Malachi 4:5
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God promises to send Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD arrives.
What Does Malachi 4:5 Mean?
The final promise opens the door to the future. 'Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.' Before that climactic day dawns, God will send a prophet in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare His people. The book that began with a coming messenger now closes with the promise of one more, sent in mercy before the day of reckoning.
The New Testament connects this promise with John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah to ready hearts for the Lord. Here it stands as God's last word of hope across the silent centuries: He will not let the great day come without first sending a voice to call His people back. That God sends a preparer shows His patience and His desire that none be unready. The dreadful day need not be dreaded by those who heed the call. Mercy goes ahead of judgment, giving every heart the chance to turn.
In the Original Language
yom gadol ve-nora (יוֹם גָּדוֹל וְנוֹרָא), 'great and dreadful day' -- the awesome day of the LORD's coming, both glorious and to be feared.