Malachi 1:1
New International Version
A prophecy: The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.

New Living Translation
This is the message that the LORD gave to Israel through the prophet Malachi.

English Standard Version
The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

Berean Standard Bible
This is the burden of the word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi:

King James Bible
The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

New King James Version
The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

New American Standard Bible
The pronouncement of the word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi:

NASB 1995
The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.

NASB 1977
The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.

Legacy Standard Bible
The oracle of the word of Yahweh to Israel by the hand of Malachi.

Amplified Bible
The oracle (burdensome message) of the word of the LORD to Israel through [My messenger] Malachi.

Christian Standard Bible
A pronouncement: The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
An oracle: The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.”

American Standard Version
The burden of the word of Jehovah to Israel by Malachi.

Contemporary English Version
I am Malachi. And this is the message that the LORD gave me for Israel.

English Revised Version
The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is a divine revelation. The LORD spoke his word to Israel through Malachi.

Good News Translation
This is the message that the LORD gave Malachi to tell the people of Israel.

International Standard Version
A declaration: a message from the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

Majority Standard Bible
This is the burden of the word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi:

NET Bible
What follows is divine revelation. The word of the LORD came to Israel through Malachi:

New Heart English Bible
An oracle: the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

Webster's Bible Translation
The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

World English Bible
A revelation, Yahweh’s word to Israel by Malachi.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The burden of a word of YHWH to Israel by the hand of Malachi:

Young's Literal Translation
The burden of a word of Jehovah unto Israel by the hand of Malachi:

Smith's Literal Translation
The lifting up the word of Jehovah to Israel by the hand of Malachi.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by the hand of Malachias.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by the hand of Malachi.

New American Bible
An oracle. The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.

New Revised Standard Version
An oracle. The word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THE vision of the words of the LORD concerning Israel by Malachi.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The vision of the words of LORD JEHOVAH about Israel by Malachi
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by the hand of his messenger. Lay it, I pray you, to heart.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD's Love for Israel
1This is the burden of the word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi: 2“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved,…

Cross References
Isaiah 1:1
This is the vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Jeremiah 1:1
These are the words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests in Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin.

Ezekiel 1:1
In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God.

Hosea 1:1
This is the word of the LORD that came to Hosea son of Beeri in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and of Jeroboam son of Jehoash, king of Israel.

Amos 1:1
These are the words of Amos, who was among the sheepherders of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, in the days when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel.

Micah 1:1
This is the word of the LORD that came to Micah the Moreshite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah—what he saw regarding Samaria and Jerusalem:

Zephaniah 1:1
This is the word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah:

Haggai 1:1
In the second year of the reign of Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, stating

Zechariah 1:1
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying:

2 Chronicles 36:15-16
Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.

Nehemiah 9:30
You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit admonished them through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples.

Matthew 11:13
For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

Luke 16:16
The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.

Acts 3:24
Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have proclaimed these days.

Romans 1:2
the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,


Treasury of Scripture

The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

burden.

Isaiah 13:1
The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

Habakkuk 1:1
The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.

Zechariah 9:1
The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the LORD.

by.

Haggai 1:1
In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

Haggai 2:1
In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,

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Malachi 1
1. Malachi complains of Israel's unkindness;
2. of their irreverence and profaneness.














This is the burden
The term "burden" often refers to a prophetic message that carries weight and significance. It implies a message of judgment or a call to repentance. In the context of the Old Testament, prophets frequently delivered burdens that addressed the spiritual and moral failings of the people. This indicates the seriousness of the message that follows.

of the word of the LORD
The phrase "word of the LORD" signifies divine revelation. It underscores the authority and origin of the message, emphasizing that it is not from human origin but from God Himself. This is a common expression in prophetic literature, affirming the prophet's role as a mouthpiece for God. It connects to other scriptures where God speaks directly to His people, such as in the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah.

to Israel
"Israel" here refers to the post-exilic community of Jews who returned from Babylonian captivity. This message is directed to the entire nation, encompassing both the northern and southern kingdoms, although historically, the northern kingdom had been dispersed. The use of "Israel" highlights the continuity of God's covenant people despite their past disobedience and exile.

through Malachi
Malachi, whose name means "my messenger," is the last of the twelve minor prophets. His ministry likely took place during the Persian period, after the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Malachi's role as a prophet is to deliver God's message to the people, addressing issues such as priestly corruption, improper worship, and social injustice. His prophecies also contain messianic elements, pointing forward to the coming of John the Baptist and ultimately Jesus Christ, as seen in Malachi 3:1.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Malachi
The prophet through whom God delivers His message. The name "Malachi" means "my messenger" in Hebrew, indicating his role as a divine spokesperson.

2. Israel
The nation to whom the message is directed. At this time, Israel refers to the post-exilic Jewish community in Judah, struggling with spiritual apathy and disobedience.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature and His relationship with Israel.

4. Oracle
A divine message or burden. The Hebrew word "massa" implies a weighty message that the prophet is compelled to deliver.

5. Post-Exilic Period
The historical context in which Malachi prophesied, after the return from Babylonian exile, when the temple had been rebuilt but spiritual decline was evident.
Teaching Points
God's Unchanging Word
The message of Malachi underscores the reliability and authority of God's word. Despite changing circumstances, God's word remains a constant guide for His people.

The Role of the Messenger
Malachi's role as a messenger reminds believers of the importance of faithfully delivering God's truth, whether in teaching, evangelism, or daily interactions.

Spiritual Apathy
The context of Malachi challenges believers to examine their own spiritual fervor and commitment to God, avoiding the complacency that plagued Israel.

Covenant Relationship
The reference to "Israel" highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people, encouraging believers to reflect on their own covenant relationship with God through Christ.

The Weight of God's Message
The term "oracle" suggests the seriousness with which we should approach God's word, recognizing its power to convict, correct, and guide.1-5. These verses are introductory to the whole prophecy. God had shown His love to Israel; Israel ought to have made a proper return, but, on the contrary, Israel had abused God's loving-kindness.

(1) The burden.--See Notes on Isaiah 13:1; Jeremiah 23:33-40; Zechariah 9:1; Zechariah 12:1.

Malachi.--See Introduction.

Verse 1. - § 1. Heading and author. The burden (Zechariah 9:1; Zechariah 12:1; see note on Nahum 1:1). The word of the Lord is heavy and full of threats, but, as St. Jerome notes, it is also consolatory, because it is not "against" but to Israel. By this name the whole covenanted nation is designated, here, perhaps, with some idea of reminding the people of Jacob's faith and patience, and stimulating them to imitate their great ancestor. By Malachi; literally, by the hand of Malachi (comp. Jeremiah 37:2). That Malachi is the proper name of the prophet, and not a mere official designation, see the proof in the Introduction, § II. The LXX. renders, ἐν χειρὶ ἀγγέλου αὐτοῦ, "by the hand of his angel," or" messenger," and some curious theories have been founded on this translation; e.g. that an angel was the real author of the book, or came and explained it to the people. A similar legend once obtained concerning Haggai, called" The Lord's Messenger" (Haggai 1:13). At the end of the verse the LXX. adds, "fix it in your hearts," which Jerome supposes to have been imported hither from Haggai 2:15.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[This is] an oracle,
מַשָּׂ֥א (maś·śā)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4853: A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire

the word
דְבַר־ (ḏə·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

through
בְּיַ֖ד (bə·yaḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

Malachi:
מַלְאָכִֽי׃ (mal·’ā·ḵî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4401: Malachi -- 'my messenger', an Israelite prophet


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OT Prophets: Malachi 1:1 An oracle: the word of Yahweh (Malachi Mal Ml)
Zechariah 14:21
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