Malachi 3:5

KJV

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will come near {H7126} to you to judgment {H4941}; and I will be a swift {H4116} witness {H5707} against the sorcerers {H3784}, and against the adulterers {H5003}, and against false {H8267} swearers {H7650}, and against those that oppress {H6231} the hireling {H7916} in his wages {H7939}, the widow {H490}, and the fatherless {H3490}, and that turn aside {H5186} the stranger {H1616} from his right, and fear {H3372} not me, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Then I will approach you for judgment; and I will be quick to witness against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers; against those who take advantage of wage-earners, widows and orphans; against those who rob the foreigner of his rights and don't fear me," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

Berean Standard Bible

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against the false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the sojourner from his right, and fear not me, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Malachi 3:5 delivers a solemn declaration from the LORD, emphasizing His imminent and decisive intervention to judge the unrighteousness prevalent among His people. It portrays God not as a distant observer, but as an active, swift, and infallible witness who will personally confront those who practice sorcery, adultery, false swearing, and, most significantly, those who oppress the vulnerable—the hireling, widow, fatherless, and stranger—revealing that the root of all these transgressions is a profound lack of reverential fear for Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Malachi 3:5 is situated within the latter half of the book of Malachi, following a series of divine indictments against the post-exilic community for their spiritual apathy and moral failings. The preceding verses (Malachi 3:1-4) introduce the coming of a "messenger" who will prepare the way for the Lord's sudden arrival to His temple, not for comfort but for purification and refining. This purification process is likened to a refiner's fire and a fuller's soap, indicating a severe cleansing. Verse 5 then specifies the categories of sin that will be subject to this divine scrutiny and judgment, making the abstract promise of purification concrete by listing the specific transgressions God intends to address. It serves as a direct consequence of the Lord's arrival mentioned in [Malachi 3:1-4](/malachi/3-1-4 "Malachi 3:1-4 - The Coming Messenger and Refiner").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Malachi addresses the Jewish community in Jerusalem during the Persian period, likely in the mid-to-late 5th century BC, after their return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Second Temple. Despite the restoration of their land and religious institutions, the people had fallen into spiritual lukewarmness and social injustice. Priests were offering blemished sacrifices ([Malachi 1:7-8](/malachi/1-7-8 "Malachi 1:7-8 - Defiled Offerings")), people were withholding tithes ([Malachi 3:8-10](/malachi/3-8-10 "Malachi 3:8-10 - Robbing God of Tithes")), and various social ills were rampant. The sins listed in [Malachi 3:5](/malachi/3-5 "Malachi 3:5 - God's Judgment on the Unrighteous")—sorcery, adultery, false swearing, and oppression of the vulnerable—were not merely individual transgressions but systemic issues that undermined the covenant community's relationship with God and each other, reflecting a deep moral decay that contradicted the very essence of the Mosaic Law. The mention of "hireling," "widow," "fatherless," and "stranger" highlights the persistent biblical concern for the most vulnerable in society, whose rights were often neglected in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Malachi and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, emphasizing God's active and personal involvement in upholding justice within His covenant people. He is not a passive deity but an engaged judge who sees all and will act decisively. Secondly, it highlights **God's Omniscience and Infallibility**, portraying Him as a "swift witness" who possesses perfect knowledge of all transgressions, ensuring that no sin goes unnoticed or unpunished. Thirdly, the comprehensive list of sins reveals the pervasive **Social and Moral Corruption** that had infiltrated Israelite society, demonstrating that true faith extends beyond ritualistic observance to encompass ethical conduct and social justice. Finally, the concluding phrase, "and fear not me," points to the ultimate root cause of all these sins: a profound **Lack of Reverential Fear for the LORD**. This absence of awe and respect for God's character and commands leads directly to spiritual apostasy and social injustice, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From the root _shâphaṭ_, meaning to judge, this term refers to a verdict pronounced judicially, encompassing a sentence, decree, or even the act and place of judgment. It also signifies justice, rights, and ordinances, underscoring the divine standard by which actions are measured. In this context, it signifies God's righteous and definitive legal action against sin.
* **swift (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** A primitive root meaning to be liquid or flow easily, implying quickness or urgency. When applied to God's action, it conveys immediacy, decisiveness, and the certainty that His intervention will not be delayed. It emphasizes the sudden and unavoidable nature of His judgment.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning to fear, but morally, to revere. This term encapsulates a profound respect, awe, and obedience towards God, which is presented as the foundational antidote to the sins listed in the verse. The lack of this reverential fear is identified as the underlying cause of the widespread moral and social breakdown.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will come near to you to judgment":** This opening declaration signifies the LORD's personal and direct engagement with His people. The "coming near" is not for intimacy or blessing, but for the purpose of executing divine justice. It implies a legal setting where God Himself acts as the supreme Judge, bringing His divine standards to bear upon their lives.
* **"and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers":** God declares His role as an immediate and decisive witness. He doesn't need external testimony; His omniscience means He has direct, irrefutable knowledge of all transgressions. The specific sins listed here—sorcery (engaging with occult powers, a direct affront to God's sovereignty), adultery (breaking the covenant of marriage, a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness to God), and false swearing (violating oaths, undermining truth and justice)—represent fundamental breaches of the covenant, striking at the heart of spiritual loyalty and social integrity.
* **"and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless":** This clause shifts focus to social and economic injustice. "Oppress" implies defrauding, cheating, or violently wronging. The "hireling" (day laborer) was dependent on immediate payment; withholding wages was a severe act of exploitation. The "widow" and "fatherless" (orphans) were the most vulnerable members of society, legally and socially dependent, and God's law consistently commanded their protection. Exploiting them was an egregious sin, demonstrating a complete disregard for divine compassion and justice.
* **"and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts":** The list concludes with the mistreatment of the "stranger" (foreigner or resident alien), who, like the widow and orphan, was particularly vulnerable and under God's special protection. To "turn aside" their right means to deny them justice or exploit their lack of social standing. The overarching indictment, "and fear not me," serves as the root cause for all the preceding sins. It reveals that the ultimate problem is not merely a collection of individual vices, but a fundamental lack of reverential awe, respect, and obedience toward the sovereign God, the "LORD of hosts," whose authority and power are absolute.

#### Literary Devices
Malachi 3:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is a vivid **Personification** of God as a Judge and a "swift witness," bringing Him into direct, active engagement with humanity's moral failings. This creates a sense of immediacy and inescapable accountability. The verse also utilizes **Anaphora** through the repeated use of "against the..." to emphasize the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, listing distinct categories of sin that will face His scrutiny. This repetitive structure builds a powerful rhetorical rhythm, underscoring the breadth of moral decay. Furthermore, the **Juxtaposition** of spiritual offenses (sorcery, false swearing) with social injustices (oppression of the vulnerable) highlights God's holistic concern for both vertical (God-human) and horizontal (human-human) relationships. Finally, the concluding phrase, "and fear not me," acts as a **Climax** and **Aetiology**, revealing the root cause of all the listed sins and serving as a theological explanation for the moral breakdown in the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Malachi 3:5 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness, revealing His character as both an omniscient witness and an impartial judge. This passage underscores that God's covenant relationship with His people demands not only ritualistic adherence but also profound moral integrity and social equity. The sins listed are not arbitrary but represent fundamental violations of the Mosaic Law and the very heart of God's character, particularly His concern for the vulnerable. The ultimate indictment—the lack of fear of the LORD—reveals that all sin stems from a disregard for God's sovereignty and holiness. This divine judgment is not merely punitive but purificatory, aiming to restore the covenant community to a right relationship with Him, preparing them for His ultimate presence.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18-19 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")
* [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalm/9-7-8 "Psalm 9:7-8 - The LORD Judges Righteously")
* [James 5:4](/james/5-4 "James 5:4 - Cries of Oppressed Laborers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Malachi 3:5 serves as a profound and timeless reminder that God is deeply concerned with every aspect of our lives, extending far beyond our public religious observances to encompass our private character and our treatment of others. It challenges us to examine our hearts for any hidden areas of disobedience or apathy towards God's commands. Are we truly living in reverential fear of the LORD, allowing His holiness to shape our thoughts, words, and actions? This verse calls us to a radical integrity, urging us to shun all forms of spiritual compromise (like dabbling in the occult or seeking guidance outside of God's Word), to uphold purity in our relationships, and to be people of unwavering truthfulness. Most importantly, it compels us to actively pursue justice and compassion for the marginalized and vulnerable in our communities, recognizing that our faith is authentically expressed in how we advocate for the oppressed, care for the needy, and ensure fairness in all our dealings. To ignore the cries of the exploited or to turn a blind eye to injustice is, in God's eyes, to disregard Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be neglecting a genuine "fear of the LORD," leading to subtle or overt disobedience?**
* **How does my daily conduct, particularly in my interactions with others, reflect God's concern for justice and compassion for the vulnerable?**
* **Are there any "hidden" sins or compromises in my life (e.g., dishonesty, sexual immorality, spiritual apathy) that I need to bring before God for repentance and purification?**

### FAQ

**What does "swift witness" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "swift witness" (Hebrew: *'êd mâhar*) signifies that God's knowledge of sin is immediate, complete, and unchallengeable, and that His judgment will be decisive and without delay. He does not need to gather evidence or deliberate; He is omniscient and will act promptly to bring justice. This emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of divine accountability for all transgressions, as seen in passages like [Psalm 50:3-6](/psalm/50-3-6 "Psalm 50:3-6 - God as Judge").

**Why does God list such specific sins like sorcery, adultery, and oppressing the vulnerable?**

Answer: God lists these specific sins to highlight the comprehensive nature of the moral decay in Israel and to demonstrate that His concern extends to every dimension of human life—spiritual, relational, and social. Sorcery was a direct violation of the first commandment, seeking power outside of God. Adultery broke the sacred covenant of marriage and reflected Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness. False swearing undermined truth and justice in society. Oppressing the hireling, widow, fatherless, and stranger was a direct affront to God's own character, as He consistently commands care for the most vulnerable in His law, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 24:14-22](/deuteronomy/24-14-22 "Deuteronomy 24:14-22 - Laws Concerning Justice and Compassion"). These sins collectively reveal a profound disregard for God's law and His heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Malachi 3:5, with its stark pronouncement of God as a swift judge against sin, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets often foretold a coming day of the Lord's judgment, the New Testament reveals that this judgment is intrinsically linked to the person and work of Christ. Jesus himself is the ultimate "swift witness," not only observing human sin but also embodying perfect righteousness and truth. He is the one who "will judge the living and the dead" ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ as Judge")), and before whom "every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")). However, Christ's coming also offered a way of escape from this judgment for those who believe. He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the judgment that humanity deserved. Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers purification not by a refiner's fire of judgment, but by His cleansing blood, making those who trust in Him righteous before God ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, the call to care for the vulnerable—the widow, fatherless, and stranger—is amplified and embodied in Christ's teachings and life, as He identifies with the "least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying with the Least of These")), calling His followers to a radical love and justice that reflects His own heart and the true "fear of the LORD" that leads to life.

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

James 5:8

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

James 5:9

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Deuteronomy 5:11

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold [him] guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Malachi 2:14

Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

James 5:4

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

Deuteronomy 27:19

Cursed [be] he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.