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].

KJV (with Strong's)

Bring {H935} ye all the tithes {H4643} into the storehouse {H214}, that there may be meat {H2964} in mine house {H1004}, and prove {H974} me now herewith {H2063}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, if I will not open {H6605} you the windows {H699} of heaven {H8064}, and pour you out {H7324} a blessing {H1293}, that there shall not be room enough {H1767} to receive it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Bring the whole tenth into the storehouse, so that there will be food in my house, and put me to the test," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot. "See if I won't open for you the floodgates of heaven and pour out for you a blessing far beyond your needs.

Berean Standard Bible

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

American Standard Version

Bring ye the whole tithe into the store-house, that there may be food in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith Jehovah 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Malachi 3:10 presents a unique divine challenge to the post-exilic Israelites, urging them to faithfully bring their full tithes into the temple storehouse. In return for their obedience, the Sovereign Lord promises an unparalleled outpouring of blessing from heaven, so abundant that it would exceed their capacity to receive it, thereby demonstrating His faithfulness and provision to a people who had grown complacent and neglectful of their covenant duties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Malachi 3:10 stands as the climax of a section (Malachi 3:6-12) where the LORD directly confronts Israel's unfaithfulness, particularly their neglect of tithes and offerings. Immediately preceding this verse, in [Malachi 3:8-9](/malachi/3-8-9 "Malachi 3:8-9 - Robbing God"), God accuses the people of robbing Him, which has resulted in a curse upon the entire nation. The call to "Bring ye all the tithes" is therefore presented as the remedy for this curse and the pathway to restoration and divine blessing. This passage is part of a broader dialogue between God and His people, where He addresses their cynical questions and apathy regarding His justice, love, and covenant faithfulness, setting the stage for the coming of the Messiah and the ultimate day of judgment and purification found later in the book (e.g., [Malachi 4:1-6](/malachi/4-1-6 "Malachi 4:1-6 - The Day of the Lord")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Malachi is set in the post-exilic period, likely in the mid-5th century BC, after the Jews had returned from Babylonian captivity and rebuilt the Second Temple. While the physical temple was restored, the spiritual fervor of the people had waned. They were struggling economically, facing drought and crop failures, and had become disillusioned. Their spiritual apathy manifested in offering blemished sacrifices, neglecting the Levites and temple service, and failing to pay their tithes. Tithing (giving a tenth of one's produce or income) was a fundamental covenant obligation established in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 27:30-32](/leviticus/27-30-32 "Leviticus 27:30-32 - The Law of Tithing"); [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21-24 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Support for the Levites"); [Deuteronomy 14:22-29](/deuteronomy/14-22-29 "Deuteronomy 14:22-29 - Tithing Ordinances")). The "storehouse" (`ʼôwtsâr`) refers to the temple treasuries or storerooms where these tithes of grain, wine, oil, and other provisions were collected to sustain the priests, Levites, and the overall temple operations. Neglecting this duty meant the temple system, and by extension, the spiritual life of the nation, was suffering.

* **Key Themes:** Malachi 3:10 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Malachi and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to His promises despite Israel's unfaithfulness, while also calling His people to reciprocal obedience. Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, particularly through the powerful title "LORD of hosts," assuring the people that the one who commands all heavenly armies is fully capable of fulfilling His promises of blessing. Thirdly, the verse introduces the unique theme of **Divine Testing**, where God, in an extraordinary invitation, encourages His people to "prove me now herewith," demonstrating His absolute confidence in His ability and willingness to keep His word. This challenge is rooted in the broader Old Testament theme of God's desire for His people to trust Him fully, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2-3 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - God's Testing in the Wilderness"). Finally, it powerfully portrays the theme of **Abundant Blessing**, promising an overwhelming, immeasurable outpouring of divine favor that far surpasses human capacity, echoing the rich blessings promised for obedience in the Mosaic Covenant ([Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - Blessings for Obedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tithes (Hebrew, _maʻăsêr'_):** From H4643, meaning "a tenth; especially a tithe." This word specifically denotes the commanded one-tenth portion of produce or income that was to be set apart for God's purposes, primarily for the support of the Levitical priesthood and temple service. Its use here underscores the precise nature of the commanded offering, not merely a general contribution but a specific, covenantal obligation.
* **Storehouse (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** From H214, meaning "a depository; armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y)." This term refers to the temple treasuries or storage facilities where the tithes of grain, wine, oil, and other provisions were collected. It was the central point for the physical sustenance of the temple operations and its personnel, indicating the practical necessity of the tithes for the functioning of Israel's worship life.
* **Blessing (Hebrew, _Bᵉrâkâh'_):** From H1293, meaning "benediction; by implication prosperity; blessing, liberal, pool, present." This word encapsulates the comprehensive favor and prosperity that God promises to bestow upon His obedient people. It is not limited to material gain but implies a holistic well-being, encompassing spiritual, physical, and relational flourishing, reflecting God's abundant generosity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse":** This is a direct command, an imperative from God. "All the tithes" emphasizes the totality and completeness of the required offering, implying that partial or withheld tithes were unacceptable. The destination, "the storehouse," highlights the practical purpose: to provide for the temple's needs and its ministers.
* **"that there may be meat in mine house":** This clause reveals the immediate, practical purpose of the tithes. "Meat" (Hebrew: `ṭereph`, H2964) here signifies food or provisions. God's "house" refers to the Temple. The tithes were essential to ensure that the priests, Levites, and those dependent on the temple system had adequate sustenance, allowing them to perform their sacred duties without distraction.
* **"and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts":** This is a unique and extraordinary divine challenge. God invites His people to "prove" or "test" Him (`bâchan`, H974). This is one of the rare instances where God encourages such a test, demonstrating His absolute confidence in His own faithfulness and ability to fulfill His promises. The title "LORD of hosts" (`Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ`, H3068 H6635) emphasizes His supreme authority and power over all creation, reinforcing the certainty of His word.
* **"if I will not open you the windows of heaven":** This clause introduces the promised blessing. The imagery of "windows of heaven" (`ʼărubbâh shâmayim`, H699 H8064) is a powerful metaphor for an abundant, unstoppable outpouring from God's own inexhaustible source, reminiscent of the floodgates of heaven opening in the Noahic flood ([Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "Genesis 7:11 - The Floodgates of Heaven")). Here, however, it signifies life-giving, overflowing blessing, not judgment.
* **"and pour you out a blessing":** This continues the imagery of overwhelming abundance. The verb "pour out" (`rûwq`, H7324) suggests a generous, unceasing flow, not a mere trickle. This "blessing" (`Bᵉrâkâh`, H1293) is the promised divine favor, encompassing all aspects of life.
* **"that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].":** This final phrase employs hyperbole to emphasize the immeasurable nature of the promised blessing. The blessing will be so vast and overflowing that the recipients will not have sufficient capacity to contain it, signifying a superabundance beyond human comprehension or expectation.

#### Literary Devices
Malachi 3:10 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the vivid image of God opening "the windows of heaven" and pouring out a blessing. This metaphor, reminiscent of the flood narrative, powerfully conveys the idea of an overwhelming, divine outpouring, transforming an image of judgment into one of unprecedented grace and provision. The phrase "that there shall not be room enough to receive it" employs **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of the blessing to emphasize its immeasurable and superabundant nature, far exceeding any human expectation or capacity. Furthermore, God's direct challenge, "prove me now herewith," functions as a unique form of **Apostrophe** and **Divine Invitation**, where the omnipotent Creator directly addresses and engages His people, inviting them into an experiential test of His faithfulness. The repeated use of the divine title **"LORD of hosts"** throughout Malachi, and specifically here, serves as a powerful device of **Emphasis** and **Authority**, underscoring the absolute certainty and weight of the promise being made by the sovereign God who commands all heavenly powers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Malachi 3:10 profoundly illustrates God's character as both righteous judge and faithful provider. It reveals that God's commands, including those concerning material stewardship like tithing, are not arbitrary burdens but pathways to experiencing His abundant provision and blessing. The passage underscores the principle that our material possessions are ultimately God's, and our giving is an act of worship and acknowledgment of His sovereignty. It challenges a transactional view of faith, instead inviting a trusting obedience that opens the door to God's overflowing generosity. The "prove me now" invitation is a testament to God's confidence in His own faithfulness, offering a unique opportunity for His people to witness His power firsthand. This principle of sowing and reaping, of trusting God with our resources, is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, linking material obedience to spiritual and holistic prosperity.

* [Deuteronomy 14:22-29](/deuteronomy/14-22-29 "Deuteronomy 14:22-29 - Tithing and Feasting")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honoring God with Firstfruits")
* [2 Corinthians 9:6-8](/2_corinthians/9-6-8 "2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - Cheerful Giving and God's Abundance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Malachi 3:10 remains a powerful and relevant passage for believers today, challenging us to examine our hearts regarding stewardship and trust in God's provision. It calls us beyond mere obligation to a place of joyful and expectant obedience, reminding us that true security and abundance are found not in clinging tightly to our resources, but in faithfully stewarding what God has entrusted to us. The invitation to "prove me now herewith" is a unique and personal challenge from the Almighty, urging us to step out in faith and experience His faithfulness firsthand. This isn't a transactional formula for prosperity, but an invitation to participate in God's economy, where generosity is met with divine overflow—not just financially, but in every area of life: peace, joy, spiritual growth, and the satisfaction of contributing to God's kingdom. Our giving reflects our worship, our trust, and our acknowledgment that God is the ultimate source of all good things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I withholding from God, and how might this be hindering His blessing?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "prove" God in my financial stewardship, and what fears might prevent me from doing so?**
* **Beyond financial giving, how can I apply the principle of generous obedience to other areas of my life (time, talents, relationships)?**
* **How does the promise of "not room enough to receive it" shape my understanding of God's boundless generosity?**

### FAQ

**Is the command to tithe in Malachi 3:10 still applicable to Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific Mosaic Law of tithing (a tenth of agricultural produce to the temple storehouse) was part of the Old Covenant, the underlying principles of Malachi 3:10 are highly relevant for New Testament believers. The New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful giving as an act of worship, not under compulsion or a strict legalistic percentage, but according to what one has purposed in their heart ([2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving")). However, the principle of systematic, proportionate giving (often a tithe or more as a starting point) for the support of ministry and the needy is strongly implied and practiced in the early church. Malachi 3:10 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to provide abundantly when His people are obedient and generous, fostering trust in His sovereignty rather than relying on personal resources. It encourages us to test God's character, not His limits, by faithfully stewarding what He has given us.

**What does "windows of heaven" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "windows of heaven" is a vivid metaphor used to describe an overwhelming, unstoppable, and superabundant outpouring of blessing directly from God's own limitless resources. It signifies a divine intervention that goes beyond natural means or human capacity. While this imagery is also used in [Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "Genesis 7:11 - The Floodgates of Heaven") to describe the opening of the heavens for the great flood, in Malachi 3:10, it is transformed into a symbol of life-giving, overflowing provision and favor. It assures the people that God's blessing will not be a trickle but a deluge, so immense "that there shall not be room enough to receive it," emphasizing the extraordinary nature of His promised generosity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Malachi 3:10, with its call for faithful giving and promise of overflowing blessing, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant tithe supported the physical temple and its Levitical system, Christ Himself is the true "storehouse" and the ultimate "meat" for God's house, the Church. He is the Lamb of God who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, fulfilling the need for temple provisions and atonement ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). In Christ, the "windows of heaven" have been opened not merely for material blessing, but for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and every spiritual blessing ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and the immeasurable riches of God's grace ([Ephesians 2:7](/ephesians/2-7 "Ephesians 2:7 - The Riches of God's Grace")). Our "tithing" in the New Covenant is transformed from a legalistic obligation to a joyful response to Christ's own ultimate generosity, for though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that through His poverty we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Generosity")). Thus, the promise of "not room enough to receive it" is spiritually realized in the limitless grace, forgiveness, and eternal life offered through union with Christ, far surpassing any earthly capacity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 9:6

¶ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Proverbs 3:9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Proverbs 3:10

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Psalms 37:3

Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Deuteronomy 28:12

The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.