But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text doesn't just describe the sun bringing healing; it says the "Sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings." This phrasing highlights that healing isn't a separate benefit added later, but an intrinsic part of this righteous divine radiance, present from the very moment it dawns. Furthermore, the image of "calves from the stall" isn't just about joy, but about a released exuberance, a powerful, uncontained energy that comes from freedom and abundant provision.
But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse contrasts the fate of the wicked with the blessings awaiting those who honor God. Following the declaration of judgment in the previous verses, this passage assures believers that a glorious future awaits them, marked by the arrival of a "Sun of Righteousness" who brings healing and liberation. This imagery anticipates a profound spiritual restoration and joyous freedom for God's faithful people.
When the Bible calls someone or something a 'Sun,' it's not just flowery language. It's pointing to divine power, light, and life.
Malachi uses a powerful image here: the 'Sun of Righteousness.' This isn't just a poetic description; it's deeply theological.
God's Radiance
In the ancient world, the sun was often associated with divine power and life-giving energy. The prophets, familiar with this imagery, used it to describe God and His ultimate work. This 'Sun' isn't merely a quality of God; it's God Himself, or more specifically, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
More Than Attribute, It's a Person
While 'righteousness' is a key attribute, the text points to a Person. Jesus is God's perfect righteousness revealed. His coming brings a new era where God's justice and goodness are fully manifest, dispelling the darkness and confusion of the world. This 'Sun' brings God's character to bear on reality in a way that corrects all wrongs.
What happens when this divine Sun rises? It's not just about light, but about profound healing and uncontainable joy.
The imagery of the 'Sun of Righteousness' arriving with 'healing in its wings' is incredibly rich.
Divine Restoration
Just as the sun's rays bring life and healing to the natural world, the arrival of this divine Sun brings spiritual and even physical restoration. It mends what is broken, cures what is sick, and brings wholeness. This isn't just about forgiving sins, but about a deep, pervasive healing that restores our very being.
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Freedom and Exuberance
The second part of the verse, 'You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall,' paints a picture of unbridled freedom and joy. Imagine calves, confined and then suddenly released into a wide pasture – that's the kind of exuberant delight promised. It's the joy of complete liberation from suffering, sin, and sorrow.
Understand the original words
yārēʾ · Hebrew Verb
A reverential awe and submission to God's authority, character, and holiness, leading to obedience and worship.
ṣədāqâ · Hebrew Noun
God's essential character of moral perfection and faithfulness to His covenant, which brings restoration and justification to His people.
marpēʾ · Hebrew Noun
The restorative action of God that makes whole, brings peace, and remedies the effects of sin, whether physical, spiritual, or relational.
Malachi's prophecy speaks to a community weary from exile and struggling with doubt. The promise of the 'Sun of Righteousness' rising with healing offers a profound hope, pointing beyond immediate struggles to a future restoration and divine intervention, ultimately fulfilled in Christ and the spiritual renewal He brings.
c. 587 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Jerusalem is destroyed by the Babylonians, and many of its people are taken into exile. This event marked a low point for the Jewish people, raising questions about God's faithfulness and the future of His promises.
538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. While a cause for celebration, the post-exilic community faced significant hardship and disillusionment.
c. 430-400 BC— this verse
Malachi's Ministry
The prophet Malachi delivers his message to the post-exilic community in Jerusalem, addressing their spiritual apathy, corrupt worship, and questioning of God's justice.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Ministry of Jesus Christ
The life and ministry of Jesus, understood by many Christians as the fulfillment of prophetic promises, including the 'Sun of Righteousness' bringing healing and salvation.
AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War and Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman Empire crushes a Jewish revolt, leading to the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Many interpret the flight of Christians from Jerusalem to Pella as a fulfillment of Jesus' warnings and Malachi's prophecy of going forth.
This Psalm connects God to the sun and describes Him as a source of light and protection, mirroring Malachi's 'Sun of righteousness' who brings blessings.
Isaiah 60:19-20These verses paint a picture of God Himself being the everlasting light and glory for His people, much like the 'Sun of righteousness' rising to bring healing and light.
Luke 1:78-79This passage describes the 'Dayspring from on high' visiting humanity to give light to those in darkness, a beautiful parallel to the healing rays of the Sun of righteousness.
Matthew 9:20-21The account of the woman healed by touching Jesus' garment illustrates the 'healing in its wings' spoken of in Malachi, showing Christ's restorative power available to those who reach out in faith.
Revelation 12:1This vision of a woman 'clothed with the sun' reflects how believers are adorned with the righteousness and light that comes from Christ, the true Sun of righteousness.
cambridgeMalachi 4:2: "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."
2 . the Sun of righteousness ] The capital letter with which “Sun” is printed in A.V. is of the nature of a comment. It suggests at once to the reader the personal and Messianic reference of the word. But it is better to print “sun” with R.V.; not as denying or obscuring the ultimate and designed reference to Christ, but as exhi…
barnesMalachi 4:2: "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."
But (And) unto you, who fear My Name, shall the Sun of Righteousness arise - It is said of God Psalm 84:11 , "The Lord God is a sun and a shield, and Isaiah 60:19-20 , The Lord shall be to thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory; thy sun shall no more go down, for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light;" and Zacharia…
The text doesn't just describe the sun bringing healing; it says the "Sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings." This phrasing highlights that healing isn't a separate benefit added later, but an intrinsic part of this righteous divine radiance, present from the very moment it dawns. Furthermore, the image of "calves from the stall" isn't just about joy, but about a released exuberance, a powerful, uncontained energy that comes from freedom and abundant provision.
This verse contrasts the fate of the wicked with the blessings awaiting those who honor God. Following the declaration of judgment in the previous verses, this passage assures believers that a glorious future awaits them, marked by the arrival of a "Sun of Righteousness" who brings healing and liberation. This imagery anticipates a profound spiritual restoration and joyous freedom for God's faithful people.
This verse contrasts the fate of the wicked with the blessings awaiting those who honor God. Following the declaration of judgment in the previous verses, this passage assures believers that a glorious future awaits them, marked by the arrival of a "Sun of Righteousness" who brings healing and liberation. This imagery anticipates a profound spiritual restoration and joyous freedom for God's faithful people.
"But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall." — The text doesn't just describe the sun bringing healing; it says the "Sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings." This phrasing highlights that healing isn't a separate benefit ad…
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Last reviewed October 2026