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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Malachi 3:15 So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/malachi/3-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/39_Mal_03_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Malachi 3:15 - Robbing God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/malachi/3-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/malachi/3-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/malachi/">Malachi</a> > <a href="/malachi/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.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/3-14.htm" title="Malachi 3:14">◄</a> Malachi 3:15 <a href="/malachi/3-16.htm" title="Malachi 3:16">►</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 />But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/malachi/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/malachi/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/malachi/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/malachi/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, <i>they that</i> tempt God are even delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/malachi/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So now we call the proud blessed, For those who do wickedness are raised up; They even tempt God and go free.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/malachi/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up, but they also put God to the test and escape <i>punishment.</i>’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/malachi/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up but they also test God and escape.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/malachi/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up, but they also test God and escape.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/malachi/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up, but they also test God and escape.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/malachi/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So now we call the arrogant happy <i>and</i> blessed. Evildoers are exalted <i>and</i> prosper; and when they test God, they escape [unpunished].’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/malachi/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/malachi/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/malachi/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are built up; yea, they tempt God, and escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/malachi/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />See how happy those arrogant people are. Everyone who does wrong is successful, and when they put God to the test, they always get away with it." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/malachi/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are built up; yea, they tempt God, and are delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/malachi/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So now we call arrogant people blessed. Not only are evildoers encouraged, they even test God and get away with it.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/malachi/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />As we see it, proud people are the ones who are happy. Evil people not only prosper, but they test God's patience with their evil deeds and get away with it.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/malachi/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and, 'Now we call the arrogant one blessed. Those who do evil prosper and those who challenge God escape the consequences.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/malachi/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/malachi/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So now we consider the arrogant to be happy; indeed, those who practice evil are successful. In fact, those who challenge God escape!'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/malachi/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now we call the proud blessed; indeed, evildoers prosper. They even tempt God and escape.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/malachi/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And now we call the proud happy; yes, they that work wickedness are set up; even they that tempt God are delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/malachi/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now we call the proud happy; yes, those who work wickedness are built up; yes, they tempt God, and escape.’ <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/malachi/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And now, we are declaring the proud blessed, "" Indeed, those doing wickedness have been built up, "" Indeed, they have tempted God, and escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/malachi/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And now, we are declaring the proud happy, Yea, built up have been those doing wickedness, Yea they have tempted God, and escape.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/malachi/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And now we pronounce the proud happy; also they working injustice were built up; also they tried Jehovah and they will be delivered.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/malachi/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore now we call the proud people happy, for they that work wickedness are built up, and they have tempted God and are preserved. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/malachi/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, we now call the arrogant blessed, as if those who work impiety have been built up, and as if they have tempted God and been saved.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/malachi/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But we call the arrogant blessed; for evildoers not only prosper but even test God and escape.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/malachi/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now we count the arrogant happy; evildoers not only prosper, but when they put God to the test they escape.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/malachi/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And henceforth we call the wicked blessed; yea, they that work wickedness are well established; they tempt God, and yet they are delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/malachi/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And from now we give blessing to the evil and are building up workers of sin, and they are testing God and they are saved!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/malachi/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And now we call the proud happy; Yea, they that work wickedness are built up; Yea, they try God, and are delivered.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/malachi/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And now we pronounce strangers blessed; and all they who act unlawfully are built up; and they have resisted God, and <i>yet</i> have been delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/malachi/3-15.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=625" 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">Robbing God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">So now</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·naḥ·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">we</a> <a href="/hebrew/2086.htm" title="2086: zê·ḏîm (Adj-mp) -- Insolent, presumptuous. From zuwd; arrogant.">call the arrogant</a> <a href="/hebrew/833.htm" title="833: mə·’aš·šə·rîm (V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To go straight, go on, advance. Or rasher; a primitive root; to be straight; figuratively, to go forward, be honest, proper.">blessed.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">Not only</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">do evildoers</a> <a href="/hebrew/7564.htm" title="7564: riš·‘āh (N-fs) -- Wickedness. Feminine of resha'; wrong."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: niḇ·nū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">prosper,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">they even</a> <a href="/hebrew/974.htm" title="974: bā·ḥă·nū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To examine, try. A primitive root; to test; generally and figuratively, to investigate.">test</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/4422.htm" title="4422: way·yim·mā·lê·ṭū (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. to escape; causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks.">and escape.’”</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="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3-12</a></span><br />For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. / They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. / They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7-15</a></span><br />Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? / Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes. / Their homes are safe from fear; no rod of punishment from God is upon them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1-2</a></span><br />Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? / You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Habakkuk 1:13-17</a></span><br />Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? / You have made men like the fish of the sea, like creeping things that have no ruler. / The foe pulls all of them up with a hook; he catches them in his dragnet, and gathers them in his fishing net; so he rejoices gladly. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11-14</a></span><br />When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil. / Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. / Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Psalm 37:7-9</a></span><br />Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. / Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. / For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-20.htm">Isaiah 5:20-23</a></span><br />Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. / Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. / Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing strong drink, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/94-3.htm">Psalm 94:3-7</a></span><br />How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult? / They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast. / They crush Your people, O LORD; they oppress Your heritage. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-26.htm">Jeremiah 5:26-28</a></span><br />For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. / Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. / They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Psalm 10:3-11</a></span><br />For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. / In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God. / He is secure in his ways at all times; Your lofty judgments are far from him; he sneers at all his foes. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Matthew 5:45</a></span><br />that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-35.htm">Luke 6:35</a></span><br />But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-6</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">2 Peter 2:18-19</a></span><br />With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. / They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4-5</a></span><br />Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? / But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And now we call the proud happy; yes, they that work wickedness are set up; yes, they that tempt God are even delivered.</p><p class="hdg">we call.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Malachi 4:1</a></b></br> For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/5-10.htm">Esther 5:10</a></b></br> Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Psalm 10:3</a></b></br> For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, <i>whom</i> the LORD abhorreth.</p><p class="hdg">yea.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/2-17.htm">Malachi 2:17</a></b></br> Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied <i>him</i>? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil <i>is</i> good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where <i>is</i> the God of judgment?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/12-6.htm">Job 12:6</a></b></br> The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth <i>abundantly</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7-15,30</a></b></br> Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? … </p><p class="hdg">set.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/22-23.htm">Job 22:23</a></b></br> If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.</p><p class="hdg">they that tempt.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/14-22.htm">Numbers 14:22,23</a></b></br> Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/6-16.htm">Daniel 6:16</a></b></br> Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast <i>him</i> into the den of lions. <i>Now</i> the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-18.htm">Psalm 78:18,41,56</a></b></br> And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/malachi/3-13.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/malachi/3-12.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-3.htm">Built</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Deem</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-2.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-13.htm">Doers</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-7.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/hosea/10-9.htm">Evildoers</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-3.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/malachi/3-12.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-3.htm">Henceforth</a> <a href="/malachi/2-4.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-3.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/amos/5-6.htm">Prosper</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-3.htm">Proud</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-6.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-12.htm">Tempt</a> <a href="/psalms/106-14.htm">Tempted</a> <a href="/malachi/3-10.htm">Test</a> <a href="/malachi/3-10.htm">Try</a> <a href="/malachi/1-4.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/haggai/2-17.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Built</a> <a href="/luke/7-8.htm">Deem</a> <a href="/matthew/4-12.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/matthew/7-23.htm">Doers</a> <a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/matthew/7-23.htm">Evildoers</a> <a href="/malachi/4-3.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Henceforth</a> <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/matthew/11-29.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/acts/13-17.htm">Prosper</a> <a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Proud</a> <a href="/matthew/6-13.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/matthew/4-7.htm">Tempt</a> <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Tempted</a> <a href="/matthew/4-7.htm">Test</a> <a href="/mark/12-15.htm">Try</a> <a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Work</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 now we call the arrogant blessed.</b><br>In the context of Malachi, the Israelites are expressing frustration and confusion over the apparent prosperity of the wicked. This sentiment reflects a common biblical theme where the righteous question why the wicked seem to thrive (see <a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3-12</a>). The term "arrogant" refers to those who are prideful and self-reliant, often in defiance of God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, arrogance was seen as a direct challenge to divine authority. The Israelites' statement here is a lament, indicating a crisis of faith where they perceive that God's justice is not being enacted as expected.<p><b>Not only do evildoers prosper,</b><br>This phrase highlights the perceived injustice that those who commit evil acts are thriving. Historically, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine favor, which adds to the confusion and distress of the faithful. The prosperity of evildoers is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature, such as in the Book of Job and Ecclesiastes, where the righteous grapple with understanding God's justice. This prosperity is not just material wealth but can also include social status and influence, which were highly valued in the ancient world.<p><b>they even test God and escape.’”</b><br>Testing God refers to actions that challenge His patience or authority, often by living in ways contrary to His commands. In the biblical narrative, testing God is seen as a serious offense, as seen in the wilderness narratives of Exodus and Numbers. The idea of "escaping" implies that these evildoers are not facing immediate consequences for their actions, which can be troubling for those who expect divine retribution. This phrase echoes the sentiments found in other prophetic books, such as Habakkuk, where the prophet questions why God allows injustice to persist. Theologically, this raises questions about God's timing and the ultimate fulfillment of His justice, pointing forward to eschatological themes where final judgment is assured.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/malachi.htm">Malachi</a></b><br>The prophet who delivered God's message to the Israelites. His name means "my messenger" in Hebrew, and he is the last of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God to whom Malachi was sent. They were struggling with faithfulness and obedience to God's covenant during this period.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/evildoers.htm">Evildoers</a></b><br>Those who act wickedly and are seen as prospering despite their actions. In the context of Malachi, these are individuals who defy God's laws and yet seem to escape judgment.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure who is being tested by the evildoers. He is portrayed as just and righteous, yet His justice seems delayed in the eyes of the people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_arrogant.htm">The Arrogant</a></b><br>Those who are prideful and self-exalting, often equated with the evildoers in this passage. They are perceived as being blessed despite their arrogance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_justice.htm">Understanding God's Justice</a></b><br>God's justice may seem delayed, but it is certain. Believers are called to trust in God's timing and His ultimate plan for justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_envying_the_wicked.htm">The Danger of Envying the Wicked</a></b><br>Envying the prosperity of the wicked can lead to spiritual discouragement. Christians should focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary, earthly success.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_uncertainty.htm">Faithfulness in Uncertainty</a></b><br>In times of doubt and when evil seems to prevail, believers are encouraged to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/testing_god.htm">Testing God</a></b><br>Testing God by living in disobedience and expecting no consequences is a dangerous path. True blessing comes from living in accordance with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_perspective.htm">The Role of Perspective</a></b><br>A heavenly perspective helps believers understand that earthly prosperity is fleeting, and true blessing is found in a relationship with 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/why_does_malachi_4_conflict_with_grace.htm">Why does Malachi 4's emphasis on judgment seem to conflict with other biblical passages that portray God's grace and mercy toward evildoers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_god's_changeability.htm">In Jeremiah 15:6, God says, 'I am weary with relenting,' yet other scriptures present Him as unchanging (e.g., Malachi 3:6). How do we reconcile this apparent contradiction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_malachi_4_1's_'day'_consume_the_wicked.htm">In Malachi 4:1, how can a literal 'day' consume the wicked like stubble without any known natural phenomenon matching this description?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_god_command_theft_in_exodus.htm">Did God command stealing? (Exodus 20:15 vs. Exodus 3:22)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/malachi/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) And now means <span class= "ital">and so, consequently.</span> In this verse the prophet gives the words of the murmurers. (See Note on <a href="/malachi/3-13.htm" title="Your words have been stout against me, said the LORD. Yet you say, What have we spoken so much against you?">Malachi 3:13</a>.) The statements of <a href="/malachi/3-13.htm" title="Your words have been stout against me, said the LORD. Yet you say, What have we spoken so much against you?">Malachi 3:13</a> show that they were of a very different character from such faithful servants of Jehovah as were at times sorely tempted against their will to waver in their faith. We may observe here the seeds of sceptical Sadduceism, as in <a href="/malachi/3-14.htm" title="You 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?">Malachi 3:14</a> of hypocritical Phariseism. (Comp. Psalms 37, 73, and the Books of Job and Eccl.)<p><span class= "bld">Proud . . . they that work wickedness</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, the heathen, who do not profess to serve Jehovah. (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/13-11.htm" title="And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.">Isaiah 13:11</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Proud</span> is a common Biblical expression for <span class= "ital">presumptuous sinners;</span> the same word is also used for '<span class= "ital">presumptuous sins</span> (<a href="/psalms/19-13.htm" title="Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.">Psalm 19:13</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/malachi/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">We call the proud happy.</span> This is still the speech of the murmurers. We, they say, do not reckon the humble and meek blessed; we consider that the only blessed ones are the arrogant heathen, or free thinkers, who meet with prosperity and happiness in this world. For the "proud," the LXX. has, <span class="greek">ἀλλοτρίους</span>, "strangers," which, doubtless, gives the meaning (comp. <a href="/isaiah/13-11.htm">Isaiah 13:11</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Are set up;</span> literally, <span class="accented">are built up</span> - have wealth and families, and leave a name behind them (<a href="/psalms/17-14.htm">Psalm 17:14</a>; see in the original, <a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2</a>; <a href="/genesis/30-3.htm">Genesis 30:3</a>; and comp. <a href="/exodus/1-21.htm">Exodus 1:21</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/12-16.htm">Jeremiah 12:16</a>, where the phrase, "being built," includes all temporal prosperity). <span class="cmt_word">They that tempt God are even delivered;</span> <span class="accented">they tempt God, and are delivered</span> (ver. 10). They try and provoke God by their impiety, and yet escape punishment. Septuagint, <span class="greek">Ἀντέστησαν τῷ Θεῷ καὶ ἐσώθησαν</span>, "They resist God, and yet are safe." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/malachi/3-15.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 now</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַתָּ֕ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> </span><span class="str2">At this time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנַ֖חְנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·naḥ·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> </span><span class="str2">We</span><br /><br /><span class="word">call the arrogant</span><br /><span class="heb">זֵדִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(zê·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2086.htm">Strong's 2086: </a> </span><span class="str2">Insolent, presumptuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">blessed.</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאַשְּׁרִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’aš·šə·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_833.htm">Strong's 833: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be straight, to go forward, be honest, proper</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Not only</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do evildoers</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹשֵׂ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·śê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prosper,</span><br /><span class="heb">נִבְנוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(niḇ·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they even</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֧ם</span> <span class="translit">(gam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">test</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּחֲנ֛וּ</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ḥă·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_974.htm">Strong's 974: </a> </span><span class="str2">To test, to investigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֖ים</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 escape.’”</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּמָּלֵֽטוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(way·yim·mā·lê·ṭū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4422.htm">Strong's 4422: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">OT Prophets: Malachi 3:15 Now we call the proud happy (Malachi Mal Ml) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/malachi/3-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Malachi 3:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Malachi 3:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/malachi/3-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Malachi 3:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Malachi 3:16" /></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>