Malachi 3 16

Malachi 3:16 kjv

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

Malachi 3:16 nkjv

Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name.

Malachi 3:16 niv

Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.

Malachi 3:16 esv

Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name.

Malachi 3:16 nlt

Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.

Malachi 3 verses

Malachi 3 16 Meaning

Malachi 3:16 describes a faithful remnant during a time of widespread spiritual apathy and rebellion against the Lord. These devout individuals, characterized by their reverence and awe for God, found fellowship among themselves, sharing and affirming their faith. In stark contrast to those who spoke arrogantly against God, the Lord intently listened and fully perceived the words and attitudes of these devoted ones. Consequently, a divine record, a "book of remembrance," was meticulously kept in God's presence, specifically for those who maintained a reverent fear of Him and consistently valued and pondered His divine character. This signifies God's personal attention, validation, and assured remembrance of His loyal servants, ensuring their distinction and eventual vindication.

Malachi 3 16 Context

Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, written in the post-exilic period, likely in the 5th century BC, roughly a century after the first exiles returned to Jerusalem. The people had become complacent, their initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the temple and their nation had waned, giving way to apathy, skepticism, and corruption in religious practices. Priests offered defiled sacrifices, people neglected tithing, and social injustice was rampant.

Chapters 3 opens with a promise of the Lord's coming and a messenger (John the Baptist). Verses 7-12 deal with the people's failure in tithing and God's promise of blessing for obedience. Crucially, Malachi 3:13-15 sets the immediate backdrop for verse 16. In these preceding verses, the prophet recounts the cynical complaints of the unrighteous: they claim it is "futile to serve God" (v. 14), that "the arrogant are blessed," and "the workers of wickedness are raised up" (v. 15). They challenge God's justice, asserting there's no real advantage in piety. Malachi 3:16 then directly introduces a contrasting group: those who did not agree with such cynical assessments. Their response of reverent fellowship and God's recognition of them serves as a divine counter-argument to the prevalent apostasy and a polemic against the notion that God does not notice or care about human conduct.

Malachi 3 16 Word analysis

• Then (אָז, 'az): This temporal adverb signifies a point in time or a consequence following the previous statements (Mal 3:13-15). It indicates a shift, highlighting the emergence of a contrasting group amidst the cynicism.
• those who feared (יִרְאֵי, yir'ei, from יָרֵא, yare): More than simple terror, this term signifies profound reverence, awe, and worship. It implies acknowledging God's holiness, authority, and majesty, which naturally leads to obedience and humble submission. It’s a core biblical concept often equated with wisdom and righteous living. In this context, it contrasts sharply with those who spoke insolently against God.
• the Lord (יְהוָה, YHVH): The sacred, covenantal name of God, underscoring His unique, unchangeable character and faithfulness, particularly in relation to His promises to His people, even when they falter.
• spoke (נִדְבְּרוּ, nidbaru): A Niphal form, indicating a reciprocal action – "spoke with one another." It implies discussion, mutual encouragement, edification, and solidarity in their shared faith, rather than gossip or complaining. They discussed God's ways, promises, and shared their hope in Him.
• with one another: Emphasizes the communal aspect of their faith. In a time of spiritual decline and societal corruption, this remnant found strength and support in fellowship.
• and the Lord listened (וַיִּשְׁמַע יְהוָה וַיַּקְשֵׁב, wayyiqshëb wayyišma‘ yhwh): Literally, "and the Lord attended and heard." Hiqshib (attended) means to pay careful, close attention, to lean in to hear. Yishma (heard) indicates perception and understanding, implying an active engagement and not just a passive awareness. This highlights God's personal, deliberate attentiveness to their conversations and prayers, refuting the cynics' claim that He neither sees nor cares.
• heard them: Reassures the faithful that their devotion and struggles are recognized and valued by God.
• And a book of remembrance (סֵפֶר זִכָּרוֹן, sefer zikaron): This is a divinely maintained record or scroll, a symbolic representation of God's perfect memory and justice. Similar to royal chronicles in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms (cf. Esther 6:1), it ensures that the actions and names of the faithful are preserved for future reward and vindication, implying no good deed done for God goes unnoticed.
• was written: Confirms the permanency and certainty of this divine record.
• before Him: Signifies that this book is kept in God's immediate presence, under His direct authority and watchful eye. It is an intrinsic part of His divine administration and righteous governance.
• for those who fear the Lord: Reiteration of the defining characteristic of this group, reinforcing that their genuine reverence for God is the basis for their remembrance.
• and for those who meditate on: (חוֹשְׁבֵי, choshvei, from חָשַׁב, chashav): This suggests profound thought, consideration, contemplation, and deep regard. It’s not just intellectual reflection, but valuing, esteeming, and pondering the significance of.
• His name: Refers to the full revelation of God’s character, attributes, and power (e.g., Yahweh, Elohim, Holy One of Israel). To "meditate on His name" means to deeply value, cherish, and contemplate who God is and what He has revealed about Himself, incorporating it into one's innermost being.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another": This phrase highlights the existence and behavior of a faithful remnant. In a time when most were questioning or discrediting God, this group actively cultivated a reverent relationship with Him and found community with like-minded individuals. Their speech was not complaints against God (like the ungodly) but presumably edifying conversation about God's righteousness, promises, or future vindication.
• "and the Lord listened and heard them": This demonstrates God's immediate and intentional response. Unlike the careless attitude attributed to Him by the unrighteous (Mal 3:14-15), God pays meticulous attention to the devout. This confirms His justice and knowledge, asserting that no act of faith or piety goes unnoticed.
• "And a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and for those who meditate on His name": This signifies divine vindication and future reward. The "book of remembrance" serves as a pledge of God's unwavering commitment to His loyal servants. The dual description "fear the Lord and meditate on His name" defines genuine devotion: a reverent submission of one's life coupled with a deep, contemplative valuing of God's character and revelation. These qualities are divinely preserved for ultimate honor.

Malachi 3 16 Bonus section

The "book of remembrance" here echoes the concept of divine books seen elsewhere in Scripture, notably the "Book of Life" (e.g., Exo 32:32, Phil 4:3, Rev 3:5). While perhaps distinct in specific purpose (one for remembering righteous acts, another for eternal salvation), they both highlight God's meticulous record-keeping and perfect memory, guaranteeing that His purposes for the elect will not be thwarted. This divine record functions as an assurance against feelings of being overlooked or unappreciated, especially in contexts where godlessness seems to prevail. It reminds believers that true justice, though sometimes delayed from a human perspective, is never denied in God's economy. This commitment to remembering His faithful acts as a powerful motivator for enduring in piety amidst trials.

Malachi 3 16 Commentary

Malachi 3:16 serves as a profound comfort and encouragement to believers navigating seasons of spiritual lukewarmness or societal cynicism. It sharply contrasts the complainers and the faithful, asserting God's perfect knowledge and justice. While many scoffed that serving God was futile and the wicked prospered, a steadfast remnant clung to their faith. Their "fear of the Lord" was not slavish dread but profound awe leading to devoted living. Their "speaking with one another" wasn't to join in the complaints, but to fortify their faith through fellowship, sharing hope, and perhaps rehearsing God's past deliverances or future promises.

God's immediate response—"listened and heard them"—reiterates His personal, active involvement in human affairs, directly refuting the blasphemers' claims. This attention culminated in a "book of remembrance," a divine register meticulously kept by God. This "book" assures the righteous that their faith, obedience, and quiet endurance will never be forgotten or unrewarded. It prefigures the day when God will definitively "distinguish between the righteous and the wicked" (Mal 3:18). To "meditate on His name" indicates a profound internalization of God's character, cherishing who He is more than external displays. This verse highlights that God values not just actions but the inner disposition of the heart—a deep reverence for His Person and a steadfast reflection on His nature. It assures His faithful ones of ultimate vindication and eternal remembrance in His sovereign plan.