Malachi 4 2

Malachi 4:2 kjv

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Malachi 4:2 nkjv

But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.

Malachi 4:2 niv

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

Malachi 4:2 esv

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

Malachi 4:2 nlt

"But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

Malachi 4 verses

Malachi 4 2 Meaning

This verse offers a profound promise of light, healing, and joy to those who sincerely reverence the Name of the Lord. In contrast to the impending judgment for the wicked, a divine "Sun of Righteousness" will rise specifically for the faithful, bringing not destruction, but restoration, freedom, and vigor, symbolized by frisky calves set free. It signifies the dawning of God's just and redemptive rule, culminating in ultimate spiritual and physical flourishing for His devoted ones.

Malachi 4 2 Context

Malachi 4:2 is part of the final prophetic book of the Old Testament, concluding God's messages to post-exilic Israel. Chapters 3 and 4 particularly focus on the "Day of the Lord," portraying it as a two-sided event: one of severe judgment and purification for the ungodly and the unfaithful (Mal 3:1-5, 4:1), and one of salvation and blessing for those who truly fear and serve God (Mal 3:16-18). The immediate preceding verse (Mal 4:1) warns of the day "burning like an oven," consuming the proud and wicked. Malachi 4:2 directly contrasts this fiery judgment by presenting a hopeful future for the righteous, providing a glorious counterpoint to the impending wrath. This addresses the cynicism and questioning of God's justice prevalent among the people who felt that serving God was futile because the wicked prospered (Mal 3:14-15).

Malachi 4 2 Word analysis

• But for you who revere my name:

  • "But for you": Velâkem (וְלָכֶם). This strong adversative conjunction explicitly introduces a direct contrast, distinguishing the blessed faithful from the cursed wicked described in Mal 4:1. It emphasizes God's discernment and personal relationship.
  • "who revere my name": yir’êy Shemı̂y (יִרְאֵי שְׁמִי). This isn't just a casual acknowledgment, but profound reverence, awe, and worship. "Name" (Shem) represents God's character, authority, and presence. To fear His name implies obedient and reverent submission to His revealed will and being, demonstrating a true covenant relationship as opposed to ritualistic or hypocritical observance.

• the sun of righteousness:

  • "the sun": shemesh (שֶׁמֶשׁ). The literal sun, but here used metaphorically. It symbolizes an intensely bright, powerful, life-giving, and revealing force. It evokes imagery of warmth, clarity, growth, and divine presence.
  • "of righteousness": tsedeqah (צְדָקָה). This term encompasses divine justice, moral uprightness, salvation, and fidelity to the covenant. This isn't merely a "righteous sun," but a "sun that is righteousness" or that dispenses righteousness. It signifies that the source of light and life for the faithful is God's own perfect justice and saving work. This Messianic imagery is central.

• will rise with healing in its wings:

  • "will rise": zarhâh (זָרְחָה). Implies dawning, shining forth, appearing vividly. This is an active, definitive action, marking the arrival of a new era or divine intervention.
  • "with healing": ûmarpê’ (וּמַרְפֵּא). Refers to complete cure, restoration, and well-being. It speaks to both spiritual and physical restoration from the diseases of sin, sorrow, and suffering experienced by the people.
  • "in its wings": biknapheihâ (בִּכְנָפֶיהָ). This is a multi-faceted metaphor. While primarily referring to the sun's rays (extending outward like wings), it can also evoke:
    • Wings of a bird: Suggesting protection, refuge, and carrying (as in Exod 19:4, Ps 91:4), like God protecting His people.
    • Fringes/corners of a garment: (cf. Num 15:38, Zech 8:23) In a Messianic interpretation, it recalls how Jesus healed people by them touching the hem (fringe/wing) of His garment (Matt 9:20-22).This phrase combines the idea of light-rays dispersing across the land, bringing therapeutic and regenerative effects.

• And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall:

  • "And you will go out": Vı̂tshe'tem (וִצֵאתֶם). This implies liberation, exiting from confinement or a restrictive state (e.g., of sin, oppression, sorrow). It signifies a coming forth into freedom.
  • "and leap": ûfıshtêm (וּפִשְׁתֶּם). This verb, found only here in this specific form, implies to grow fat or strong, to spring or frisk about. It conveys overflowing joy, uninhibited vigor, and exuberance. KJV's "grow up" captures the increase in health, but "leap" conveys the energy and freedom more dynamically.
  • "like calves released from the stall": ka‛eglêy marbêq (כְּעֶגְלֵי מַרְבֵּק). Calves that have been kept and fed in a stall (fattened for slaughter or special use) are strong, well-nourished, and full of pent-up energy. When released into a pasture, they kick, jump, and frolic with immense joy and vigor. This simile perfectly encapsulates the unrestrained, buoyant freedom and joyful celebration awaiting the righteous. It speaks of restored health, vitality, and release from spiritual bondage.

Malachi 4 2 Bonus section

The imagery of the "Sun of Righteousness" and "healing in its wings" has deeply resonated in both Jewish messianic anticipation and early Christian interpretation. Some Jewish traditions interpreted the "Sun" metaphorically as the divine Shekinah glory, a bright manifestation of God's presence, or a figure like the Messiah. Early church fathers like Jerome, Chrysostom, and Augustine all explicitly applied this prophecy to Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and the redemptive power of His work. The term "wings" being associated with the rays of the sun is a well-established poetic device in ancient Near Eastern literature, signifying its far-reaching and life-giving influence across the earth. The entire verse portrays a comprehensive divine visitation—illuminating, restoring, liberating, and empowering—all stemming from God's perfect justice and unfailing covenant faithfulness. This makes Malachi 4:2 a powerful declaration of hope and the triumph of God's righteous plan over all evil and suffering.

Malachi 4 2 Commentary

Malachi 4:2 provides a glorious contrast to the severe judgment pronounced on the wicked in Malachi 4:1. While that "Day of the Lord" brings fire for the arrogant, it heralds light and healing for those who sincerely reverence God's Name. The central metaphor, the "Sun of Righteousness," points directly to a divine manifestation of salvation and justice. While its primary fulfillment is eschatological in the dawning of God's perfect reign, Christian theology universally sees this as a prophetic utterance concerning the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's righteousness (Jer 23:5-6, 1 Cor 1:30) and the light of the world (John 8:12), bringing spiritual and physical healing through His redemptive work (Isa 53:5). The "healing in its wings" speaks not only of His transformative power but also of His protective embrace, offering refuge and restoration to His people, akin to how people sought healing by touching the hem of His garment. The subsequent image of the redeemed "going out and leaping like calves released from the stall" captures the exuberant joy, vitality, and uninhibited freedom experienced when truly delivered from the weight of sin, oppression, and sorrow. It signifies the removal of burdens, leading to an abundant life lived in full vigor and unbridled happiness under God's glorious presence.

Examples for practical usage:

• Healing: A reminder for those suffering illness that ultimate healing comes from the Great Physician, who is the Sun of Righteousness.
• Hope: For those in despair, this verse assures them that light will break through their darkness, promising divine justice and deliverance.
• Joy: An encouragement to believers that their sincere reverence for God will lead to spiritual freedom and abundant joy.
• Motivation: A call to walk in sincere reverence of God, knowing that divine favor and restoration await.