King James Version

What Does Malachi 3:17 Mean?

Malachi 3:17 in the King James Version says “And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man s...” — study this verse from Malachi chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. jewels: or, special treasure”

Malachi 3:17 · KJV

Context

15

And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. are set up: Heb. are built

16

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

17

And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. jewels: or, special treasure

18

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

Read Malachi 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." God declares the faithful remnant His "jewels" (segullah)—treasured possession, special treasure. The phrase "in that day" points to judgment day when God separates wheat from chaff. "When I make up my jewels" (be-yom asher ani oseh segullah) describes God gathering His treasured ones. "I will spare them" (chamalti alav) means show compassion, have pity. The comparison to a father sparing his son who serves him illustrates covenant relationship—not arbitrary selection but loving response to faithful service.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The term "segullah" appears in Exodus 19:5 where God calls Israel His "peculiar treasure" (treasured possession). Here it narrows to the faithful remnant within Israel—those who feared the LORD (3:16) versus those who questioned His justice (3:13-15). This anticipates New Testament teaching that not all ethnic Israel is true Israel (Romans 9:6-8), but those who believe constitute God's treasured possession (Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9). The "day" when God makes up His jewels is judgment day when He vindicates the faithful and judges the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be God's "jewels" or treasured possession?
  2. How does the father-son analogy illustrate God's relationship with faithful servants?
  3. What assurance does this verse provide about God's ultimate vindication of His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְהָ֣יוּ1 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִ֗י2 of 19
H0
אָמַר֙3 of 19

“And they shall be mine saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה4 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֔וֹת5 of 19

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

לַיּ֕וֹם6 of 19

“in that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֲנִ֖י8 of 19
H589

i

עֹשֶׂ֣ה9 of 19

“when I make up”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

סְגֻלָּ֑ה10 of 19

“my jewels”

H5459

wealth (as closely shut up)

יַחְמֹ֣ל11 of 19

“and I will spare”

H2550

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם12 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙13 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַחְמֹ֣ל14 of 19

“and I will spare”

H2550

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

אִ֔ישׁ15 of 19

“them as a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עַל16 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנ֖וֹ17 of 19

“his own son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הָעֹבֵ֥ד18 of 19

“that serveth”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֹתֽוֹ׃19 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Malachi. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Malachi 3:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Malachi 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 19:5Deuteronomy 7:62 Corinthians 6:18Isaiah 62:3-4Jeremiah 32:38-39Romans 8:32

Test Your Knowledge

Malachi 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMalachi Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Malachi 3 with CommentaryAll Malachi ChaptersComplete Malachi QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes