1Malachi
2He was born in Sopha, after the return from the exile.
3Even in his boyhood he lived a blameless life, and since all the people paid him honor for his piety and his mildness, they called him "Malachi" (angel); he was also fair to look upon.
4Moreover, whatever things he uttered in prophecy were repeated on that same day by an angel of God who appeared; as had happened in the days when there was no king in Israel, as is written in the book of Judges.
5While yet in his youth, he was joined to his fathers in his own field.