Malachi 3 10

Malachi 3:10 kjv

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Malachi 3:10 nkjv

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

Malachi 3:10 niv

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

Malachi 3:10 esv

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

Malachi 3:10 nlt

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

Malachi 3 verses

Malachi 3 10 Meaning

Malachi 3:10 is a direct divine appeal to the Israelites who were neglecting their covenant obligations, particularly concerning tithes and offerings. It is a challenge from God to His people to return to faithful obedience in bringing the full tenth of their increase into the temple storehouse. The purpose stated is to ensure there is sufficient sustenance for the Levites, priests, and the operations of God's house. In an extraordinary act, God invites His people to "test" His faithfulness in this specific matter, promising an immeasurable outpouring of blessings from heaven upon them if they comply. This verse highlights the interconnectedness of human obedience, divine provision, and the sustenance of God's work among His people.

Malachi 3 10 Context

Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, written to the Jewish people who had returned from Babylonian exile, likely in the mid-to-late 5th century BC, during or after Nehemiah's time. The initial excitement of return had waned, giving way to cynicism, disillusionment, and spiritual apathy. The prophet confronts their specific failings: compromised priesthood (1:6-2:9), unfaithful worship (1:7-14), mixed marriages and easy divorce (2:10-16), and, critically for chapter 3, questioning God's justice (2:17-3:5) and withholding tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:10 builds directly on verses 8-9, where God accuses the people of "robbing" Him in tithes and offerings, resulting in a curse upon the entire nation. The call in verse 10 is God's antidote to this robbery and a gracious invitation for repentance and restoration of covenant blessings. The historical context indicates widespread neglect, leading to destitution for the Levites who were forced to abandon temple service to provide for their families. The "storehouse" was likely parts of the Temple complex designed to hold the incoming tithes and offerings for the upkeep of the priesthood and temple operations.

Malachi 3 10 Word analysis

• Bring: Hebrew Habi'u (הָבִיאוּ). This is an imperative verb, a direct command. It signifies a decisive and deliberate action required of the people, not a suggestion. It underscores their responsibility in the covenant relationship.
• the whole tithe: Hebrew Kol ha-ma'aser (כָּל הַֽמַּעֲשֵׂר). "Whole" (kol) emphasizes completeness; it's not a partial, blemished, or reluctant offering, but the full tenth as commanded by God. The "tithe" (ma'aser) means "a tenth part," specifically consecrated to God according to Mosaic Law (Lev 27:30, Deut 14:22). It represents the acknowledgement that all provision ultimately comes from God.
• into the storehouse: Hebrew El beit ha-otzar (אֶל בֵּית הָאוֹצָר). The "storehouse" was a designated chamber within the Temple complex in Jerusalem. It was the central treasury where tithes, first fruits, and other offerings were collected (Neh 10:38; 12:44; 13:12). It was vital for the operational needs of the Temple, ensuring priests and Levites received their due sustenance, and providing for other religious functions.
• that there may be food in My house: Hebrew Wihyiye-otchel beveti (וִיהִי אֹכֶל בְּבֵיתִֽי). This is a purpose clause. "Food" (okhel) here signifies provisions or sustenance. "My house" (beti) refers to the Temple. The tithe's immediate practical purpose was to provide for the Levites and priests, ensuring continuous worship and service. Without this provision, those serving in the Temple were neglected, impacting the entire nation's spiritual life.
• Test Me in this: Hebrew Bechanuni na bazot (בְּחָנוּנִי נָא בָּזֹאת). This is an extraordinary and unique invitation from God. Typically, humans are commanded not to test God (Deut 6:16, Matt 4:7). This context, however, is an invitation for His people to test His faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to those who obey, contrasting with the previous testing born of doubt or disobedience (Ps 78:18). It's a divine challenge, an exception showing God's confidence in His ability to bless beyond expectation when His people act in faith and obedience regarding their finances. "In this" refers specifically to their bringing of the whole tithe.
• says the Lord of Hosts: Hebrew Amar Yhvh Tzva'ot (אָמַר יְהוָה צְבָאֽוֹת). This common title for God in Malachi (and elsewhere) emphasizes His sovereign power and authority over all angelic armies and the universe. It underlines the gravity of the command and the certainty of the promise. His word is unbreakable.
• open the floodgates of heaven: Hebrew Arubot ha-shamayim (אֲרֻבּוֹת הַשָּׁמַיִם). A vivid metaphorical image. "Floodgates" or "windows" of heaven are associated with divine judgment (Gen 7:11 - the Flood) but here are re-imagined as conduits for overflowing divine blessing. It suggests a supernaturally abundant, overwhelming outpouring, far beyond natural limits.
• pour out for you blessing: Hebrew Hashkachti lachem b'rakha (וַהֲרִיקֹתִ֨י לָכֶ֤ם בְּרָכָה֙). "Pour out" (h-r-y-q) implies an unconstrained, lavish, continuous flow. The "blessing" (brakha) encompasses holistic well-being: spiritual favor, material prosperity, health, peace, and fruitfulness. It's comprehensive, covering all aspects of life.
• without measure: Hebrew Ad-bli-dai (עַד בְּלִי־דָֽי). Literally "until no sufficiency" or "until there is no room left" for more. It conveys an immeasurable, superabundant quantity, far exceeding what one might expect or even be able to contain. It signifies a blessing that overflows, proving God's generous faithfulness.

Words-group analysis:

• Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house: This phrase presents a specific divine instruction coupled with its clear purpose. It highlights God's demand for complete obedience in stewardship, emphasizing the collective responsibility to financially support the system He instituted for His service, specifically the physical sustenance of His consecrated ministers and the maintenance of His sacred space of worship. This act of giving is framed as foundational to the spiritual health of the community.
• Test Me in this”, says the Lord of Hosts: This forms a divine dare, an exceptional challenge to human beings. It shifts the burden of proof from humanity's ability to provide to God's unquestionable capacity to reciprocate abundantly. The emphasis is on this specific act of tithing as the chosen arena for demonstration of God's faithfulness. "The Lord of Hosts" underscores the omnipotent authority behind this unique invitation, ensuring its validity and certainty.
• “and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.": This concluding promise depicts a supernatural response of extravagant proportions. The imagery of "floodgates of heaven" implies an unrestricted, torrent-like deluge of blessing, moving from a constrained flow to an overwhelming abundance. "Without measure" intensifies this, conveying an oversupply that cannot be fully contained or quantified, guaranteeing God's willingness and ability to exceed human expectation in His provision to those who obediently give.

Malachi 3 10 Bonus section

The "storehouse" concept in Malachi has profound implications. It centralized the financial and material support for God's work, emphasizing communal responsibility for sustaining the worship and ministry. This prevents fragmentation and ensures resources are allocated effectively under a common authority. The focus of the promised blessing "without measure" is often seen predominantly as material wealth. While agricultural and material prosperity was a significant part of the Mosaic Covenant blessings for obedience, the broader biblical context suggests God's blessing encompasses all aspects of life: spiritual vitality, good health, peace, righteous offspring, protection from pests and diseases, and favor in all endeavors (Deut 28). Ultimately, the greatest blessing God can "pour out" is Himself, culminating in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, leading to spiritual life that is truly "without measure" (Jn 10:10). Thus, obedience in giving not only meets tangible needs for God's earthly kingdom but also positions believers to receive deeper spiritual graces.

Malachi 3 10 Commentary

Malachi 3:10 stands as a climactic point in God's confrontation with post-exilic Israel. It is an extraordinary declaration of divine intent and a challenge that cuts through the prevailing spiritual lethargy and financial dishonesty. Having accused His people of "robbing" Him by withholding tithes and offerings (vv. 8-9), God, in His boundless grace, offers a pathway to restoration and renewed blessing. The command to "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse" is not just about financial regulation; it is an call to trust and an act of worship. The "storehouse" was critical for the Temple's operation, ensuring the Levites and priests, who had no land inheritance, were supported and could focus on their sacred duties. Their neglect had led many Levites to abandon their service, impacting the nation's spiritual well-being.

The phrase "Test Me in this" is remarkable, as it is the sole instance in Scripture where God invites His people to put Him to the test concerning a matter of obedience and faithfulness, rather than a test stemming from doubt or a desire to tempt God. This invitation underscores God's absolute certainty in His ability to perform His promise and demonstrates His eager desire for His people to experience His goodness. The promised blessing—the opening of the "floodgates of heaven" and a "blessing without measure"—paints a picture of unparalleled, superabundant provision, both material and spiritual. It goes beyond mere sufficiency to overflowing abundance. This blessing serves as a tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness when His people return to Him wholeheartedly.

The principles of Malachi 3:10 extend beyond the immediate context of Old Testament Temple economy. They speak to the enduring truth of God's character as a provider, His call for generous and obedient stewardship, and His promise to bless those who honor Him with their firstfruits and substance. While the legalistic mandate of the tithe transitions in the New Testament to principles of grace-driven, cheerful, and proportionate giving, the underlying promise of God's abundance in response to faithful giving remains (2 Cor 9:6-8). The "storehouse" today often represents the local church or established ministries that facilitate the work of the Kingdom. Malachi 3:10 encourages believers to experience the joy of generosity, knowing that our giving enables God's work on earth and unlocks His measureless provision in our lives.

Practical examples:

• A farmer who faithfully gives from his harvest experiences unusual fruitfulness in his crops or unexpectedly strong markets.
• A family, committed to tithing, finds they always have enough for their needs despite a modest income, and often find creative ways to bless others.
• A congregation that gives generously to its church witnesses significant growth in its outreach programs and an overwhelming sense of unity and spiritual blessing.