But for you who fear My nameThis phrase addresses those who have a reverent awe and respect for God, distinguishing them from the wicked mentioned earlier in Malachi. The "fear of the Lord" is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing a relationship based on reverence and obedience (
Proverbs 1:7). This fear is not terror but a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's holiness and authority. It is a call to live in accordance with God's commandments, reflecting a heart aligned with His will.
the sun of righteousness will rise
The "sun of righteousness" is a metaphorical expression symbolizing the coming of divine justice and salvation. In the ancient Near East, the sun was often associated with deities and seen as a source of life and light. Here, it represents the Messiah, bringing righteousness and justice. This imagery connects to prophecies of the coming of Christ, who is seen as the light of the world (John 8:12). The rising sun signifies a new beginning, the dawn of a new era of righteousness.
with healing in its wings
The phrase "healing in its wings" suggests restoration and wholeness. In Hebrew, the word for "wings" can also mean "edges" or "corners," possibly referring to the fringes of a garment, as seen in the story of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment and was healed (Matthew 9:20-22). This healing is comprehensive, addressing both physical and spiritual ailments, and is a promise of the Messiah's restorative power.
and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall
This imagery of calves leaping from the stall conveys joy, freedom, and vitality. It reflects the exuberance and liberation experienced by those who are redeemed and restored. In an agrarian society, the release of calves from confinement to open pastures symbolizes a transition from restriction to freedom. This joy parallels the spiritual freedom found in Christ, as believers are liberated from the bondage of sin and death (Romans 8:21). The imagery underscores the transformative impact of the Messiah's coming, bringing life and joy to those who fear the Lord.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MalachiThe prophet who delivered God's message to the Israelites, calling them to repentance and faithfulness.
2.
The FearfulThose who revere and respect God's name, living in awe and obedience to Him.
3.
The Sun of RighteousnessA metaphorical representation of God's righteousness and justice, often interpreted as a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ.
4.
Healing in its WingsSymbolizes the restoration and wholeness that comes from God's presence and intervention.
5.
Calves from the StallRepresents joy, freedom, and the exuberance of those who experience God's deliverance and blessing.
Teaching Points
Reverence for God's NameEmphasize the importance of fearing the Lord, which involves a deep respect and awe for His holiness and authority.
Messianic FulfillmentRecognize Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the "sun of righteousness," bringing spiritual healing and salvation.
Experiencing God's HealingEncourage believers to seek God's healing in all areas of life, trusting in His power to restore and renew.
Joyful Freedom in ChristHighlight the joy and freedom that come from living in the light of God's righteousness, akin to the leaping calves.
Living in ExpectationLive with the expectation of God's continued work in our lives, bringing light and healing as we walk in His ways.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Malachi 4:2?
2.How does Malachi 4:2 encourage us to live righteously in daily life?
3.What does "sun of righteousness" symbolize in Malachi 4:2?
4.How can we experience "healing in its wings" today?
5.Connect Malachi 4:2 with Jesus' role as the Light of the World.
6.How can we "leap like calves" in our spiritual walk with God?
7.What does "the sun of righteousness" symbolize in Malachi 4:2?
8.How does Malachi 4:2 relate to the concept of divine healing?
9.Why is Malachi 4:2 significant in the context of Old Testament prophecy?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Malachi 4?
11.How does Malachi 4:2’s “Sun of righteousness” physically heal people, considering the sun’s harmful effects on human health?
12.What does "Healing in His Wings" signify?
13.What does "Sun of Righteousness" mean?
14.What does 'Healing in His Wings' signify?What Does Malachi 4:2 Mean
But for you who fear My name“But for you who fear My name” (Malachi 4:2a) singles out the faithful remnant—people who revere, trust, and obey the Lord.
• Fear here is reverent awe that shapes daily choices, like Noah obeying God “in reverent fear” (Hebrews 11:7).
• This holy fear distinguishes true believers from the complacent (Malachi 3:16–18).
•Psalm 25:14 affirms, “The LORD confides in those who fear Him,” promising intimacy and guidance.
•Acts 10:35 shows God welcoming “anyone who fears Him and does what is right,” confirming that this attitude positions us for blessing.
the sun of righteousness will rise“The sun of righteousness will rise” (Malachi 4:2b) pictures the Messiah appearing like dawn after a long, dark night.
• Jesus calls Himself “the light of the world” (John 8:12), fulfilling this promise.
•2 Samuel 23:4 compares a righteous ruler to “the light of morning when the sun rises,” underscoring the life-giving nature of Christ’s kingdom.
•Revelation 22:16 presents Jesus as “the Bright Morning Star,” bridging Old and New Covenants.
• This is a literal expectation: at His second coming, the moral darkness ends and righteousness overtakes the earth (Isaiah 60:1–3).
with healing in its wings“With healing in its wings” (Malachi 4:2c) assures total restoration.
• Wings suggest rays spreading in every direction, touching body, mind, and spirit.
•Isaiah 53:5 foretells that “by His stripes we are healed,” pointing to the cross as the source.
• During His ministry Jesus let people “touch the fringe of His cloak, and all who touched Him were healed” (Matthew 14:36), a foretaste of the full healing to come.
•Revelation 21:4 promises a day with “no more death or mourning,” the ultimate outworking of this healing.
and you will go out“You will go out” (Malachi 4:2d) speaks of release and forward movement.
• Like Israel leaving Egypt “in great haste” (Exodus 12:33–42), believers will step into a new era of freedom.
•John 8:36 confirms, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
• The phrase hints at participating in Christ’s reign on earth (2 Timothy 2:12), serving Him without restraint or opposition.
and leap like calves from the stall“And leap like calves from the stall” (Malachi 4:2e) paints exuberant, physical joy.
• Newly released calves kick, race, and frolic—an apt picture of redeemed people tasting unhindered life.
•Isaiah 35:6 declares, “Then the lame will leap like a deer,” showing the bodily vigor of the coming age.
•Romans 8:21 says creation itself will be liberated, so even nature joins the celebration.
• This is not metaphor alone; it anticipates literal resurrection bodies full of vitality (1 Corinthians 15:42–44).
summaryMalachi 4:2 promises that those who revere the Lord will witness Christ, the radiant “sun of righteousness,” appearing to flood the world with healing. Freed from every bondage, we will surge into His kingdom, bursting with the lively joy of calves released from confinement. The verse anchors our hope: Christ is coming, healing is certain, freedom is real, and uncontainable joy awaits all who fear His name.
(2) As the rising sun diffuses light and heat, so that all that is healthy in nature revives and lifts up its head, while plants that have no depth of root are scorched up and wither away, so the advent of the reign of righteousness, which will reward the good and the wicked, each according to his deserts, will dissipate all darkness of doubt, and heal all the wounds which the apparent injustice of the conduct of affairs has inflicted on the hearts of the righteous.
Wings.--Figurative forrays. The fathers and early commentators have understood Christ by the Sun of Righteousness, and they are so far right that it is the period of His advent that is referred to; but there can be nopersonal reference to Him in the expression, since "sun" is feminine in Hebrew; and the literal rendering of the word translated "in his wings" is "inher wings."
Grow up.--Better,prance, orsport.
Verse 2. -
The Sun of Righteousness. The sun which is righteousness, in whose wings, that is, rays, are healing and salvation. This Divine righteousness shall beam upon them that fear the Name of God, flooding them with joy and light, healing all wounds, tee moving all miseries, making them incalculably blessed. The Fathers generally apply the title of "Sun of Righteousness" to Christ, who is the Source of all justification and enlightenment and happiness, and who is called (
Jeremiah 23:6), "The Lord our Righteousness."
Grow up; rather,
gambol;
σκιρτήσετε (Septuagint);
salietis (Vulgate). "Ye shall leap!" comp. Jeremiah h 11). The word is used of a horse galloping (Habbakuk 1:8). The happiness of the righteous is illustrated by a homely image drawn from pastoral pursuits. They had been, as it were, hidden in the time of affliction and temptation; they
shall go forth boldly now, free and exulting, like calves driven from the stall to pasture (comp.
Psalm 114:4, 6;
Song of Solomon 2:8, 17).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“But for you who fearיִרְאֵ֤י(yir·’ê)Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3373:Fearing, reverentMy name,שְׁמִי֙(šə·mî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8034:A namethe sunשֶׁ֣מֶשׁ(še·meš)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 8121:The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlementof righteousnessצְדָקָ֔ה(ṣə·ḏā·qāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6666:Rightness, subjectively, objectivelywill riseוְזָרְחָ֨ה(wə·zā·rə·ḥāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2224:To irradiate, to rise, to appearwith healingוּמַרְפֵּ֖א(ū·mar·pê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4832:Curative, a medicine, a cure, deliverance, placidityin its wings,בִּכְנָפֶ֑יהָ(biḵ·nā·p̄e·hā)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3671:An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacleand you will go outוִֽיצָאתֶ֥ם(wî·ṣā·ṯem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximand leapוּפִשְׁתֶּ֖ם(ū·p̄iš·tem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6335:Probably to spring aboutlike calvesכְּעֶגְלֵ֥י(kə·‘eḡ·lê)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5695:A, calf, one nearly grownfrom the stall.מַרְבֵּֽק׃(mar·bêq)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4770:A stall
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OT Prophets: Malachi 4:2 But to you who fear my name (Malachi Mal Ml)