King James Version
Malachi 3:2 in the King James Version says “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and lik...” — study this verse from Malachi chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:”
Malachi 3:2 · KJV
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years. former: or, ancient
KJV Study — Public Domain
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
“But who may abide”
H3557properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“the day”
H3117a 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
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
“and who shall stand”
H5975to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
“when he appeareth”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
“for he is like a refiner's”
H6884to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
“and like fullers”
H3526to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
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.
Malachi 3:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Malachi 3:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge