3:16a

At that time: In this context, the Hebrew word ʾaz which the Berean Standard Bible translates as At that time most probably indicates that this verse contrasts with the previous paragraph. In contrast to the people referred to in 3:14–15, this verse refers to people who feared the LORD.

those who feared the LORD: This refers to the people who were faithful to the LORD and respected him. See the note on 1:6c–d.

Scholars differ about exactly who these people were:

(1) They were people who accepted Malachi’s warnings and then spoke respectfully about the LORD.

(2) They were people who already respected the LORD before Malachi’s warning. The verse refers to their reaction when other people accused the LORD.

The Hebrew text allow either interpretation, and English versions are also ambiguous. If possible, you should try to translate so that either view could be understood. If that is not possible in your language, it is recommended that you follow option (1).

spoke with one another: We do not know what these people said to each other. It must have been something which pleased the LORD because he responded favorably to their words (3:16b).

3:16b

This verse part begins with the Hebrew conjunction w-. It introduces the LORD’s response to those who feared him. Most English versions translate it as “and.” Use what is natural in your language in this context to introduce the LORD’s response.

listened and heard them: The Hebrew words which the Berean Standard Bible translates as listened and heard mean almost the same thing in this context. The author used both verbs here to emphasize the action, that is, to mean something like “listened very carefully.” There are at least two possibilities for translation:

• Use two similar verbs. For example:

the Lord paid attention and listened. (God’s Word)

• Use one verb, and emphasize it in some way.

the LORD listened very carefully.

Use an option which will be natural in your language for this context.

3:16c

a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD: This indicates that a record was written in a book about the people who feared the LORD. The record probably mentioned their names and also may have included their words and deeds which showed their faithfulness to him. Someone wrote this record in the LORD’s presence. Malachi does not tell us who this person was. For example:

In his presence, there was written down in a book a record of those who feared the Lord and respected him. (Good News Translation)

scroll: At the time when Malachi prophesied, books as we know them today did not exist. People wrote on stone tablets, scrolls of leather or other materials. You should choose a general term here which represents a well known substance on which people would keep written records.

regarding those who feared the LORD: The Hebrew word l- which the Berean Standard Bible translates as regarding at this point in the verse can have many meanings. Here the context indicates that the book was written “for the benefit of” those who feared the LORD. The LORD would remember them (and what they had said or done).

those who feared the LORD: See the note on 3:16a.

3:16d

and honored His name: That is, they honored his name, they thought about him with reverence. For example:

those who feared the Lord and respected him. (Good News Translation)

His name: In the Hebrew Bible, the phrase “the LORD’s name” or His name refers to God himself or his authority. It was also used in this way in 1:6. See the note on 1:6f. Good News Translation simply uses “him” instead of His name.

General Comment on 3:16c–d

The Hebrew expressions which the Berean Standard Bible translates as “feared the LORD” in 3:16c and “honored His name” in 3:16d mean almost the same thing. In some languages it may be more natural to express this idea in another way. Some possibilities are:

• Express the idea only once. For example:

those who reverenced the LORD.
-or-
those who esteemed the LORD in their thoughts.

• Change the order of the expressions. For example:

those who meditated about the LORD and revered him.

• Use a compound verb, adverb or other element. For example:

those who honored the LORD with reverence and esteem.

Use an option which is natural in your language.

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