Malachi 3:18

Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Then shall ye return {H7725}, and discern {H7200} between the righteous {H6662} and the wicked {H7563}, between him that serveth {H5647} God {H430} and him that serveth {H5647} him not.

Then once again you will see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the person who serves God and one that doesn't serve him.

So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Commentary

Malachi 3:18 delivers a powerful prophetic assurance, promising a future time when God will make an unmistakable distinction between the righteous and the wicked. This verse offers comfort to the faithful who might feel overlooked and serves as a stern warning to those who disregard God.

Context

This verse is the culmination of a dialogue in Malachi where the people of Israel were questioning God's justice and the value of serving Him. They observed that the arrogant and evildoers seemed to prosper, leading them to complain, "It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance...?" (Malachi 3:14-15). In response, God highlights a faithful remnant who spoke to one another, and for whom a book of remembrance was written. Verse 17 promises that these devoted ones will be God's "jewels" or "special treasure" on the day He acts. Malachi 3:18 then declares that this divine action will bring about a clear discernment, settling the very questions of justice the people had raised.

Key Themes

  • Divine Discernment and Justice: The central message is that God will ultimately and undeniably reveal the true spiritual state of every individual. What may appear ambiguous or unfair to human eyes in the present will become perfectly clear in God's timing. This speaks to God's unwavering justice and His commitment to righteousness.
  • The Distinction Between Righteousness and Wickedness: The verse draws a sharp contrast between "the righteous and the wicked," further defining them by their allegiance: "him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." This emphasizes that true righteousness is characterized by active service and obedience to God, not merely outward religious observance.
  • Future Vindication of the Faithful: For those who were discouraged by the apparent prosperity of the ungodly, this verse offers immense hope. It promises a future time when their faithfulness will be openly acknowledged and rewarded, and the unrighteous will face the consequences of their choices. The phrase "Then shall ye return" implies a shift in understanding or a return to a state of clear perception for God's people.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated "discern" is nakar (Χ ΦΈΧ›Φ·Χ¨), which means to recognize, distinguish, or perceive clearly. It implies a definitive and undeniable recognition, often after a period of uncertainty or confusion. In this context, it signifies that God will make the distinction between the righteous and the wicked so evident that even those who previously doubted His justice will be able to plainly see it.

Practical Application

Malachi 3:18 provides timeless encouragement, a sobering warning, and a call to introspection for believers today:

  • Perseverance in Faith: It encourages believers to continue serving God faithfully, even when challenges arise or when the ungodly seem to prosper. Our service is not in vain; God sees, remembers, and will ultimately reward. This aligns with the encouragement to not grow weary in well doing.
  • Self-Examination: The verse prompts believers to examine their own lives and motives. Are we truly "serving God" from the heart, or are we merely going through religious motions? Our actions and allegiances will ultimately define us before God, echoing the call to choose whom you will serve in Joshua 24:15.
  • Hope in God's Ultimate Justice: It provides a strong foundation of hope that God's perfect justice will indeed prevail. There will be a day when all wrongs are righted, and the true nature of every heart is revealed, bringing clarity and closure to the apparent inequities of this world.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 18:25 (13 votes)

    That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

  • Matthew 25:46 (13 votes)

    And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

  • Psalms 58:10 (11 votes)

    The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

  • Psalms 58:11 (11 votes)

    So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

  • Joshua 24:15 (11 votes)

    ΒΆ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 12:15 (10 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.

  • Malachi 3:14 (10 votes)

    Ye have said, It [is] vain to serve God: and what profit [is it] that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?