Malachi 4:5

KJV

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will send {H7971} you Elijah {H452} the prophet {H5030} before {H6440} the coming {H935} of the great {H1419} and dreadful {H3372} day {H3117} of the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Look, I will send to you Eliyahu the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible Day of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Malachi 4:5 stands as a pivotal prophecy, concluding the Old Testament with a forward-looking promise of divine intervention and a call to preparation. This verse speaks to God's sovereign plan to send a specific messenger, Elijah the prophet, to prepare the way before the climactic "great and dreadful day of the LORD," setting the stage for New Testament fulfillment and eschatological hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Malachi 4 is the concluding chapter of the Old Testament, serving as a powerful eschatological climax to the book of Malachi and the entire prophetic corpus. Following chapters 1-3, which address the spiritual apathy, corrupt worship, and social injustice prevalent among the post-exilic community in Judah, chapter 4 shifts focus from present rebuke to future divine action. It vividly portrays a coming "day" of the Lord, characterized by both fiery judgment for the unrighteous (Malachi 4:1) and healing and vindication for those who faithfully fear God's name (Malachi 4:2-3). Malachi 4:5 then introduces the specific means by which God will prepare His people for this momentous day, bridging the Old Testament's prophetic expectation with the New Testament's fulfillment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Malachi was written around 450-400 BC, during the Persian period, after the Jewish exiles had returned to Judah and rebuilt the temple. This was a time of disillusionment and spiritual decline. The initial zeal of the returnees had waned, leading to laxity in religious observance, corrupt priesthood, and social injustices like divorce and withholding tithes. The people questioned God's love and justice, prompting Malachi's prophetic disputations. Culturally, the expectation of a Messiah and a final day of reckoning was deeply ingrained in Jewish thought, but the immediate context was one of spiritual malaise. The prophecy of Elijah's return tapped into a deeply held Jewish tradition and hope, rooted in his unique departure from earth ([2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah Taken to Heaven")) and his zealous stand for Yahweh against idolatry.
* **Key Themes:** Malachi 4:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Divine Judgment and Salvation**, as the "great and dreadful day of the LORD" signifies a decisive intervention where God separates the righteous from the wicked, bringing both destruction and deliverance. This verse also introduces the theme of **Preparation for God's Coming**, highlighting God's grace in sending a messenger to call His people to repentance and reconciliation before this climactic event, echoing themes found throughout [the prophetic books](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord"). Furthermore, it underscores **God's Faithfulness and Sovereignty**, as the declaration "I will send you" emphasizes that this future event and its preceding preparation are entirely initiated and orchestrated by God, not dependent on human merit or effort. The anticipation of Elijah's return also reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Expectation**, linking the Old Testament's promises directly to future fulfillment, particularly in the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom, as seen in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elijah (Hebrew, _ʼÊlîyâh'_):** From H452, meaning "God of Jehovah." This name itself is a theological statement, reflecting the prophet's zealous ministry in upholding the worship of Yahweh as the one true God against Baal worship in ancient Israel. His selection here signifies a return to the powerful, uncompromising prophetic voice that characterized his original ministry, calling a wayward people back to exclusive devotion to God.
* **send (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, a primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)." This verb emphasizes divine initiative and sovereign purpose. God is actively dispatching Elijah; it is not a human effort or an accidental occurrence, but a deliberate act of divine providence to prepare His people.
* **dreadful (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, a primitive root meaning "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." When applied to the "day of the LORD," it conveys a sense of awe-inspiring terror and solemn reverence. It describes a day that will evoke fear and trembling in those who are unprepared, highlighting the severity of God's judgment, while simultaneously implying the reverential awe due to God's power and justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet":** This opening phrase serves as a divine announcement, drawing immediate attention to a significant future event. "Behold" (Hebrew: `hinnēh`) acts as an interjection, signaling an important revelation. The declaration "I will send you" underscores God's sovereign will and active agency in history. The specific naming of "Elijah the prophet" is crucial, pointing to a figure whose ministry, characterized by zealous calls to repentance and a confrontation with idolatry, would be replicated or embodied in the coming messenger. This promise is a direct divine initiative to prepare humanity for what is to come.
* **"before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD":** This clause establishes the timing and purpose of Elijah's mission. His sending is explicitly positioned "before" a climactic event, indicating a preparatory role. The "day of the LORD" is a recurring prophetic motif, signifying a time of God's decisive intervention in human affairs, bringing judgment upon the wicked and salvation/vindication for the righteous. The descriptors "great" (Hebrew: `gâdôwl`) and "dreadful" (Hebrew: `yârêʼ`) emphasize the dual nature of this day: "great" in its display of divine power and majesty, and "dreadful" in its terrifying implications for those who are disobedient and unprepared. It is a day that demands reverence and inspires fear, underscoring the urgency of the preparation Elijah is sent to facilitate.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as Malachi delivers a direct divine utterance concerning a future event and the specific messenger involved. The use of **Foreshadowing** is evident, as the sending of Elijah anticipates a significant eschatological event, building suspense and expectation for the "day of the LORD." The phrase "great and dreadful day of the LORD" utilizes **Juxtaposition**, combining "great" (implying majesty and power) with "dreadful" (implying terror and judgment), thereby highlighting the dual nature of God's coming intervention—a day of vindication for the righteous and terror for the wicked. Furthermore, the **Metonymy** of "Elijah the prophet" stands for a specific type of prophetic ministry—one characterized by a powerful call to repentance and restoration, rather than necessarily the literal return of the historical Elijah. This allows for a spiritual fulfillment, as seen in John the Baptist.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Malachi 4:5 stands as a critical theological bridge between the Old and New Testaments, encapsulating the enduring themes of divine judgment, the necessity of repentance, and God's faithfulness in providing a means of preparation. The prophecy underscores God's sovereign control over history, demonstrating His commitment to justice and His desire for humanity's reconciliation. The "day of the LORD" is a consistent biblical motif, representing God's ultimate triumph over evil and the establishment of His righteous rule, a day that demands a response from humanity. The promise of Elijah's return signifies God's persistent call to His people to turn back to Him before the final reckoning, emphasizing the urgency of spiritual readiness and the profound grace embedded within divine warning. This verse sets the stage for understanding the role of forerunners in salvation history and the climactic nature of God's redemptive plan.

* [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Voice Crying in the Wilderness")
* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Great and Dreadful Day of the LORD")
* [Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John the Baptist in the Spirit of Elijah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Malachi 4:5, though ancient, carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It serves as a timeless reminder that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating events toward a climactic conclusion. The "great and dreadful day of the LORD" points to a future reality where all will stand before God, a truth that should inspire both reverent fear and diligent preparation. Just as a messenger was sent to prepare the way for Christ's first coming, we are called to live in a state of spiritual readiness for His return and the ultimate consummation of His kingdom. This involves not only personal repentance and a turning away from sin but also actively participating in God's redemptive work, calling others to reconciliation with God and with one another. The urgency implied by the "dreadful day" should motivate us to live purposefully, prioritizing what truly matters in light of eternity, and embracing the call to be instruments of preparation in our own spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "dreadful" aspect of the Day of the LORD motivate you to live differently today?**
* **In what ways can you embody the "spirit and power of Elijah" in your own life, calling others to repentance and reconciliation?**
* **What areas of your life need to be "prepared" for the Lord's coming, whether in a personal or eschatological sense?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Is Malachi 4:5 predicting the literal return of the historical Elijah?

Answer: The interpretation of Malachi 4:5 has both a literal and a spiritual dimension. While some Jewish traditions anticipated the physical return of Elijah before the Messiah, the New Testament provides a definitive spiritual fulfillment. Jesus Himself identifies [John the Baptist](/matthew/11-14 "Matthew 11:14 - John the Baptist as Elijah") as the Elijah prophesied to come, stating, "And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come." The angel Gabriel also declared that John would go before the Lord "in the spirit and power of Elijah" ([Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John the Baptist's Ministry")), turning hearts and preparing a people for the Lord. Therefore, while not a literal reincarnation, John's ministry fulfilled the prophetic role and characteristics of Elijah's ministry, preparing the way for Christ's first advent. Some theologians also consider a potential future fulfillment before Christ's second coming, perhaps through a ministry akin to Elijah's.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Malachi 4:5 finds its primary and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of John the Baptist, who served as the direct forerunner to Jesus Christ. Just as Malachi prophesied the sending of "Elijah the prophet" before the "great and dreadful day of the LORD," John the Baptist emerged in the wilderness, preaching a message of repentance and preparing the hearts of the people for the arrival of the Messiah. Jesus explicitly affirmed John's role, stating, "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come" ([Matthew 11:13-14](/matthew/11-13-14 "Matthew 11:13-14 - John the Baptist as Elijah")). John's ministry, characterized by a powerful call to turn from sin and be baptized, directly paved the way for 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")). The "great and dreadful day of the LORD" ultimately culminates in Christ's two comings: His first advent, where He inaugurated the kingdom and offered salvation, and His second advent, when He will return in power and glory to fully establish His righteous reign and execute final judgment. Thus, Malachi's prophecy, through John, points directly to Jesus as the central figure of God's redemptive plan, the one before whom all preparation is made, and the one who embodies both the "greatness" of divine majesty and the "dreadful" reality of ultimate judgment for those who reject Him.

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

Luke 1:17

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Matthew 17:10

And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Matthew 17:13

Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

Mark 9:11

And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Mark 9:13

But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

Matthew 11:13

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

Matthew 11:14

And if ye will receive [it], this is Elias, which was for to come.