Is there any difference between the messenger in Malachi 3 and Elijah the prophet in Malachi 4?

Answer:

Both passages are referred to in the New Testament as applying to John the Baptist.

• Malachi 3:1 is referred in Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 1:76; 7:27.
• Malachi 4:5 is referred to in Matthew 11:14; 17:11; Mark 9:11; Luke 1:17.