Malachi 4:5
“See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.”
King James Version
Elijah's return before the Day of the LORD, fulfilled in John the Baptist who came in Elijah's spirit and power.
Fulfillment References
Matthew 11:14 Luke 1:17 Mark 9:13
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
JewishElijah must return literally before the Messiah. The Passover Seder sets a cup for Elijah. His arrival is the signal of the Messianic age (Talmud, Eruvin 43b).
CatholicFulfilled in John the Baptist, who came 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' (Luke 1:17). A literal future Elijah is also possible (Book of Revelation).
ProtestantJohn the Baptist is the Elijah-figure. Jesus confirms this in Matthew 11:14 and 17:12-13.
DispensationalJohn the Baptist was a partial fulfillment; a literal Elijah (one of the Two Witnesses, Rev 11) will come before the Second Coming.
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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.