant (יְהוָה זָעַם - Yahweh za'am) forever (עַד עוֹלָם - 'ad 'olam)': This specifies the nature and duration of their infamy. "Indignant" (from za'am) refers to divine wrath, displeasure, and a settled indignation, suggesting a deeply entrenched and continuous state of God's active disfavor. "Forever" ('ad 'olam) highlights the irreversible and perpetual nature of this judgment, making it a lasting witness to God's justice against unyielding rebellion. This signifies their destiny of never being restored to divine favor.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Though Edom says, 'We have been shattered, but we will rebuild the ruins!'": This phrase captures human defiance and self-reliance in the face of judgment. It reflects a mindset of overcoming adversity through their own might and will, dismissing the possibility of a divine hand in their ruin. It speaks of a proud, unrepentant spirit.
  • "The LORD of hosts says: 'They may rebuild, but I will tear down'": This presents God's sovereign counter-statement, asserting His ultimate authority over human endeavors. It is a clear declaration that any rebuilding by Edom will be met with immediate and decisive divine opposition, rendering their efforts vain. This is an explicit conflict between human will and divine decree, with God's will triumphing absolutely.
  • "and men will call them The Wicked Land, and The People with whom the LORD is indignant forever": This concluding phrase describes the indelible and permanent consequences of Edom's rejection of God. It signifies their future public identity and lasting destiny: to be known for perpetual wickedness and to remain under eternal divine wrath. It's a prophetic declaration of their permanent rejection and a testament to God's righteous judgment against enduring sin.

Malachi 1 4 Bonus section

The "hatred" of Esau mentioned earlier in Malachi (Mal 1:3) is best understood not as an emotional state but as a covenantal preference and judicial determination. It signifies God's sovereign choice of Jacob for His redemptive plan over Esau, manifest in their respective national destinies and the actions that flowed from them. Edom's perpetual enmity towards Israel (symbolizing antagonism to God's people and plan) further solidified this judicial "hatred." Historically, even when Edomites, as Idumeans, integrated into Judea during later periods (e.g., Herod the Great, who was an Idumean), their deep-seated animosity persisted, echoing the ancient spiritual conflict between Jacob and Esau, symbolizing that those persistently set against God's purposes will ultimately face His enduring displeasure.

Malachi 1 4 Commentary

Malachi 1:4 succinctly encapsulates God's absolute sovereignty over nations and the permanence of His righteous judgment. Edom, perpetually hostile to God's chosen people, embodied national arrogance and persistent wickedness. Their boast to "rebuild the ruins" after significant devastation (likely by the Nabateans) was a direct affront to God's unseen hand in their misfortunes. The declaration of "the LORD of hosts" emphatically crushes this human pride, asserting that any attempt at restoration would be futile, as God Himself would tear down what they built. This is not just a passing defeat but an eternal verdict; Edom is eternally designated "The Wicked Land" and "The People with whom the LORD is indignant forever." This passage contrasts God's enduring covenant love for Jacob (Israel) with His unwavering, definitive judgment upon Esau (Edom), illustrating that divine favor is not universal and rebellion has irreversible consequences. It served as a powerful reminder to post-exilic Israel that God remained faithful and just, distinguishing between His chosen people, however unfaithful, and those hardened in unrepentant rebellion.