What happened between the Old and New Testaments?
Four hundred years between Malachi and Matthew — empires rise and fall as God prepares the world for Christ.
Silent Years took place c. 400 BC – 4 BC at Israel under successive empires, during the Intertestamental period of Bible history. The account is recorded in Malachi 4:5 (KJV). Four hundred years between Malachi and Matthew — empires rise and fall as God prepares the world for Christ.
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:" — Malachi 4:5 (KJV)
After Malachi, the voice of prophecy fell silent for about four centuries. Persia gave way to Greece under Alexander, then to the Seleucids and the Maccabean revolt, and finally to Rome. Synagogues, the Septuagint, and a worldwide Jewish diaspora all prepared the way for the gospel.
c. 400 BC – 4 BC
Israel under successive empires
Key KJV Scriptures
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:"
"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,"
Why It Matters
These centuries were not empty — they were preparation. Roman roads, Greek language, and Jewish expectation all converged so that when Christ came, the world was ready for the gospel.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years between Malachi and Matthew?
Roughly four hundred years, often called the 'silent years' because no inspired prophets spoke during them.
When did silent years happen?
Silent Years is dated c. 400 BC – 4 BC, placing it in the Intertestamental era of biblical history. See Malachi 4:5 (KJV).
Where did silent years take place?
Scripture places silent years at Israel under successive empires.
Who was involved in silent years?
The key figures are Alexander the Great, Antiochus Epiphanes, The Maccabees.
Where is silent years in the Bible?
You can read about it in Malachi 4:5, Galatians 4:4 (King James Version).
Why does silent years matter?
These centuries were not empty — they were preparation. Roman roads, Greek language, and Jewish expectation all converged so that when Christ came, the world was ready for the gospel.
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