Meaning of the Name Malachi

Malachi is most naturally related to the Hebrew word for "messenger" and is often understood as "my messenger." Some scholars, however, think it may function more like a title than a conventional personal name. So the core meaning is clear, but the way the designation is used remains somewhat debated.

Origin

The name Malachi is of Hebrew origin.

Who is Malachi in the Bible?

Malachi is the prophet named in the heading of the final book of the Old Testament. His book rebukes priests, addresses the people, and speaks of the coming messenger of the Lord.

The story of Malachi in the Bible

Malachi is the prophet named in the heading of the last book of the Old Testament; the book gives no further biographical detail, and his name, meaning my messenger, points to his calling. His book unfolds as a series of disputes in question-and-answer form: the LORD declares his love for his people, the people answer, how have you loved us, and each section develops as such an objection is met. Malachi sharply warns the priests who bring blemished animals to the altar, reminding them that a priest's lips should guard knowledge and that people should seek instruction from him, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. He condemns unfaithfulness to the wife of one's youth, stresses covenant loyalty, and holds up the tithe as part of faithful worship. The book's most remembered word looks forward: the LORD will send his messenger to prepare the way, and then he himself will suddenly come to his temple. The Old Testament closes on this note of expectation, which the Gospels connect with John the Baptist.

Is Malachi mentioned in the Quran?

The name Malachi does not appear in the Quran; he is known as the prophet of the final book of the Old Testament, announcing the messenger whom God would send.

Verses where Malachi appears

Related names