Malachi 3:17 "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.

◄ Malachi 3:17 ►

New International Version
“On the day when I act,” says the LORD Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.

New Living Translation
“They will be my people,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child.

English Standard Version
“They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.

Berean Standard Bible
“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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.”

New American Standard Bible
“And they will be Mine,” says the LORD of armies, “on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will have compassion for them just as a man has compassion for his own son who serves him.”

NASB 1995
“They will be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.”

NASB 1977
“And they will be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“And they will be Mine,” says Yahweh of hosts, “on the day that I prepare My own treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.”

Amplified Bible
“They will be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “on that day when I publicly recognize them and openly declare them to be My own possession [that is, My very special treasure]. And I will have compassion on them and spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.”

Christian Standard Bible
“They will be mine,” says the LORD of Armies, “my own possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “a special possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.

American Standard Version
And they shall be mine, saith Jehovah of hosts, even mine own possession, in the day that I make; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Contemporary English Version
Then the LORD All-Powerful said: You people are precious to me, and when I come to bring justice, I will protect you, just as parents protect an obedient child.

English Revised Version
And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in the day that I do make, even a peculiar treasure; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"They will be mine," says the LORD of Armies. "On that day I will make them my special possession. I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.

Good News Translation
"They will be my people," says the LORD Almighty. "On the day when I act, they will be my very own. I will be merciful to them as parents are merciful to the children who serve them.

International Standard Version
"They'll be mine," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, "in the day when I prepare my treasured possession. I'll spare them, just as a man spares his own son who serves him.

Majority Standard Bible
“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.

NET Bible
"They will belong to me," says the LORD who rules over all, "in the day when I prepare my own special property. I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.

New Heart English Bible
They shall be mine," says the LORD of hosts, "my own possession in the day that I make, and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
They shall be mine,” says Yahweh of Armies, “my own possession in the day that I make. I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And they have been to Me,” said YHWH of Hosts, "" “In the day that I am appointing—a peculiar treasure, "" And I have had pity on them, "" As one has pity on his son who is serving him.

Young's Literal Translation
And they have been to Me, said Jehovah of Hosts, In the day that I am appointing -- a peculiar treasure, And I have had pity on them, As one hath pity on his son who is serving him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they were to me, said Jehovah of armies, for the day which I make wealth; and I spared for them as a man will spare for the son serving him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they shall be my special possession, saith the Lord of hosts, in the day that I do judgment: and I will spare them, as a man spareth his son that serveth him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they will be my special possession, says the Lord of hosts, on the day that I act. And I will spare them, just as a man spares his son who serves him.

New American Bible
They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, my own special possession, on the day when I take action. And I will have compassion on them, as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.

New Revised Standard Version
They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act, and I will spare them as parents spare their children who serve them.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, on that day when I will assemble the people; and I will have pity on them as a man pities his own son who serves him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they shall be for me, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts, for the day that I make the assembly, and I shall have regard for them as a man has regard for his son who serves him

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And they shall be Mine, saith the LORD of hosts, In the day that I do make, even Mine own treasure; And I will spare them, as a man spareth His own son that serveth him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord Almighty, in the day which I appoint for a peculiar possession; and I will make choice of them, as a man makes choice of his son that serves him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Book of Remembrance
16At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. 17“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. 18So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 19:5
Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine.

Deuteronomy 7:6
For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 14:2
for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.

Psalm 135:4
For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own, Israel as His treasured possession.

Isaiah 43:1
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!

Isaiah 62:3
You will be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, a royal diadem in the palm of your God.

Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.

Zechariah 9:16
On that day the LORD their God will save them as the flock of His people; for like jewels in a crown they will sparkle over His land.

Titus 2:14
He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Ephesians 1:14
who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.

2 Corinthians 6:18
And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Revelation 21:7
The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.

Matthew 13:43
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Treasury of Scripture

And they shall be mine, said the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.

they shall.

Song of Solomon 2:16
My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Jeremiah 31:33
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Jeremiah 32:38,39
And they shall be my people, and I will be their God: …

jewels.

Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

Deuteronomy 7:6
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

and I.

Nehemiah 13:22
And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

Psalm 103:8-13
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy…

Isaiah 26:20,21
Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast…

son.

Malachi 1:6
A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

1 Peter 1:13-16
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; …

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Act Almighty Appointing Armies Compassion Hosts Jewels Mercy Pity Possession Prepare Property Servant Serves Serveth Serving Spare Spares Spareth Special Treasure Treasured

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Act Almighty Appointing Armies Compassion Hosts Jewels Mercy Pity Possession Prepare Property Servant Serves Serveth Serving Spare Spares Spareth Special Treasure Treasured

Malachi 3

1. Of the messenger, majesty, and grace of Christ.
7. Of the rebellion,
8. sacrilege,
13. and infidelity of the people.
16. The promise of blessing to those who fear God.

Berean Study Bible

They will be Mine
This phrase signifies a profound declaration of ownership and relationship. In Hebrew, the word "Mine" (לִי, li) indicates possession and belonging. The LORD of Hosts is asserting His claim over His people, emphasizing a covenant relationship. Historically, this reflects the covenantal promises made to Israel, where God repeatedly affirmed His people as His own. This ownership is not just about possession but about a deep, personal relationship akin to a family bond.

says the LORD of Hosts
The title "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot) is a powerful designation of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. This title is often used in contexts where God's power and authority are being highlighted. It reassures the faithful of God's supreme control and ability to fulfill His promises. Historically, this would have been a comforting reminder to the Israelites of God's protection and might.

on the day
The phrase "on the day" (בַּיּוֹם, bayom) refers to a specific time of divine action and intervention. In prophetic literature, "the day" often points to a future time when God will act decisively in history. This could be a day of judgment or salvation, depending on the context. Here, it suggests a future moment when God will fulfill His promises to His people, aligning with eschatological themes found throughout the prophets.

when I prepare
The verb "prepare" (עָשָׂה, asah) in Hebrew conveys the idea of making ready or setting apart. This preparation is an intentional act by God, indicating His active role in setting apart His people for a special purpose. It suggests a process of refinement and sanctification, aligning with the broader biblical theme of God preparing His people for His purposes.

My treasured possession
The term "treasured possession" (סְגֻלָּה, segullah) is a rich Hebrew word denoting something highly valued and cherished. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's "treasured possession" would be his most prized and valuable assets. For God to call His people His "treasured possession" signifies their immense value to Him. This echoes Exodus 19:5, where God calls Israel His "treasured possession" among all peoples, highlighting the special status and love God has for His covenant people.

And I will spare them
The promise "I will spare them" (וְחָמַלְתִּי עֲלֵיהֶם, vechamalti alehem) speaks of divine mercy and compassion. The verb "spare" (חָמַל, chamal) implies a withholding of deserved punishment, reflecting God's grace. This is reminiscent of the Passover in Exodus, where God spared the Israelites from the plague. It underscores the theme of redemption and God's willingness to forgive and protect those who are faithful to Him.

as a man spares his own son who serves him
This simile draws a parallel between God's relationship with His people and a father's relationship with a dutiful son. In ancient cultures, a son who served his father faithfully was often rewarded with favor and inheritance. This imagery conveys intimacy, love, and the reward of faithful service. It highlights the familial aspect of God's relationship with His people, where obedience and service are met with love and protection. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as a loving Father to His children.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(17) And they shall be . . . my jewels.--Better, And they shall be to me, saith the Lord of hosts, a special possession, on the day that I am about to make. "Special possession" (Exodus 19:5).

Day . . . make.--The same expression occurs in Malachi 4:3. (Comp. Psalm 118:24.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 17. - They shall be mine, etc. This is better rendered, in accordance with the Septuagint and Vulgate, "They shall be to me, saith the Lord of hosts, in the day which I am preparing, a peculiar treasure." This day of the Lord is the day of judgment, which God is always preparing by his visitation of nations and individuals. Then shall the righteous be to God a peculiar treasure (segullah), that which he prizes as his special possession (see Exodus 19:5, whence the expression is derived; and comp. Deuteronomy 7:6: 14:2; 26:18; Psalm 135:4). I will spare them; i.e. when I punish sinners. They are spared on two grounds, because they are his sons, and because they serve him like obedient children (Psalm 103:13). Septuagint, αἱρετιῶ αὐτούς, "I will choose them."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

“They will be Mine,”
וְהָ֣יוּ (wə·hā·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

says
אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts,
צְבָא֔וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

“on the day
לַיּ֕וֹם (lay·yō·wm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

when
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I
אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

prepare
עֹשֶׂ֣ה (‘ō·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

My treasured possession.
סְגֻלָּ֑ה (sə·ḡul·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5459: Possession, property

And I will spare
וְחָמַלְתִּ֣י (wə·ḥā·mal·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2550: To commiserate, to spare

them
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם (‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

as
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙ (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

a man
אִ֔ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

spares
יַחְמֹ֣ל (yaḥ·mōl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2550: To commiserate, to spare

his own son
בְּנ֖וֹ (bə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

who serves
הָעֹבֵ֥ד (hā·‘ō·ḇêḏ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave

him.
אֹתֽוֹ׃ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

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OT Prophets: Malachi 3:17 They shall be mine says Yahweh (Malachi Mal Ml)