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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/malachi/3-17.htm" title="Malachi 3:17">◄</a> Malachi 3:18 <a href="/malachi/4-1.htm" title="Malachi 4:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/malachi/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/malachi/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/malachi/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/malachi/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/malachi/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/malachi/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/malachi/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/malachi/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/malachi/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/malachi/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/malachi/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So you will return and see <i>the distinction</i> between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/malachi/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/malachi/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/malachi/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/malachi/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/malachi/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then everyone will once again see the difference between those who obey me by doing right and those who reject me by doing wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/malachi/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/malachi/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then you will again see the difference between righteous people and wicked people, between the one who serves God and the one who doesn't serve him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/malachi/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Once again my people will see the difference between what happens to the righteous and to the wicked, to the person who serves me and the one who does not." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/malachi/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When you return, you will see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, and between the one who serves God and the one who does not."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/malachi/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/malachi/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then once more you will see that I make a distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/malachi/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then you shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God and him who doesn't serve him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/malachi/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/malachi/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then you shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God and him who doesn’t serve him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/malachi/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And you have turned back and considered, "" Between the righteous and the wicked, "" Between the servant of God and him who is not His servant.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/malachi/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And ye have turned back and considered, Between the righteous and the wicked, Between the servant of God and him who is not His servant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/malachi/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And ye turned back and saw between the just to the unjust, and between him serving God and to him serving him not.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/malachi/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And you shall return, and shall see the difference between the just and the wicked: and between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/malachi/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And you shall be converted, and you will see the difference between the just and the impious, and between those who serve God and those who do not serve him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/malachi/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then you will again distinguish between the just and the wicked, Between the person who serves God, and the one who does not. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/malachi/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then once more you shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/malachi/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then shall you return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who served God and those who served him not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/malachi/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And you shall return and you shall observe between the righteous and the evil, and between those who served God and those who did not serve him <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/malachi/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then shall ye again discern between the righteous and the wicked, Between him that serveth God And him that serveth Him not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/malachi/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, and between him that serves God, and him that serves <i>him</i> not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/malachi/3-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6KyAs1WSHw?start=664" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/malachi/3.htm">The Book of Remembrance</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>“They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·šaḇ·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">So you will again</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: ū·rə·’î·ṯem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">distinguish</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">between</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dîq (Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: lə·rā·šā‘ (Prep-l:: Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">and the wicked,</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">between</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: ‘ō·ḇêḏ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">those who serve</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: la·’ă·šer (Prep-l:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">and those who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">do not.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏōw (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc."></a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-49.htm">Matthew 13:49</a></span><br />So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-32.htm">Matthew 25:32-33</a></span><br />All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. / He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-5.htm">Psalm 1:5-6</a></span><br />Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. / For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/12-10.htm">Daniel 12:10</a></span><br />Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-30.htm">Matthew 13:30</a></span><br />Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-10.htm">1 John 3:10</a></span><br />By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Romans 2:6-8</a></span><br />God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/44-23.htm">Ezekiel 44:23</a></span><br />They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-29.htm">John 5:29</a></span><br />and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-15</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/22-11.htm">Revelation 22:11</a></span><br />Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-33.htm">Proverbs 3:33</a></span><br />The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-10.htm">Isaiah 3:10-11</a></span><br />Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. / Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a></span><br />By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. / A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then shall you return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves him not.</p><p class="hdg">shall.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14,15</a></b></br> Ye have said, It <i>is</i> vain to serve God: and what profit <i>is it</i> that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/1-4.htm">Malachi 1:4</a></b></br> Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/6-29.htm">Job 6:29</a></b></br> Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness <i>is</i> in it.</p><p class="hdg">discern.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Genesis 18:25</a></b></br> 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?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/58-10.htm">Psalm 58:10,11</a></b></br> The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/3-10.htm">Isaiah 3:10,11</a></b></br> Say ye to the righteous, that <i>it shall be</i> well <i>with him</i>: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings… </p><p class="hdg">between him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a></b></br> 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 <i>were</i> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/3-17.htm">Daniel 3:17-26</a></b></br> If it be <i>so</i>, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver <i>us</i> out of thine hand, O king… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/12-26.htm">John 12:26</a></b></br> If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will <i>my</i> Father honour.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/7-8.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/daniel/11-29.htm">Different</a> <a href="/jonah/4-11.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-26.htm">Distinction</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-23.htm">Distinguish</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-15.htm">Once</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/malachi/3-17.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/malachi/3-17.htm">Serves</a> <a href="/malachi/3-17.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/nahum/1-3.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-9.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/malachi/1-4.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/1-20.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/matthew/2-12.htm">Different</a> <a href="/matthew/16-3.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/acts/11-12.htm">Distinction</a> <a href="/matthew/16-3.htm">Distinguish</a> <a href="/matthew/4-11.htm">Once</a> <a href="/matthew/1-19.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/malachi/4-4.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/matthew/4-10.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Serves</a> <a href="/luke/22-27.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/malachi/4-6.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/matthew/1-19.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/malachi/4-3.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Malachi 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Of the messenger, majesty, and grace of Christ.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Of the rebellion,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/3-8.htm">sacrilege,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/3-13.htm">and infidelity of the people.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/3-16.htm">The promise of blessing to those who fear God.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/malachi/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/malachi/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/malachi/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So you will again distinguish</b><br>This phrase indicates a return to a previous state of clarity and discernment. In the context of Malachi, the people of Israel had become complacent and confused about what constituted true righteousness. Historically, this reflects a period of spiritual decline where the lines between good and evil had blurred. The promise of renewed discernment suggests a divine intervention that will restore moral clarity.<p><b>between the righteous and the wicked,</b><br>The distinction between the righteous and the wicked is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with adherence to God's laws and commandments, while wickedness is linked to rebellion against God. This dichotomy is seen in the Psalms and Proverbs, where the righteous are blessed and the wicked face judgment. The prophetic books, including Malachi, emphasize that God will ultimately judge and separate the two groups, a theme that is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the parables of Jesus, such as the Wheat and the Tares (<a href="/matthew/13-24.htm">Matthew 13:24-30</a>).<p><b>between those who serve God</b><br>Serving God in the biblical context involves worship, obedience, and a life dedicated to His commandments. In Malachi's time, the priesthood and the people had failed in their service, offering blemished sacrifices and neglecting true worship. This phrase calls for a return to genuine service, reminiscent of the covenantal relationship established at Sinai, where Israel was called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (<a href="/exodus/19-6.htm">Exodus 19:6</a>).<p><b>and those who do not.</b><br>This final distinction underscores the consequences of failing to serve God. Throughout Scripture, those who do not serve God are often depicted as facing divine judgment and separation from His blessings. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the final judgment where the sheep are separated from the goats (<a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31-46</a>), illustrating the eternal consequences of one's choices in serving God or not. This serves as a warning and a call to repentance, urging individuals to align themselves with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/malachi.htm">Malachi</a></b><br>The last prophet of the Old Testament, Malachi's name means "my messenger." He delivered God's message to the Israelites, calling them to repentance and faithfulness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The audience of Malachi's prophecy, they were the people of God who had returned from exile and were struggling with issues of faith and obedience.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>Those who live in accordance with God's laws and serve Him faithfully.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Those who reject God's commandments and live in disobedience.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_day_of_distinction.htm">The Day of Distinction</a></b><br>A future time when God will clearly separate the righteous from the wicked, as described in Malachi's prophecy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to discern between righteousness and wickedness in our lives and communities. This requires a deep understanding of God's Word and a commitment to living by it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/serving_god_faithfully.htm">Serving God Faithfully</a></b><br>True service to God is marked by obedience and faithfulness. We must examine our lives to ensure that our actions align with our professed faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_judgment.htm">The Reality of Judgment</a></b><br>Malachi reminds us that a day of judgment is coming when God will make a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. This should motivate us to live holy lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_for_the_faithful.htm">Encouragement for the Faithful</a></b><br>For those who serve God, there is a promise of recognition and reward. This should encourage us to persevere in our faith despite challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>For those who find themselves on the path of the wicked, Malachi's message is a call to repentance and a return to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_malachi_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Malachi 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/purpose_of_the_book_of_remembrance.htm">What is the purpose of the Book of Remembrance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_'book_of_remembrance'.htm">Malachi 3:16–18 – Is there archeological or historical evidence of a recorded “book of remembrance,” and does it conflict with other biblical texts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_a_ransom_for_whom.htm">Who is a ransom for whom? Mark 10:45 and I Timothy 2:5-6 say Christ is a ransom for many/all. Proverbs 21:18 says the wicked is a ransom for the righteous.</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_a_violent_parable_show_love.htm">Matthew 22:2-14: How can a parable that depicts a king using violent punishment align with a loving God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/malachi/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then shall ye return, and discern;</span> or, <span class="accented">ye shall again discern.</span> They had already had many opportunities, both in the history of the nation and the life of individuals, of observing the different treatment of the godly and of sinners; but in the day of the Lord they should have a more plain and convincing proof of God's moral government (comp. <a href="/exodus/11-7.htm">Exodus 11:7</a>; Wisd. 5:1-5); "So that men shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous; verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth" (<a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">Psalm 58:11</a>). <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/malachi/3-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So you will again</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשַׁבְתֶּם֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šaḇ·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">distinguish</span><br /><span class="heb">וּרְאִיתֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·rə·’î·ṯem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">between</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(bên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">צַדִּ֖יק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the wicked,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְרָשָׁ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(lə·rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">between</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֚ין</span> <span class="translit">(bên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who serve</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹבֵ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·ḇêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, to serve, till, enslave</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and those who</span><br /><span class="heb">לַאֲשֶׁ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(la·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not.”</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/malachi/3-18.htm">Malachi 3:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/malachi/3-18.htm">Malachi 3:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/malachi/3-18.htm">Malachi 3:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/malachi/3-18.htm">Malachi 3:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/malachi/3-18.htm">Malachi 3:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/malachi/3-18.htm">Malachi 3:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/malachi/3-18.htm">Malachi 3:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/malachi/3-18.htm">Malachi 3:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/malachi/3-18.htm">Malachi 3:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/malachi/3-18.htm">Malachi 3:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/malachi/3-18.htm">OT Prophets: Malachi 3:18 Then you shall return and discern between (Malachi Mal Ml) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/malachi/3-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Malachi 3:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Malachi 3:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/malachi/4-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Malachi 4:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Malachi 4:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>