Malachi – Chapter 4

Old Testament • 6 Verses

Chapter Summary

"For behold the day shall come kindled as a furnace: and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and the day that cometh…" — so begins Malachi 4. The chapter centers on Elijah and Moses. Across its 6 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and justice and care for the poor. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1For behold the day shall come kindled as a furnace: and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall set them on fire, saith the Lord of hosts, it shall not leave them root, nor branch.

2But unto you that fear my name, the Sun of justice shall arise, and health in his wings: and you shall go forth, and shall leap like calves of the herd.

3And you shall tread down the wicked when they shall be ashes under the sole of your feet in the day that I do this, saith the Lord of hosts.

4Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, the precepts, and judgments.

5Behold, I will send you Elias the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

6And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers: lest I come, and strike the earth with anathema.

Important Verses in Malachi 4

“For behold the day shall come kindled as a furnace: and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall set them on fire, saith the Lord of hosts, it shall not leave them root, nor branch.”

Malachi 4:1

“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers: lest I come, and strike the earth with anathema. ”

Malachi 4:6

Historical Context

Malachi addresses a spiritually weary community, summoned to await the Lord's coming within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 4 of 4 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 6 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Elijah and Moses, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "For behold the day shall come kindled as a furnace: and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and…" The final verse reads: "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers: lest I…" Read against its original backdrop, A century after the return from exile, fervor had faded: priests offered blemished sacrifices, men divorced the wives of their youth, and tithes were withheld. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About 460-430 BC.

Who Wrote It

'Malachi' means 'my messenger'; the prophet's oracles close the Old Testament

When It Was Written

About 460-430 BC

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter describes real persons, decisions, and consequences within covenant faithfulness and the coming messenger. A pivotal line is verse 1: "For behold the day shall come kindled as a furnace: and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall set them on…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of covenant faithfulness and the coming messenger. Malachi prepares for John the Baptist and Christ (CIC 523). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 265).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓Christ is the Divine Physician who heals both body and soul.

People in This Chapter

Elijah1 mentionMoses1 mention

Reflection for Today

Malachi Chapter 4, containing 6 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 618). Here the emphasis falls on the Eucharist as source and summit, which shapes how the Church understands covenant faithfulness and the coming messenger.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the Eucharist as source and summit bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Malachi Chapter 4 about?

Malachi 4 contains 6 verses. It opens with "For behold the day shall come kindled as a furnace: and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and…" and closes with "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers: lest I…". The book as a whole is prophetic disputations.

What is a key verse in Malachi 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "For behold the day shall come kindled as a furnace: and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall set them on fire, saith the Lord of…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Malachi Chapter 4?

This chapter mentions Elijah, Moses.

Who wrote Malachi and when?

'Malachi' means 'my messenger'; the prophet's oracles close the Old Testament. About 460-430 BC.

Related Chapters

Leviticus 19Shares people and themes with this chapterDeuteronomy 27Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Kings 17Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World

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