Malachi 4:4-6
“Remember ye the law of Moses my servant... Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.”
King James Version
The closing of the Old Testament — the promise of 'Elijah' before the Day of the LORD, fulfilled (in part) in John the Baptist.
Fulfillment References
Matthew 11:14 Luke 1:17 Mark 9:11-13 Matthew 17:10-13
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalJohn, in 'the spirit and power of Elijah' (Luke 1:17), prepared the way for Jesus — the one Lord whose great day is coming.
JewishElijah's return before the great Day of the LORD — a central Jewish expectation (a cup is set for Elijah at the Passover Seder); awaited as still future.
CatholicFulfilled in John the Baptist, who came 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' (Luke 1:17).
ProtestantJesus identifies John the Baptist as the 'Elijah to come' (Matt. 11:14; 17:12), preparing the way.
OrthodoxJohn the Forerunner in Elijah's spirit; many also expect Elijah before the final coming.
DispensationalJohn fulfilled this typologically; a future literal Elijah (cf. Rev. 11) may precede the second coming.
AcademicThe closing verses of the prophetic canon; scholars note the Elijah-redivivus expectation and its NT application to John.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.