Herewith
The Word in Malachi 3:10
The most significant use of "herewith" in the KJV appears in Malachi 3:10: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Here, "herewith" means "by this" or "in this matter," referring to the act of bringing tithes. Modern translations render it as "in this" (ESV, NIV) or "by this" (NASB).
A Unique Divine Invitation
What makes the Malachi passage extraordinary is that God explicitly invites His people to test Him. Throughout Scripture, testing God is generally forbidden (Deuteronomy 6:16; Matthew 4:7). Yet in Malachi 3:10, God reverses the dynamic, challenging Israel to bring their full tithes and see whether He will respond with abundant blessing. The word "herewith" (or "in this") specifies the precise arena of the test: faithful giving.
Other Biblical Occurrences
The word "herewith" or its equivalents appears in a few other passages in older translations. Ezekiel 16:29 uses it to describe the extent of Israel's unfaithfulness. Leviticus 16:3 employs the related term to describe how Aaron was to enter the Most Holy Place. In each case, the underlying Hebrew conveys the idea of "with this" or "by means of this," pointing to a specific action or instrument.
The Translation Challenge
Archaic English words like "herewith" can obscure meaning for modern readers. In 1611, when the KJV was produced, "herewith" was common everyday English. Today, it survives mainly in formal or legal contexts. This is why modern translations replace it with clearer expressions. Understanding such terms helps Bible readers appreciate both the beauty and the limitations of older translations.
The Enduring Principle
Beyond the archaic vocabulary, the principle in Malachi 3:10 remains powerful. God promises that generous, faithful giving opens the door to abundant blessing. Jesus affirmed this principle: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over" (Luke 6:38). Paul echoed it: "Whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (2 Corinthians 9:6). The word "herewith" may be outdated, but the truth it conveys is timeless.
Biblical Context
The word 'herewith' appears most prominently in Malachi 3:10 (KJV), where God invites Israel to test His faithfulness through tithing. Related terms appear in Ezekiel 16:29, Leviticus 16:3, and various other passages in older English translations. The Hebrew behind these occurrences typically means 'in this' or 'by this.'
Theological Significance
The Malachi passage where 'herewith' appears teaches a remarkable principle: God is willing to be tested in the area of generous giving. This unique invitation reveals God's eagerness to bless His people and His confidence that faithfulness will always be rewarded. It establishes a connection between obedient giving and divine provision that echoes throughout both Testaments.
Historical Background
The KJV translators in 1611 used 'herewith' as a natural English rendering of the Hebrew demonstrative expressions. The word was standard English at the time but has since fallen out of common usage. Malachi prophesied in the post-exilic period (around 450-430 BC) when the returned Jewish community was neglecting proper worship, including the full payment of tithes to support the temple and its Levitical servants.