Joel
Joel front
Introduction to Joel
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the book of Joel
1:1–20 Joel describes the effects of the locust attack and calls the people to mourn 2:1–11 Joel depicts the locust swarm as an army and the attack as the “day of Yahweh” 2:12–17 Joel and Yahweh call the people of Judah to repentance 2:18–27 Yahweh promises to have mercy on his people and restore them 2:28–32 Yahweh says that in the future he will pour out his Spirit 3:1–21 Yahweh declares that he will judge the nations
What is the book of Joel about?
The main idea in the book of Joel is how the people of Judah should understand the spiritual significance of an unprecedented locust attack. The prophet Joel told them to understand it as an expression of the “day of Yahweh,” the occasion on which Yahweh would judge people and punish them for disobedience or reward them for obedience. Joel did not mean that the end of the world had come, but that the people should recognize that Yahweh was acting in judgment as he would at the end of the world. As the book progresses, Joel moves from his spiritual interpretation of the current locust plague to talking about the actual end of the world and final judgment. The apostles of Jesus understood some of Joel’s prophecies to have been fulfilled in their own day. In Acts 2:17 and 2:21, Peter quoted Joel 2:28 and 2:32, where Yahweh says, “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh” and “everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh will be saved.”
How should the title of this book be translated?
The traditional title of this book is “The Book of Joel” or just “Joel.” Translators may also call it the “The Message from Joel” or “The Sayings of Joel.”
Who wrote the book of Joel?
This book contains the prophecies of an Israelite named Joel. The title of the book states that he was the “son of Pethuel,” but it gives no further information about him. The book also does not tell when Joel prophesied.
Part 2: Religious and Cultural Concepts
The locust attack
Locust attacks occurred often in the ancient Near East. Certain kinds of grasshoppers would come in countless numbers. There would be so many that they would darken the sky like a black cloud that blocked the sunlight. They often came after a long period of no rain. They came down on whatever crops were surviving in the fields and stripped them bare, eating all their leaves. The locusts could not be stopped, and they caused terrible damage. There are various names for locusts in the original language of the Old Testament. It is uncertain whether these refer to different kinds of locusts or to the same kind of locust in different stages of growth. For this reason, versions of the Bible differ in how they translate these terms. See the note to 1:4 for a suggestion of how you might do this in your translation.
Part 3: Translation Issues
Representing the poetry of the book of Joel in your translation
The poetry in the book of Joel consists almost entirely of paired phrases that both mean basically the same thing. The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first phrase by repeating the same idea in different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. It may be clearer in your language to connect the phrases with a word other than “and” in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. For example, in 1:2, you might say, “Hear this, you elders! Yes, listen, all of the dwellers of the land!” In 1:5, you might say, “Wake up, drunkards, and weep! Indeed, wail, all of the drinkers of wine.” (See: Parallelism)
Litanies
In two places in the book, 1:4 and 2:9, Joel uses a repetitive series of similarly structured sentences for emphasis. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” While in each case these brief litanies consist of two lines of poetry, in your translation you may wish to represent them as separate, shorter lines, as illustrated here. This would show the rhetorical device that Joel is employing. (See: Litany)
1:4 The residue of the cutting locust,
the swarming locust has eaten,
and the residue of the swarming locust,
the hopping locust has eaten,
and the residue of the hopping locust,
the destroying locust has eaten.
2:9 Upon the city they rush,
on the wall they run,
into the houses they climb,
through the windows they enter like thieves.
Speakers describe results before giving reasons
Throughout their speeches in the book, both Joel and Yahweh typically describe a result before giving the reason for it. If it would be more natural in your language, in all or some of these cases, you could reverse the order and first present the phrase or clause that gives the reason, and then present the phrase or clause that gives the result. For example, in 1:17, instead of saying, “The storehouses are desolate, the granaries have been broken down, for the grain has dried up,” you could say, “Because the grain has dried up, the storehouses are desolate, the granaries have been broken down.” In 2:21, rather than saying, “Do not fear, land! Be glad and rejoice, for Yahweh has been great in doing,” you could say, “Yahweh has been great in doing! So do not fear, land. Be glad and rejoice.” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)
Travel descriptions marked for change in elevation
In several places in the book (1:6, 3:2, 3:9, 3:11, 3:12), the ULT includes the terms “up” or “down” in descriptions of travel. That shows how Hebrew marked such descriptions for changes in elevation. If your language does not do that, you could use expressions without “up” and “down.” For example, in 1:6, you could use “a nation has come against my land” rather than “a nation has come up against my land.” (See: Metonymy)
Joel 1
Joel 1 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
In this chapter, Joel describes the effects of the locust attack and calls the people to mourn.
Because it is poetry, after the book title in 1:1, the ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than its usual text.
Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter
Locusts
This book starts very dramatically with the imagery of the locusts and the devastation that they produce. Five different kinds of locusts appear to come, and they progressively destroy the vegetation, including the crops, vineyards, and even the trees. It was common for farmers in the ancient Near East to experience large locust swarms that would come and eat all the crops in their fields. Translators should translate simply, presenting the scenes of locusts as Joel describes them.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
“House” meaning “temple”
Several times in this chapter (1:9, 1:13, 1:14, 1:16), Joel uses the term “house” to mean Yahweh’s “temple.” He speaks of this temple as if it were a house in which God lived, since God’s presence was there. (See: Metaphor)
Joel 1:1
Pethuel
Quote: פְּתוּאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Pethuel is the name of a man.
The word of Yahweh that was
Quote: דְּבַר־יְהוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָיָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term word to mean “the message that Yahweh gave” by association with the way words are used to communicate messages. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The message that Yahweh gave]
The word of Yahweh that was
Quote: דְּבַר־יְהוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָיָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom meaning that Yahweh spoke or communicated his message in some way to the prophet Joel. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The message of Yahweh that came] or [The message that Yahweh spoke]
Joel 1:2
Hear this, you elders, and listen, all of the dwellers of the land
Quote: שִׁמְעוּ־זֹאת֙ הַזְּקֵנִ֔ים וְהַֽאֲזִ֔ינוּ כֹּ֖ל יוֹשְׁבֵ֣י הָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of how Hebrew poetry consisted of paired phrases that meant basically the same thing. Decide as a translation team how you will represent this poetry in your translation throughout the book of Joel. Alternate translation: [Hear this, you elders! Yes, listen, all of the dwellers of the land!]
Has this been in your days or in the days of your fathers
Quote: הֶהָ֤יְתָה זֹּאת֙ בִּֽימֵיכֶ֔ם וְאִ֖ם בִּימֵ֥י אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [This has not happened in your days or in the days of your fathers!]
in your days or in the days of
Quote: בִּֽימֵיכֶ֔ם וְאִ֖ם בִּימֵ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term days to mean a period of time by association with the way days make up longer periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in your time or in the time of]
your fathers
Quote: אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is not referring to the literal fathers of the Israelites whom he is addressing. He is using that term to mean their ancestors. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [your ancestors]
Joel 1:3
and your sons to their sons, and their sons to the generation after
Quote: וּבְנֵיכֶם֙ לִבְנֵיהֶ֔ם וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם לְד֥וֹר אַחֵֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and let your sons recount about it to their sons, and let their sons recount about it to the generation after]
to your sons, and your sons to their sons, and their sons
Quote: לִבְנֵיכֶ֣ם & וּבְנֵיכֶם֙ לִבְנֵיהֶ֔ם וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that includes both male and female children. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: [to your children, and your children to their children, and their children]
Recount about it to your sons, and your sons
Quote: עָלֶ֖יהָ לִבְנֵיכֶ֣ם סַפֵּ֑רוּ וּבְנֵיכֶם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The imperative Recount and the word your are plural here because Joel is addressing the “elders” and “dwellers” mentioned in the previous verse. So use plural forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
Joel 1:4
The residue of the cutting locust, the swarming locust has eaten, and the residue of the swarming locust, the hopping locust has eaten, and the residue of the hopping locust, the destroying locust has eaten
Quote: יֶ֤תֶר הַגָּזָם֙ אָכַ֣ל הָֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה וְיֶ֥תֶר הָאַרְבֶּ֖ה אָכַ֣ל הַיָּ֑לֶק וְיֶ֣תֶר הַיֶּ֔לֶק אָכַ֖ל הֶחָסִֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Joel is not referring to specific locusts of these types. He means locusts of these types in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: [The residue of the cutting locusts, swarming locusts have eaten, and the residue of the swarming locusts, hopping locusts have eaten, and the residue of the hopping locusts, destroying locusts have eaten]
The residue of the cutting locust, the swarming locust has eaten, and the residue of the swarming locust, the hopping locust has eaten, and the residue of the hopping locust, the destroying locust has eaten
Quote: יֶ֤תֶר הַגָּזָם֙ אָכַ֣ל הָֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה וְיֶ֥תֶר הָאַרְבֶּ֖ה אָכַ֣ל הַיָּ֑לֶק וְיֶ֣תֶר הַיֶּ֔לֶק אָכַ֖ל הֶחָסִֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany
In the General Introduction to Joel, see the discussion of the litany form and how you might format this verse in your translation to show that Joel is using that form.
The residue of the cutting locust, the swarming locust has eaten, and the residue of the swarming locust, the hopping locust has eaten, and the residue of the hopping locust, the destroying locust has eaten
Quote: יֶ֤תֶר הַגָּזָם֙ אָכַ֣ל הָֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה וְיֶ֥תֶר הָאַרְבֶּ֖ה אָכַ֣ל הַיָּ֑לֶק וְיֶ֣תֶר הַיֶּ֔לֶק אָכַ֖ל הֶחָסִֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The terms cutting, swarming, hopping, and destroying describe different kinds of locusts. Interpreters are not certain specifically what kinds of locusts these were. You may wish to use more general expressions in your translation. Alternate translation: [The residue of one kind of locust, another kind of locust has eaten, and the residue of that kind of locust, yet another kind of locust has eaten, and the residue of that kind of locust, still another kind of locust has eaten]
Joel 1:5
Wake up, drunkards, and weep! And wail, all of the drinkers of wine, upon the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth
Quote: הָקִ֤יצוּ שִׁכּוֹרִים֙ וּבְכ֔וּ וְהֵילִ֖לוּ כָּל־שֹׁ֣תֵי יָ֑יִן עַל־עָסִ֕יס כִּ֥י נִכְרַ֖ת מִפִּיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of places such as this where the speaker describes a result before giving the reason for it. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: [The sweet wine has been cut off from your mouth, so wail upon it, all of the drinkers of wine]
it has been cut off from your mouth
Quote: נִכְרַ֖ת מִפִּיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an expression that means that something is no longer available. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: [it is no longer available for you to drink]
from your mouth
Quote: מִפִּיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Joel is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of mouth. Alternate translation: [from your mouths]
it has been cut off from your mouth
Quote: נִכְרַ֖ת מִפִּיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [the locusts have cut it off from your mouth]
Joel 1:6
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Joel is using the word For to introduce the reason for what he described in the previous verse. Alternate translation: [This has happened because]
a nation has come up against my land
Quote: גוֹי֙ עָלָ֣ה עַל־אַרְצִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of travel descriptions marked for change in elevation. Alternate translation: [a nation has come against my land]
a nation
Quote: גוֹי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking as if this locust swarm were literally a nation, meaning, in this context, an “army.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [a great swarm of locusts]
my land
Quote: אַרְצִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Since Joel and the people he is addressing live in the same land, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of my. Alternate translation: [our land]
and without number
Quote: וְאֵ֣ין מִסְפָּ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: [and in huge numbers]
Its teeth {are} the teeth of a lion, and the fangs of a lioness {are} to it
Quote: שִׁנָּיו֙ שִׁנֵּ֣י אַרְיֵ֔ה וּֽמְתַלְּע֥וֹת לָבִ֖יא לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is describing the locusts as if they literally had the teeth of lions and lionesses. He means that they have strong teeth that can chew even the toughest of plants. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Like a lion or lioness, these locusts have strong teeth that powerfully grind and chew]
Its teeth {are} the teeth of a lion, and the fangs of a lioness {are} to it
Quote: שִׁנָּיו֙ שִׁנֵּ֣י אַרְיֵ֔ה וּֽמְתַלְּע֥וֹת לָבִ֖יא לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases, Its teeth {are} the teeth of a lion, and the fangs of a lioness {are} to it, mean similar things. Joel is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [Its teeth are as strong and sharp as the teeth of a lion] or [Its teeth, like the teeth of a lion, can tear through anything]
and the fangs of a lioness {are} to it
Quote: וּֽמְתַלְּע֥וֹת לָבִ֖יא לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Joel is using a particular possessive form here. A different kind of possessive form may be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: [and it has the fangs of a lioness]
Joel 1:7
It has made my vine into a waste and my fig tree into splinters
Quote: שָׂ֤ם גַּפְנִי֙ לְשַׁמָּ֔ה וּתְאֵנָתִ֖י לִקְצָפָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Since Joel and the people whom he is addressing eat the same crops, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of my. Alternate translation: [It has made our vines into a waste and our fig trees into splinters]
It has made my vine into a waste
Quote: שָׂ֤ם גַּפְנִי֙ לְשַׁמָּ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of waste, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [It has wasted my vine] or [It has ruined my vine]
Stripping, it has stripped it
Quote: חָשֹׂ֤ף חֲשָׂפָהּ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
Joel is repeating the verb “strip” in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: [It has stripped it completely]
and thrown {it} away
Quote: וְהִשְׁלִ֔יךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking as if the locusts had literally thrown … away the vegetation they had finished eating. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [spit it out]
its branches have become white
Quote: הִלְבִּ֖ינוּ שָׂרִיגֶֽיהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term have become white to mean that the branches have been stripped of their bark, by association with the way the wood underneath the bark is white in color. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [its branches have been stripped of their bark]
Joel 1:8
Mourn
Quote: אֱלִ֕י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The imperative Mourn is feminine singular because Joel is telling the community to mourn as it would as if it were a young woman whose fiancé had died. It may be more natural in your language to use a plural imperative.
like a virgin dressed in sackcloth for the husband of her youth
Quote: כִּבְתוּלָ֥ה חֲגֻֽרַת־שַׂ֖ק עַל־בַּ֥עַל נְעוּרֶֽיהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as a virgin dresses in sackcloth to express her grief, so the Israelites should mourn to express their grief. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [like a virgin dressed in sackcloth to express her grief for the husband of her youth]
like a virgin dressed in sackcloth
Quote: כִּבְתוּלָ֥ה חֲגֻֽרַת־שַׂ֖ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To wear sackcloth, which is clothing made of rough, uncomfortable fabric, is a symbolic action that expresses grief. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: [like a virgin dressed in sackcloth to express her grief]
like a virgin dressed in sackcloth
Quote: כִּבְתוּלָ֥ה חֲגֻֽרַת־שַׂ֖ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [like a virgin who has dressed herself in sackcloth]
the husband of her youth
Quote: בַּ֥עַל נְעוּרֶֽיהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by the husband of her youth, he means the fiancé to whom a young woman was betrothed. The word virgin indicates that this woman was not yet married, but in this culture, engagement was tanatmount to marriage and a fiancé was considered a husband. You could express this relationship with your own culture’s characteristic terms if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [the fiancé of her youth]
the husband of her youth
Quote: בַּ֥עַל נְעוּרֶֽיהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of youth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the man she became engaged to while she was young]
Joel 1:9
The grain offering and the drink offering have been cut off
Quote: הָכְרַ֥ת מִנְחָ֛ה וָנֶ֖סֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [The locusts have cut off the grain offering and the drink offering]
have been cut off from the house of
Quote: הָכְרַ֥ת & מִבֵּ֣ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase have been cut off is an expression that means that something is no longer available. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: [are no longer available for the house]
from the house of Yahweh
Quote: מִבֵּ֣ית יְהוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and often in this chapter, Joel is using the word house to mean “temple.” Alternate translation: [from the temple of Yahweh]
Joel 1:10
The field has been destroyed; the ground mourns, for the grain has been destroyed
Quote: שֻׁדַּ֣ד שָׂדֶ֔ה אָבְלָ֖ה אֲדָמָ֑ה כִּ֚י שֻׁדַּ֣ד דָּגָ֔ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [The locusts have destroyed the field, the ground mourns, for the locusts have destroyed the grain]
The field has been destroyed; … has been destroyed
Quote: שֻׁדַּ֣ד שָׂדֶ֔ה & שֻׁדַּ֣ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Joel is not referring to a specific field. He means fields in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: [The fields have been destroyed]
the ground mourns
Quote: אָבְלָ֖ה אֲדָמָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Joel is speaking of the ground as if it were a living thing that could mourn because it was bare of crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the ground is bare]
the new wine dries up
Quote: הוֹבִ֥ישׁ תִּיר֖וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking as if the new wine the Israelites would have gotten from this harvest had literally dried up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the new wine disappears as if it had evaporated] or [the new wine runs out]
the oil is made weak
Quote: אֻמְלַ֥ל יִצְהָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [the oil has become weak]
the oil is made weak
Quote: אֻמְלַ֥ל יִצְהָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Joel is speaking of the supply of oil as if it had been strong and now was weak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the supply of oil is low] or [the oil runs out]
Joel 1:11
the field
Quote: שָׂדֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Joel is not referring to a specific field. He means fields in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: [the fields]
Joel 1:12
The vine has dried up and the fig tree has been made weak. The pomegranate tree, also the palm tree and the apple tree
Quote: הַגֶּ֣פֶן הוֹבִ֔ישָׁה וְהַתְּאֵנָ֖ה אֻמְלָ֑לָה רִמּ֞וֹן גַּם־תָּמָ֣ר וְתַפּ֗וּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Joel is not referring to a specific vine, fig tree, pomegranate tree, palm tree, or apple tree. He is talking about these kinds of trees in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: [The vines have dried up and the fig trees have been made weak. The pomegranate trees, also the palm trees and the apple trees]
has been made weak
Quote: אֻמְלָ֑לָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [has become weak]
and the fig tree has been made weak
Quote: וְהַתְּאֵנָ֖ה אֻמְלָ֑לָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Joel is speaking of the fig tree as if it had been strong and now was weak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the fig tree is withered] or [the fig tree is dying]
all of the trees of the field have dried up
Quote: כָּל־עֲצֵ֤י הַשָּׂדֶה֙ יָבֵ֔שׁוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: [trees of the field of every kind have dried up]
joy has dried up from the sons of man
Quote: הֹבִ֥ישׁ שָׂשׂ֖וֹן מִן־בְּנֵ֥י אָדָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking of joy as if it were a liquid that had literally dried up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [people no longer feel joyful]
the sons of man
Quote: בְּנֵ֥י אָדָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine terms sons and man have a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: [human beings]
Joel 1:13
Dress
Quote: חִגְר֨וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by Dress, he means “Dress in sackcloth.” You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [Dress in sackcloth]
lodge in sackcloth
Quote: לִ֣ינוּ בַשַּׂקִּ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To lodge in sackcloth is a symbolic action that expresses deep mourning and repentance. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: [spend the night wearing sackcloth to show your deep sorrow and repentance]
the grain offering and the drink offering have been withheld
Quote: נִמְנַ֛ע & מִנְחָ֥ה וָנָֽסֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [the locusts have taken away the grain offering and the drink offering]
my God
Quote: אֱלֹהָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of my. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: [our God]
your God
Quote: אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Since Joel and the people whom he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of your. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: [our God]
Joel 1:14
Consecrate a fast
Quote: קַדְּשׁוּ־צוֹם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
A fast is a time of going without eating. In this context, not eating would be a symbolic action to express sorrow for the sins that had caused Yahweh to punish the Israelites. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: [Consecrate a fast to show your sorrow for your sin]
your God
Quote: אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of your. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: [our God]
Joel 1:15
Alas for the day
Quote: אֲהָ֖הּ לַיּ֑וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Joel is using this phrase as an exclamation to express a strong feeling. There may be an equivalent phrase in your language that you could use in your translation to convey this strong feeling. If not, you could say what Joel was feeling. Alternate translation: [Oh, what a terrible day] or [What a distressing day]
Alas for the day
Quote: אֲהָ֖הּ לַיּ֑וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term day to mean “this particular time of trouble,” by association with the way a day is a specific period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Alas for this time]
the day of Yahweh
Quote: י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term day to mean the time when Yahweh will judge and punish his enemies, by association with the way days make up specific periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the time when Yahweh will judge and punish his enemies]
and as destruction from Shaddai it will come
Quote: וּכְשֹׁ֖ד מִשַׁדַּ֥י יָבֽוֹא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [when Shaddai will destroy many things]
from Shaddai
Quote: מִשַׁדַּ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Shaddai is another name for God. Some versions choose to translate the name as “the Almighty,” as in the UST.
Joel 1:16
Has not food been cut off before our eyes, joy and gladness from the house of our God
Quote: הֲל֛וֹא נֶ֥גֶד עֵינֵ֖ינוּ אֹ֣כֶל נִכְרָ֑ת מִבֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ שִׂמְחָ֥ה וָגִֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [Food has been cut off before our eyes, and joy and gladness from the house of our God!]
Has not food been cut off before our eyes
Quote: הֲל֛וֹא נֶ֥גֶד עֵינֵ֖ינוּ אֹ֣כֶל נִכְרָ֑ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [Have not the locusts cut off food before our eyes]
before our eyes
Quote: נֶ֥גֶד עֵינֵ֖ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term eyes to mean sight, by association with the way eyes are used for seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [from our sight]
joy and gladness from the house of our God
Quote: מִבֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ שִׂמְחָ֥ה וָגִֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and have not joy and gladness been cut off from the house of our God]
joy and gladness
Quote: שִׂמְחָ֥ה וָגִֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms joy and gladness mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [all celebration]
Joel 1:17
the granaries have been broken down
Quote: נֶהֶרְס֖וּ מַמְּגֻר֑וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [the granaries have broken down]
the grain has dried up
Quote: הֹבִ֖ישׁ דָּגָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking of grain as if it were a liquid that had dried up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the grain has disappeared as if it had evaporated] or [the supply of grain has run out]
Joel 1:18
How the beast groans
Quote: מַה־נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה בְהֵמָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Joel is using this phrase as an exclamation to express a strong feeling. There may be an equivalent phrase in your language that you could use in your translation to convey this strong feeling. If not, you could say what Joel was feeling. Alternate translation: [Listen to the animals’ pitiful cries] or [How sad to hear the beasts groan]
How the beast groans
Quote: מַה־נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה בְהֵמָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Joel is not referring to a specific beast. He means beasts in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: [How the beasts groan]
The herds of cattle are perplexed
Quote: נָבֹ֨כוּ֙ עֶדְרֵ֣י בָקָ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [The locusts have perplexed the herds of cattle]
the flocks of sheep are punished
Quote: עֶדְרֵ֥י הַצֹּ֖אן נֶאְשָֽׁמוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking of the sheep dying from hunger as if they were literally being punished. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the flocks of sheep die from hunger, perishing as if they were being punished]
the flocks of sheep are punished
Quote: עֶדְרֵ֥י הַצֹּ֖אן נֶאְשָֽׁמוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [the locusts have punished the flocks of sheep]
Joel 1:19
To you, Yahweh, I cry
Quote: אֵלֶ֥יךָ יְהוָ֖ה אֶקְרָ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youformal
Joel is appealing to God here, so use the form of “you” that speakers of your language would use to address God.
for fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness
Quote: כִּ֣י אֵ֗שׁ אָֽכְלָה֙ נְא֣וֹת מִדְבָּ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking of the locusts’ destruction as if it were literally a fire consuming the pastures. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and the locusts have eaten up the grass in the pastures of the wilderness]
and the flame has burned all of the trees of the field
Quote: וְלֶ֣הָבָ֔ה לִהֲטָ֖ה כָּל־עֲצֵ֥י הַשָּׂדֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Joel is not referring to a specific flame or field. He means flames and fields in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: [and flames have burned all of the trees of the fields]
and the flame has burned all of the trees of the field
Quote: וְלֶ֣הָבָ֔ה לִהֲטָ֖ה כָּל־עֲצֵ֥י הַשָּׂדֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking of the locusts’ destruction as if it were literally a flame burning the trees. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [yes, the locusts have eaten all of the leaves and bark from the trees of the field]
Joel 1:20
for you
Quote: אֵלֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youformal
By you, Joel means Yahweh, so use the same form of “you” as you used in the previous verse.
and fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness
Quote: וְאֵ֕שׁ אָכְלָ֖ה נְא֥וֹת הַמִּדְבָּֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated this similar expression in 1:19.
Joel 2
Joel 2 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
2:1–11 Joel depicts the locust swarm as an army and the attack as the “day of Yahweh” 2:12–17 Joel and Yahweh call the people of Judah to repentance 2:18–27 Yahweh promises to have mercy on his people and restore them 2:28–32 Yahweh says that in the future he will pour out his Spirit
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than its usual text because it is poetry.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
“Face” meaning “in front of”
Several times in this chapter (2:3, 2:6, 2:10, 2:11, 2:31), phrases with the word face mean “in front of” or “before,” by association with the way people can see what is in front of or before their faces. (See: Metonymy)
Textual Issues in This Chapter
In 2:7, the traditional Hebrew text reads “they do not pledge their paths.” The ULT follows that reading. Some ancient versions suggest that the original reading may have been “they do not turn from their paths.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
In 2:17, the traditional Hebrew text reads “for the nations to rule over them.” The ULT follows that reading. The consonantal text also permits the reading “for them to become a byword to the nations.” Several modern versions of the Bible follow that reading. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
Joel 2:1
Blow the shofar in Zion, and shout on the mountain of my holiness
Quote: תִּקְע֨וּ שׁוֹפָ֜ר בְּצִיּ֗וֹן וְהָרִ֨יעוּ֙ בְּהַ֣ר קָדְשִׁ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joel assumes that his listeners will know that he wants them to do the things he describes in order to sound an alarm. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [Blow the shofar in Zion, and shout on the mountain of my holiness in order to sound an alarm]
the shofar
Quote: שׁוֹפָ֜ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A shofar is a trumpet made from a ram’s horn. If your readers would not be familiar with what a shofar is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar thing that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: [a trumpet] or [a ram’s horn]
the shofar
Quote: שׁוֹפָ֜ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The phrase the shofar refers to shofars in general, not to any particular shofar. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: [a shofar] or [shofars]
on the mountain of my holiness
Quote: בְּהַ֣ר קָדְשִׁ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of holiness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [on my holy mountain]
Let … tremble
Quote: יִרְגְּז֕וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by tremble he means to tremble in fear or awe. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [tremble in fear] or [tremble in awe]
the day of Yahweh
Quote: יוֹם־יְהוָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
See how you translated the same expression in 1:15.
Joel 2:2
a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness
Quote: י֧וֹם חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וַאֲפֵלָ֗ה י֤וֹם עָנָן֙ וַעֲרָפֶ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term day to mean a period of time, by association with the way days make up specific periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [a time of darkness and gloom, a time of clouds and thick darkness]
darkness and gloom
Quote: חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וַאֲפֵלָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms darkness and gloom mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [deep darkness]
clouds and thick darkness
Quote: עָנָן֙ וַעֲרָפֶ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms clouds and thick darkness mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [very dark clouds]
Like the dawn being spread upon the mountains
Quote: כְּשַׁ֖חַר פָּרֻ֣שׂ עַל־הֶֽהָרִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as the dawn spreads in a steady and unstoppable way across the mountains, so the army of locusts spreads in the same way across the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [Like the dawn spreading in a steady and unstoppable way upon the mountains]
Like the dawn being spread upon the mountains
Quote: כְּשַׁ֖חַר פָּרֻ֣שׂ עַל־הֶֽהָרִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [Like the dawn spreading upon the mountains]
Like the dawn
Quote: כְּשַׁ֖חַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term dawn by association to mean the light that appears at dawn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [like the light of dawn] or [like the early morning sunlight]
a great and mighty people
Quote: עַ֚ם רַ֣ב וְעָצ֔וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [a great and mighty people is coming]
a great and mighty people
Quote: עַ֚ם רַ֣ב וְעָצ֔וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms great and mighty mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [a very strong people]
Like it there has not been from antiquity, and after it there will not be again to years of generation and generation
Quote: כָּמֹ֗הוּ לֹ֤א נִֽהְיָה֙ מִן־הָ֣עוֹלָ֔ם וְאַֽחֲרָיו֙ לֹ֣א יוֹסֵ֔ף עַד־שְׁנֵ֖י דּ֥וֹר וָדֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: [It is worse than anything that has happened in living memory, and nothing like it will happen again for many generations]
to years of generation and generation
Quote: עַד־שְׁנֵ֖י דּ֥וֹר וָדֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an expression that means “for a very long time.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [for many generations to come]
Joel 2:3
A fire is devouring to its face, and behind it a flame is burning. To its face the land is like the garden of Eden, but behind it {is} a wilderness of desolation, and indeed, {there} is no escape from it
Quote: לְפָנָיו֙ אָ֣כְלָה אֵ֔שׁ וְאַחֲרָ֖יו תְּלַהֵ֣ט לֶֽהָבָ֑ה כְּגַן־עֵ֨דֶן הָאָ֜רֶץ לְפָנָ֗יו וְאַֽחֲרָיו֙ מִדְבַּ֣ר שְׁמָמָ֔ה וְגַם־פְּלֵיטָ֖ה לֹא־הָ֥יְתָה לּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns its and it refer to the locust swarm, described in the previous verse as a “people,” that is, an “army.” It may be more natural in your language to use plural pronouns. Alternate translation: [A fire is devouring in front of them, and behind them a flame is burning. In front of them the land is like the garden of Eden, but behind them is a wilderness of desolation, and indeed there is no escape from them]
A fire is devouring to its face, and behind it a flame is burning
Quote: לְפָנָיו֙ אָ֣כְלָה אֵ֔שׁ וְאַחֲרָ֖יו תְּלַהֵ֣ט לֶֽהָבָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking of the locusts’ destruction as if it were literally a fire consuming everything in front of it and leaving burning land behind. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The locusts eat up the vegetation in front of them as if they were a fire consuming it, and after they have passed, the land looks as if a flame has burned it]
A fire is devouring to its face
Quote: לְפָנָיו֙ אָ֣כְלָה אֵ֔שׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of how several phrases with the word face mean “in front of.” Alternate translation: [A fire is devouring in front of it]
To its face the land is like the garden of Eden
Quote: כְּגַן־עֵ֨דֶן הָאָ֜רֶץ לְפָנָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as the garden of Eden was very lush, so the land of Israel ahead of the locust invasion is lush. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [To its face the land is lush, like the garden of Eden]
is} a wilderness of desolation
Quote: מִדְבַּ֣ר שְׁמָמָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of desolation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [is a desolate wilderness]
and indeed, {there} is no escape from it
Quote: וְגַם־פְּלֵיטָ֖ה לֹא־הָ֥יְתָה לּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: [and indeed, it is extremely difficult to escape from it]
there} is no escape from it
Quote: פְּלֵיטָ֖ה לֹא־הָ֥יְתָה לּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of escape, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [no one can escape from it] or [no one can get away from it]
Joel 2:4
Like the appearance of horses {is} its appearance
Quote: כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה סוּסִ֖ים מַרְאֵ֑הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just like war horses, the locusts appear to be strong and fearless. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [Like the appearance of strong, fearless war horses is their appearance]
Like the appearance of … is} its appearance
Quote: כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה & מַרְאֵ֑הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Since the locust swarm is described in verse 2 as a “people” or “army,” it may be more natural in your language to use a plural pronoun. Alternate translation: [is their appearance]
and like steeds, thus they run
Quote: וּכְפָרָשִׁ֖ים כֵּ֥ן יְרוּצֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as galloping steeds travel very quickly and seem to be flying as they are running, so the locusts travels quickly as it flies. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [and like galloping steeds that seem almost to be flying, thus they fly]
Joel 2:5
Like the sound of chariots, they leap on the tops of the hills
Quote: כְּק֣וֹל מַרְכָּב֗וֹת עַל־רָאשֵׁ֤י הֶֽהָרִים֙ יְרַקֵּד֔וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as chariots make a loud, rumbling noise, so the locusts make a loud noise as they move across the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [Making a loud sound like that of chariots, they leap on the tops of the hills]
like the sound of a flame of fire devouring stubble
Quote: כְּקוֹל֙ לַ֣הַב אֵ֔שׁ אֹכְלָ֖ה קָ֑שׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as a fire makes a crackling sound as it quickly consumes dry stubble, so the locusts make a similar sound as they quickly consume the vegetation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [making a crackling sound like a flame of fire devouring stubble]
like a mighty people arrayed {for} war
Quote: כְּעַ֣ם עָצ֔וּם עֱר֖וּךְ מִלְחָמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [like a mighty people who have arrayed themselves for war]
like a mighty people arrayed {for} war
Quote: כְּעַ֣ם עָצ֔וּם עֱר֖וּךְ מִלְחָמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [like the sound of a mighty people arrayed for war]
like a mighty people arrayed {for} war
Quote: כְּעַ֣ם עָצ֔וּם עֱר֖וּךְ מִלְחָמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as a mighty army gives a loud shout once it is arrayed for war, so the locusts are making a loud and terrifying noise. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [making a loud, terrifying sound as a mighty people does when it is arrayed for war]
Joel 2:6
writhe
Quote: יָחִ֣ילוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by writhe he means to writhe in agony or fear. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [twist and contort in agony] or [squirm in fear]
gather beauty
Quote: קִבְּצ֥וּ פָארֽוּר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term beauty to mean paleness by association with the way pale skin was considered beautiful in that culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [become pale]
Joel 2:7
They run like warriors
Quote: כְּגִבּוֹרִ֣ים יְרֻצ֔וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that the locusts rush forward irresistibly, just as warriors do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [They rush forward, unstoppable, like mighty warriors]
like men of war, they climb the wall
Quote: כְּאַנְשֵׁ֥י מִלְחָמָ֖ה יַעֲל֣וּ חוֹמָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as men of war skillfully scale walls in battle, so the locusts surmount obstacles without difficulty. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [like men of war, they swarm over walls without difficulty]
like men of war
Quote: כְּאַנְשֵׁ֥י מִלְחָמָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Joel is using this possessive form to describe men who take part in war. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [warriors]
the wall
Quote: חוֹמָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Joel is not referring to a specific wall. He means walls in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: [the walls]
And … a man in his ways
Quote: וְאִ֤ישׁ בִּדְרָכָיו֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, man means “each one” and ways refers to the ways that a locust is traveling. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [each one in its direction] or [each one according to its pattern]
and they do not pledge their paths
Quote: וְלֹ֥א יְעַבְּט֖וּן אֹרְחוֹתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking of the locusts staying on their paths as if those paths were literally something they could give in pledge. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [they do not part from their paths]
and they do not pledge their paths
Quote: וְלֹ֥א יְעַבְּט֖וּן אֹרְחוֹתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: [and they do not turn from their paths]
Joel 2:8
And a man does not crowd his brother
Quote: וְאִ֤ישׁ אָחִיו֙ לֹ֣א יִדְחָק֔וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, man means “each one” and brother means “another one.” This expression describes how the locusts move in an orderly manner. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [And they do not crowd each other]
they walk, a man in his road
Quote: גֶּ֥בֶר בִּמְסִלָּת֖וֹ יֵֽלֵכ֑וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
As in the previous clause, man means “each one” and road refers to the direction of travel. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [they move, each one in its own path]
Among the weapons they fall, and they do not break off
Quote: וּבְעַ֥ד הַשֶּׁ֛לַח יִפֹּ֖לוּ לֹ֥א יִבְצָֽעוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: [They jump in among the weapons without breaking ranks] or (2) Alternate translation: [Even though weapons may kill some of them, the swarm keeps coming]
Joel 2:9
Upon the city they rush; on the wall they run; into the houses they climb; through the windows they enter like thieves
Quote: בָּעִ֣יר יָשֹׁ֗קּוּ בַּֽחוֹמָה֙ יְרֻצ֔וּן בַּבָּתִּ֖ים יַעֲל֑וּ בְּעַ֧ד הַחַלּוֹנִ֛ים יָבֹ֖אוּ כַּגַּנָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany
See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of the litany form and how you might format this verse in your translation to show that Joel is using litany.
through the windows they enter like thieves
Quote: בְּעַ֧ד הַחַלּוֹנִ֛ים יָבֹ֖אוּ כַּגַּנָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as thieves enter unexpectedly and undetected through windows, so the locusts get into homes in ways that people do not anticipate and so, cannot prevent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [they get into homes in unexpected ways, just as thieves sneak in through windows]
Joel 2:10
The earth shakes to their face, the heavens tremble
Quote: לְפָנָיו֙ רָ֣גְזָה אֶ֔רֶץ רָעֲשׁ֖וּ שָׁמָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Joel is speaking as if the locust swarm were so powerful that it was causing the earth to shake and the heavens to tremble. He means that the locusts make such a loud sound and cause such vibration that it seems like this is happening. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [They make such a loud sound and cause such vibration that it is as if the earth is shaking and the heavens are trembling]
the sun and the moon become dark
Quote: שֶׁ֤מֶשׁ וְיָרֵ֨חַ֙ קָדָ֔רוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Joel is speaking as if the sun and the moon had literally become dark. He means that the locust swarm is blocking their light. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the locust swarm blocks the light of the sun and moon]
and the stars withdraw their brightness
Quote: וְכוֹכָבִ֖ים אָסְפ֥וּ נָגְהָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Joel is speaking of the stars as if they were living things that could withdraw their brightness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the light of the stars is no longer visible]
Joel 2:11
his voice
Quote: קוֹלוֹ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term voice to mean Yahweh’s commands, by association with the way authorities use their voices to give commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [his commands]
is} his camp
Quote: מַחֲנֵ֔הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term camp to mean Yahweh’s army, by association with the way armies stay in camps. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [is his army]
his word
Quote: דְבָר֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term word to mean Yahweh’s orders, by association with the way people use words to give orders or instructions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [his commands]
For the day of Yahweh is great and very fearful, and who will endure it
Quote: כִּֽי־גָד֧וֹל יוֹם־יְהוָ֛ה וְנוֹרָ֥א מְאֹ֖ד וּמִ֥י יְכִילֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [For the day of Yahweh is great and very fearful, and very few will endure it!]
the day of Yahweh
Quote: יוֹם־יְהוָ֛ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
See how you translated the same expression in 1:15.
Joel 2:12
Yet even now,” the declaration of Yahweh, return to me
Quote: וְגַם־עַתָּה֙ נְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה שֻׁ֥בוּ עָדַ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
The phrase the declaration of Yahweh indicates that this is a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: [Yahweh declares, “Yet even now, return to me]
return
Quote: שֻׁ֥בוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The imperative return is plural here because Yahweh is addressing the people of Judah. For the same reason, the imperatives and the word “your” are plural in verses 13–16, in which Joel is speaking. So use plural forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
return to me with all of your heart
Quote: שֻׁ֥בוּ עָדַ֖י בְּכָל־לְבַבְכֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, Yahweh is speaking of people repenting of their sin as a return to him, and he is speaking of their heart to represent their thoughts and motives. You may have a similar way to talk about these things, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [sincerely repent of disobeying me in your thoughts and motives] or [come back to me in genuine and complete repentance]
your heart
Quote: לְבַבְכֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Yahweh is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of heart. Alternate translation: [your hearts]
Joel 2:13
And tear your heart and not your garments
Quote: וְקִרְע֤וּ לְבַבְכֶם֙ וְאַל־בִּגְדֵיכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking as if people could literally tear their hearts. He is using the contrast with tearing garments, which was a literal sign of mourning, to emphasize internal repentance. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [And do not only tear your garments; repent in your hearts]
And tear your heart and not your garments, and return to Yahweh your God
Quote: וְקִרְע֤וּ לְבַבְכֶם֙ וְאַל־בִּגְדֵיכֶ֔ם וְשׁ֖וּבוּ אֶל־יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
Some versions end the quotation that begins in verse 12 after this sentence instead of at the end of verse 12. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
long of nostrils
Quote: אֶ֤רֶךְ אַפַּ֨יִם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, long of nostrils is an idiom meaning that the person is slow to get angry. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [long-tempered] or [slow to become angry]
and great of kindness
Quote: וְרַב־חֶ֔סֶד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of kindness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and very kind]
Joel 2:14
Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing after him
Quote: מִ֥י יוֹדֵ֖עַ יָשׁ֣וּב וְנִחָ֑ם וְהִשְׁאִ֤יר אַֽחֲרָיו֙ בְּרָכָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [For all anyone knows, he may turn and relent and leave a blessing after him]
He may turn and relent
Quote: יָשׁ֣וּב וְנִחָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms turn and relent mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [He may indeed change his mind]
and leave a blessing
Quote: וְהִשְׁאִ֤יר & בְּרָכָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of blessing, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and leave something to bless you]
your God
Quote: אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of your. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: [our God]
Joel 2:15
a fast
Quote: צ֖וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joel assumes that his readers will understand that the purpose of a fast was to show repentance for sin. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [a fast to show your repentance]
consecrate a fast, call an assembly
Quote: קַדְּשׁוּ־צ֖וֹם קִרְא֥וּ עֲצָרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
If it would be more natural in your language, you could mention calling the assembly and then telling the people to fast. Alternate translation: [call an assembly, consecrate a fast]
Joel 2:16
assemble the elders, gather the children and the ones sucking the breasts
Quote: קִבְצ֣וּ זְקֵנִ֔ים אִסְפוּ֙ עֽוֹלָלִ֔ים וְיֹנְקֵ֖י שָׁדָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Joel is speaking of two things in order to mean those two extremes and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [assemble people of all ages]
May the bridegroom come out from his chamber and the bride from her room
Quote: יֵצֵ֤א חָתָן֙ מֵֽחֶדְר֔וֹ וְכַלָּ֖ה מֵחֻפָּתָֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joel means implicitly that while newlyweds are ordinarily excused from public duties, this is an exceptional circumstance that calls for even their attendance. Alternate translation: [Even newly married men and women should come to the assembly under these exceptional circumstances]
Joel 2:17
between the porch and the altar
Quote: בֵּ֤ין הָאוּלָם֙ וְלַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Joel is speaking of these two things that are at the far extremes of the courtyard of the temple in order to refer to them and to everything in between them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [throughout the entire court of the priests]
and do not give your inheritance to reproach
Quote: וְאַל־תִּתֵּ֨ן נַחֲלָתְךָ֤ לְחֶרְפָּה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of reproach, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and do not let other nations reproach your inheritance]
your inheritance
Quote: נַחֲלָתְךָ֤ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking of the Israelites as if they were literally something that Yahweh had inherited. Joel means that the Israelites are the people whom Yahweh has chosen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the people whom you have chosen]
for the nations to rule over them
Quote: לִמְשָׁל־בָּ֣ם גּוֹיִ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: [for the nations to use a proverb against them] or [for them to become a byword to the nations]
Why should they say among the peoples, Where {is} their God
Quote: לָ֚מָּה יֹאמְר֣וּ בָֽעַמִּ֔ים אַיֵּ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [Why should the peoples ask where our God is?]
Why should they say
Quote: לָ֚מָּה יֹאמְר֣וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here, they is an indefinite pronoun that refers to people in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: [Why should it be said]
Why should they say among the peoples
Quote: לָ֚מָּה יֹאמְר֣וּ בָֽעַמִּ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [Do not allow the peoples to say]
Where {is} their God
Quote: אַיֵּ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This example of mockery is also using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [Their God does not care about them] or [Their God must be far away!]
Joel 2:18
Then Yahweh was jealous for his land, and he had pity on his people
Quote: וַיְקַנֵּ֥א יְהוָ֖ה לְאַרְצ֑וֹ וַיַּחְמֹ֖ל עַל־עַמּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
Joel is using the past tense to describe something that is going to happen in the future, after the people repent. He may be doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. Alternatively, there may have been a gap of time between the writing of verse 17 and verse 18, and in that time, the people repented. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use the future tense in your translation of these two verses and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [Then Yahweh will be jealous for his land, and he will have pity on his people]
for his land
Quote: לְאַרְצ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term land by association to mean the people living on the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [for his people]
Joel 2:19
And Yahweh answered and said
Quote: וַיַּ֨עַן יְהוָ֜ה וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
Joel continues using the past tense here to describe something that is going to happen in the future, after the people repent. Alternatively, the people already repented and so Joel tells Yahweh’s response here. If you chose to use the future tense in verse 18, then you should also do so here. Alternate translation: [Then Yahweh will answer and say]
And Yahweh answered and said
Quote: וַיַּ֨עַן יְהוָ֜ה וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word answered tells for what purpose Yahweh said this. Alternate translation: [And Yahweh replied]
Behold me, sending to you grain and new wine and oil
Quote: הִנְנִ֨י שֹׁלֵ֤חַ לָכֶם֙ אֶת־הַדָּגָן֙ וְהַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ וְהַיִּצְהָ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
This verse begins a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: [saying, “Behold me, sending to you grain and new wine and oil]
Behold me, sending
Quote: הִנְנִ֨י שֹׁלֵ֤חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression Behold me doing something means “I am going to do” what is described. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [I am going to send]
with it
Quote: אֹת֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Yahweh is using the pronoun it to refer to what he will send to the Israelites. But since he lists grain, wine, and oil, it may be more natural in your language to use a plural pronoun. Alternate translation: [of them]
and I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations
Quote: וְלֹא־אֶתֵּ֨ן אֶתְכֶ֥ם ע֛וֹד חֶרְפָּ֖ה בַּגּוֹיִֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of reproach, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and I will no longer make the nations reproach you]
Joel 2:20
the northerner
Quote: וְֽאֶת־הַצְּפוֹנִ֞י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term northerner to refer to an invading army of some kind, by association with the direction from which invasions often came. It seems that this term is purposely vague so that it can refer to the current locust invasion as well as to a future military invasion on “the day of Yahweh” (verse 11). If possible, use a term that could refer to both. Alternate translation: [the invaders]
a land of dryness and desolation
Quote: אֶ֣רֶץ צִיָּ֣ה וּשְׁמָמָה֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of dryness and desolation, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [a dry and desolate land]
a land of dryness and desolation
Quote: אֶ֣רֶץ צִיָּ֣ה וּשְׁמָמָה֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms dryness and desolation mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [a completely barren land]
into … his face into the eastern sea and his back into the western sea
Quote: אֶל & אֶת־פָּנָ֗יו אֶל־הַיָּם֙ הַקַּדְמֹנִ֔י וְסֹפ֖וֹ אֶל־הַיָּ֣ם הָאַֽחֲר֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of the invading army or locust swarm as if it were a living thing that had a face and a back. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the invaders at the front of the group will fall into the eastern sea and die, and the invaders at the back of the group will fall into the western sea and die]
into … his face into the eastern sea and his back into the western sea
Quote: אֶל & אֶת־פָּנָ֗יו אֶל־הַיָּם֙ הַקַּדְמֹנִ֔י וְסֹפ֖וֹ אֶל־הַיָּ֣ם הָאַֽחֲר֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh is speaking to the Judeans from the perspective of their own culture and location. By eastern sea, he means the Dead Sea, and by western sea, he means the Mediterranean Sea. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [his face into the Dead Sea and his back into the Mediterranean Sea]
And his stench will rise, and his odor will rise
Quote: וְעָלָ֣ה בָאְשׁ֗וֹ וְתַ֨עַל֙ צַחֲנָת֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if this might be unclear in your language, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [And his stench will rise, yes, his odor will rise]
he has been great in doing
Quote: הִגְדִּ֖יל לַעֲשֽׂוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means “he has in some way done more than would be expected.” The implication is that the locust swarm has perhaps destroyed more crops than it ordinarily would, or that the army that will invade will be more destructive than usual. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [he has caused excessive destruction]
for he has been great in doing
Quote: כִּ֥י הִגְדִּ֖יל לַעֲשֽׂוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
Some versions end the quotation that begins in verse 19 before this clause. Other versions end that quotation after this clause. Some other versions do not end that quotation in this verse, so that it continues through 3:8. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
Joel 2:21
Do not fear, land! Be glad and rejoice
Quote: אַל־תִּֽירְאִ֖י אֲדָמָ֑ה גִּ֣ילִי וּשְׂמָ֔חִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Joel is speaking to the land as if it were a person who could hear him. He is doing this to show in a strong way how he feels about what Yahweh will do for the land. Joel is actually speaking to the people who can hear him. If your readers might not understand this kind of figurative speech, you could translate what Joel is saying as if he were speaking directly to the Judeans. Alternate translation: [You Judeans should not be afraid because of what has happened to the land. Be glad and rejoice]
Be glad and rejoice
Quote: גִּ֣ילִי וּשְׂמָ֔חִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms glad and rejoice mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [Celebrate with great joy]
Yahweh has been great in doing
Quote: הִגְדִּ֥יל יְהוָ֖ה לַעֲשֽׂוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
Joel is using the past tense to describe something that is going to happen in the future in order to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: [Yahweh will be great in doing]
Yahweh has been great in doing
Quote: הִגְדִּ֥יל יְהוָ֖ה לַעֲשֽׂוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Unlike the use in the previous verse, here this expression means “he has done more good things for us than we would have imagined.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [Yahweh has done wonderful things]
Joel 2:22
Do not fear, beasts of the field
Quote: אַל־תִּֽירְאוּ֙ בַּהֲמ֣וֹת שָׂדַ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Joel is once again speaking to the beasts of the field as if they were people who could hear him. He is doing this to show his Judean listeners in a strong way how he feels about what Yahweh will do for them by restoring the pastures and the trees. If your readers might not understand this kind of figurative speech, you could translate what Joel is saying as if he were speaking directly to the Judeans. Alternate translation: [You Judeans should also not be afraid of what will happen to the beasts of the field]
the pastures of the wilderness have sprouted, for the tree has borne its fruit, the fig tree and the vine have yielded their strength
Quote: דָשְׁא֖וּ נְא֣וֹת מִדְבָּ֑ר כִּֽי־עֵץ֙ נָשָׂ֣א פִרְי֔וֹ תְּאֵנָ֥ה וָגֶ֖פֶן נָתְנ֥וּ חֵילָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
Joel is using the past tense to describe something that is going to happen in the future in order to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: [the pastures of the wilderness will sprout, for the tree will bear its fruit, the fig tree and the vine will yield their strength]
the tree has borne its fruit, the fig tree and the vine have yielded their strength
Quote: עֵץ֙ נָשָׂ֣א פִרְי֔וֹ תְּאֵנָ֥ה וָגֶ֖פֶן נָתְנ֥וּ חֵילָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Joel is not referring to a specific tree, fig tree, or vine. He is referring to these plants in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: [the trees have borne their fruit, the fig trees and the vines have yielded their strength]
their strength
Quote: חֵילָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Joel is using the term strength to mean the harvest, by association with the way the land has the capacity to produce crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [their harvest]
Joel 2:23
And … sons of Zion
Quote: וּבְנֵ֣י צִיּ֗וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking as if Zion, meaning Jerusalem, were literally the mother of the people who lived in that city. Alternate translation: [residents of Zion] or [citizens of Jerusalem]
your God
Quote: אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Since Joel and the people whom he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of your. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: [our God]
he has given to you the early rain for vindication and has brought down the shower to you
Quote: נָתַ֥ן לָכֶ֛ם אֶת־הַמּוֹרֶ֖ה לִצְדָקָ֑ה וַיּ֣וֹרֶד לָכֶ֗ם גֶּ֛שֶׁם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
Joel is using the past tense to describe something that is going to happen in the future in order to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: [he will give to you the early rain for vindication and will bring down the shower to you]
for vindication
Quote: לִצְדָקָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of vindication, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [to vindicate you]
the shower
Quote: גֶּ֛שֶׁם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Joel is not referring to a specific shower. He means showers in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: [showers]
the early rain and the late rain
Quote: מוֹרֶ֥ה וּמַלְק֖וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joel is speaking from the perspective of his own culture and location. By early rain he means the fall rains, and by late rain he means the spring rains. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [the fall rains and the spring rains]
in the first
Quote: בָּרִאשֽׁוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joel is speaking from the perspective of his own culture. By in the first, he could mean either (1) Alternate translation: [as at first] or [as before] or (2) Alternate translation: [in the first month of the year]
Joel 2:24
and the vats will overflow {with} new wine and oil
Quote: וְהֵשִׁ֥יקוּ הַיְקָבִ֖ים תִּיר֥וֹשׁ וְיִצְהָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: [and the vats will be very full of new wine and oil]
Joel 2:25
And I will restore to you the years
Quote: וְשִׁלַּמְתִּ֤י לָכֶם֙ אֶת־הַשָּׁנִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
This verse begins a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: [Then Yahweh said, “And I will restore to you the years]
the years
Quote: אֶת־הַשָּׁנִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term years by association to mean the crops produced in those years. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the crops]
my great army
Quote: חֵילִי֙ הַגָּד֔וֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking of the locust swarm as if it were literally his army. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the great swarm]
Joel 2:26
And eating, you will eat
Quote: וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם אָכוֹל֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
Yahweh is repeating the verb “eat” in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: [And you will eat abundantly]
the name of Yahweh your God
Quote: אֶת־שֵׁ֤ם יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: [my name. I am Yahweh your God]
the name of
Quote: אֶת־שֵׁ֤ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term name to mean character or reputation, by association with the way a name represents a person’s identity. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the character] or [the reputation]
who has done with you working wondrously
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֥ה עִמָּכֶ֖ם לְהַפְלִ֑יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo
It might seem that the expression who has done with you, working wondrously contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: [who has done wondrously with you] or [who has done wonderful things for you]
and forever my people will not feel shame
Quote: וְלֹא־יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ עַמִּ֖י לְעוֹלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated as forever means “to indefinite futurity.” Alternate translation: [and for as long as anyone can imagine, my people will not feel shame]
Joel 2:27
Israel
Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
While it is not known precisely where or when Joel prophesied, he appears to have lived in the southern kingdom of Judah before the exile or in the province of Judah (Judea) after the exile. So the term Israel probably does not mean the northern kingdom of Israel. It seems to be a reference to the people of Judah as Israelites. Alternate translation: [the people of Israel]
and forever my people will not feel shame
Quote: וְלֹא־יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ עַמִּ֖י לְעוֹלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated as forever means “to indefinite futurity.” Alternate translation: [and for as long as anyone can imagine, my people will not feel shame]
Joel 2:28
And it will happen after this
Quote: וְהָיָ֣ה אַֽחֲרֵי־כֵ֗ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
Yahweh is using this phrase to introduce a new event in the story that he goes on to describe. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event.
I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh
Quote: אֶשְׁפּ֤וֹךְ אֶת־רוּחִי֙ עַל־כָּל־בָּשָׂ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if he would literally pour out his Spirit like a liquid. He means that he will give his Spirit generously. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I will generously give my Spirit to very many people]
on all flesh
Quote: עַל־כָּל־בָּשָׂ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term flesh to mean people, by association with the way human bodies are made of flesh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [on very many people]
on all flesh
Quote: עַל־כָּל־בָּשָׂ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Yahweh says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: [on very many people]
and your sons and your daughters will prophesy
Quote: וְנִבְּא֖וּ בְּנֵיכֶ֣ם וּבְנֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Yahweh is speaking of the two major components of something in order to mean everything it includes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [all of your children will prophesy]
your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions
Quote: זִקְנֵיכֶם֙ חֲלֹמ֣וֹת יַחֲלֹמ֔וּן בַּח֣וּרֵיכֶ֔ם חֶזְיֹנ֖וֹת יִרְאֽוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Yahweh is speaking of two things in order to refer to them and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [your men of all ages will see prophetic images]
dreams
Quote: חֲלֹמ֣וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by dreams he means dreams with prophetic significance. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [dreams with prophetic significance]
Joel 2:29
And even on male servants and on female servants
Quote: וְגַ֥ם עַל־הָֽעֲבָדִ֖ים וְעַל־הַשְּׁפָח֑וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Yahweh is speaking of two things in order to mean them and everything in between. This verse continues the thought of the previous verse, that the Spirit will come to a great variety of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [Yes, even on people of low social status and of both genders]
in those days
Quote: בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵ֔מָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term days to mean a period of time, by association with the way days make up longer periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [at that time]
I will pour out my Spirit
Quote: אֶשְׁפּ֖וֹךְ אֶת־רוּחִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated this in 2:28.
Joel 2:30
And I will give wonders
Quote: וְנָֽתַתִּי֙ מֽוֹפְתִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wonders, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [I will do wonderful things] or [I will do amazing things]
Joel 2:31
The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood
Quote: הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙ יֵהָפֵ֣ךְ לְחֹ֔שֶׁךְ וְהַיָּרֵ֖חַ לְדָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the sun and moon would literally turn into darkness and blood. He means that they will appear as they do during eclipses. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The sun and the moon will appear as they do during eclipses]
The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood
Quote: הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙ יֵהָפֵ֣ךְ לְחֹ֔שֶׁךְ וְהַיָּרֵ֖חַ לְדָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [The sun will become darkness and the moon will become blood]
and the moon into blood
Quote: וְהַיָּרֵ֖חַ לְדָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and the moon will be turned into blood]
to the face of the coming of the great and terrible day of Yahweh
Quote: לִפְנֵ֗י בּ֚וֹא י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה הַגָּד֖וֹל וְהַנּוֹרָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, to the face of is an idiom that means “before.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes]
the great and terrible day of Yahweh
Quote: י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה הַגָּד֖וֹל וְהַנּוֹרָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: [my great and terrible day]
the great and terrible day of Yahweh
Quote: י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה הַגָּד֖וֹל וְהַנּוֹרָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
See how you translated the similar expression in 1:15.
Joel 2:32
And it will be
Quote: וְהָיָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
Yahweh is using this phrase to introduce a new or special event in the story that he goes on to describe. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new or special event. Alternate translation: [And not only that]
everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh will be saved. … Yahweh
Quote: כֹּ֧ל אֲשֶׁר־יִקְרָ֛א בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה יִמָּלֵ֑ט & יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [Yahweh will save everyone who calls on his name]
on the name of Yahweh … Yahweh
Quote: בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה & יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using one aspect of Yahweh, his name, to represent all of Yahweh. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [on Yahweh]
on the name of Yahweh … Yahweh
Quote: בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה & יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: [my name]
For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be escape
Quote: כִּ֠י בְּהַר־צִיּ֨וֹן וּבִירוּשָׁלִַ֜ם תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה פְלֵיטָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of escape, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem Yahweh will provide a way for people to escape]
on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
Quote: בְּהַר־צִיּ֨וֹן וּבִירוּשָׁלִַ֜ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms Mount Zion and Jerusalem mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [in the holy city of Jerusalem]
just as Yahweh has said
Quote: כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙ אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: [as I have said]
Yahweh … and among the survivors whom Yahweh {is} calling
Quote: יְהוָ֖ה & וּבַ֨שְּׂרִידִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה קֹרֵֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and there will be escape among the survivors whom Yahweh is calling]
Yahweh … whom Yahweh {is} calling
Quote: יְהוָ֖ה & אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה קֹרֵֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: [whom I am calling]
Joel 3
Joel 3 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
In this chapter, Yahweh declares that he will judge the nations
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than its usual text because it is poetry.
Textual Issues in This Chapter
In 3:1, Jewish scribes instructed synagogue readers to say “restore the fortunes” when they got to the phrase in this verse that the ULT translates as “return the captivity.” That suggests that the original reading may have been “restore the fortunes.” Some modern versions follow that reading. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
In 3:21, the traditional Hebrew text reads “I will acquit their blood … I have not acquitted.” The ULT follows that reading. Some ancient versions suggest that the original reading may have been “I will avenge their blood … I have not avenged.” Some modern versions follow that reading. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
Joel 3:1
For behold, in those days and at that time
Quote: כִּ֗י הִנֵּ֛ה בַּיָּמִ֥ים הָהֵ֖מָּה וּבָעֵ֣ת הַהִ֑יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
This verse continues a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of continuing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: [Yahweh also said, “For behold, in those days and at that time]
For behold
Quote: כִּ֗י הִנֵּ֛ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is using the term behold to focus his listeners’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [Now look] or [Now listen]
in those days and at that time
Quote: בַּיָּמִ֥ים הָהֵ֖מָּה וּבָעֵ֣ת הַהִ֑יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The expressions in those days and at that time mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two expressions together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [when that wonderful time comes]
when I return the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָשִׁ֛יב אֶת־שְׁב֥וּת יְהוּדָ֖ה וִירוּשָׁלִָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of captivity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem]
when I return the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָשִׁ֛יב אֶת־שְׁב֥וּת יְהוּדָ֖ה וִירוּשָׁלִָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: [when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem]
Joel 3:2
the Valley of Jehoshaphat
Quote: עֵ֖מֶק יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate
The word Jehoshaphat is the name of a valley. In your translation, you could spell it the way it sounds in your language, as the ULT does, or you could use a word or phrase from your language that expresses the meaning of this name, which is “Yahweh judges.” Alternate translation: [the Valley of Yahweh-Judges]
my people and my inheritance, Israel
Quote: עַמִּ֨י וְנַחֲלָתִ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word inheritance tells what kind of people the Israelites are to Yahweh. In this context, the word inheritance refers to a portion that someone would choose for himself. Alternate translation: [my chosen people, Israel]
and they divided up my land
Quote: וְאֶת־אַרְצִ֖י חִלֵּֽקוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and because they divided up my land]
Joel 3:3
the lot
Quote: גוֹרָ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Yahweh is not referring to a specific lot. He means “lots” in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: [lots]
and they traded a boy for a prostitute, and they sold a girl
Quote: וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ הַיֶּ֨לֶד֙ בַּזּוֹנָ֔ה וְהַיַּלְדָּ֛ה מָכְר֥וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The words a boy, a prostitute, and a girl represent these people in general, not one particular boy or prostitute or girl. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: [and they traded boys for prostitutes, and they sold girls]
Joel 3:4
And indeed, what {are} you to me, Tyre, Sidon, and all of the regions of Philistia? Are you repaying a recompense to me? … you
Quote: וְ֠גַם מָה־אַתֶּ֥ם לִי֙ צֹ֣ר וְצִיד֔וֹן וְכֹ֖ל גְּלִיל֣וֹת פְּלָ֑שֶׁת הַגְּמ֗וּל אַתֶּם֙ מְשַׁלְּמִ֣ים עָלָ֔י & אַתֶּם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [And indeed, you have nothing to hold against me, Tyre, Sidon, and all of the regions of Philistia! There is no recompense that you need to pay back to me!]
what {are} you to me
Quote: מָה־אַתֶּ֥ם לִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an expression that a person in this culture would commonly use to ask another person why he was treating him with hostility. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: [what do you have against me] or [why are you treating me with hostility]
Are you repaying a recompense to me? And if you are recompensing me
Quote: הַגְּמ֗וּל אַתֶּם֙ מְשַׁלְּמִ֣ים עָלָ֔י וְאִם־גֹּמְלִ֤ים אַתֶּם֙ עָלַ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the nations were literally paying him back for something bad that he had done to them. He is asking if they have a grudge against him that they are carrying out. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Do you have some grudge against me that you are carrying out? And if you are carrying out a grudge against me]
swiftly, speedily
Quote: קַ֣ל מְהֵרָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms swiftly and speedily mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [very quickly]
I will return your recompense upon your head
Quote: אָשִׁ֥יב גְּמֻלְכֶ֖ם בְּרֹאשְׁכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using one part of a person, his head, to mean the entire person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning with a more general term. Alternate translation: [I will turn your recompense onto you] or [I will directly pay you back]
upon your head
Quote: בְּרֹאשְׁכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Yahweh is referring to multiple nations, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of head. Alternate translation: [onto your heads]
Joel 3:6
And … the sons of Judah and the sons of Jerusalem
Quote: וּבְנֵ֤י יְהוּדָה֙ וּבְנֵ֣י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the term sons in 2:23. Alternate translation: [the people who lived in the province of Judah and the city of Jerusalem]
to the sons of Javan
Quote: לִבְנֵ֣י הַיְּוָנִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word sons does not mean literal first-generation offspring but “descendants.” The phrase the sons of Javan refers to the Ionians, that is, the Greeks. Alternate translation: [to the Greeks]
Javan
Quote: הַיְּוָנִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Javan is the name of a man.
in order to remove them far from their territory
Quote: לְמַ֥עַן הַרְחִיקָ֖ם מֵעַ֥ל גְּבוּלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
While this phrase seems to describe a purpose or goal, it is actually describing a result. Alternate translation: [and as a result, they were removed far from their territory]
Joel 3:7
Behold me rousing them
Quote: הִנְנִ֣י מְעִירָ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
As in 2:19, this expression means “I am going to rouse them.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [But I am going to stir them up]
where you sold them there
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם אֹתָ֖ם שָׁ֑מָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo
It may seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: [to which you sold them]
and I will return your recompense onto your head
Quote: וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֥י גְמֻלְכֶ֖ם בְּרֹאשְׁכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
See how you translated the same expression in 3:4.
onto your head
Quote: בְּרֹאשְׁכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Yahweh is referring to multiple nations, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of “head.” Alternate translation: [onto your heads]
Joel 3:8
For I will sell
Quote: וּמָכַרְתִּ֞י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Yahweh is using the word For to introduce more specific information about what he described in the previous verse. Alternate translation: [This will happen when I sell]
into the hand of the sons of Judah
Quote: בְּיַד֙ בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Yahweh is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of hand. Alternate translation: [into the hands of the sons of Judah]
For I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the sons of Judah
Quote: וּמָכַרְתִּ֞י אֶת־בְּנֵיכֶ֣ם וְאֶת־בְּנֽוֹתֵיכֶ֗ם בְּיַד֙ בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using one part of a person, the hand, to represent the whole person in the act of taking possession of something. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning with more general terms. Alternate translation: [For I will sell your sons and your daughters to the sons of Judah]
the sons of Judah
Quote: בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word sons does not mean literal first-generation offspring but “descendants.” The phrase the sons of Judah refers to the Judeans. Alternate translation: [the Judeans]
to the Sabeans
Quote: לִשְׁבָאיִ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Sabeans is the name of a people group.
to a faraway nation.” For Yahweh has spoken
Quote: אֶל־גּ֣וֹי רָח֑וֹק כִּ֥י יְהוָ֖ה דִּבֵּֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
The phrase For Yahweh has spoken indicates that this is a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: [to a faraway nation,” says Yahweh]
Joel 3:9
Proclaim
Quote: קִרְאוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The imperative Proclaim is plural here, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Joel is addressing generally all those who would be in a position to make this proclamation.
Consecrate a war
Quote: קַדְּשׁ֖וּ מִלְחָמָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by Consecrate a war he means to perform the rites with which they would begin a war. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [Perform the rites with which you would begin a war]
Joel 3:10
your plowshares
Quote: אִתֵּיכֶם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word plowshares describes blades for plows, which are tools used to break up soil for planting. If your readers would not be familiar with what a plowshare is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar thing that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: [your plow blades] or [your farming tools]
and your pruning hooks
Quote: וּמַזְמְרֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The expression pruning hooks describes curved blades used for trimming trees and vines. If your readers would not be familiar with what a pruning hook is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar thing that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: [your curved trimming blades] or [your gardening tools]
Let the weak say, I {am} strong
Quote: הַֽחַלָּ֔שׁ יֹאמַ֖ר גִּבּ֥וֹר אָֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [Let the weak say that they are strong]
the weak
Quote: הַֽחַלָּ֔שׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Joel is using the adjective weak as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [anyone who is weak]
Joel 3:11
Hurry and come
Quote: ע֣וּשׁוּ וָבֹ֧אוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word Hurry tells in what way the nations should come. Alternate translation: [Come quickly]
Joel 3:12
Let the nations rouse themselves
Quote: יֵע֨וֹרוּ֙ & הַגּוֹיִ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
Most versions treat verses 12 and 13 as a direct quotation of Yahweh, but some do not. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
the Valley of Jehoshaphat
Quote: עֵ֖מֶק יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate
See how you translated this name in 3:2.
will I sit to judge
Quote: אֵשֵׁ֛ב לִשְׁפֹּ֥ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To sit to judge means to sit down as a symbolic action that represents taking an official position of authority to make judgments. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: [I will take my place as judge]
Joel 3:13
Stretch out the sickle, for the harvest has ripened. … for
Quote: שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל כִּ֥י בָשַׁ֖ל קָצִ֑יר & כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if he literally wanted the “warriors” mentioned in 3:11 to harvest grain. He means that he wants them to punish the nations. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Strike the nations, just as harvesters cut down grain with a sickle]
Stretch out the sickle
Quote: שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using the first action that someone would do in order to use a sickle, Stretch it out, to refer to the entire act of using it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Use the sickle]
Stretch out the sickle
Quote: שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Yahweh is not referring to a specific sickle. He means the sickles that his “warriors” of verse 11 symbolically have. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: [Use your sickles]
Stretch out
Quote: שִׁלְח֣וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The imperatives Stretch out, Come, and go down are plural here, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. These imperatives seems to be addressing the “warriors” mentioned in 3:11.
Come, go down, for the winepress is full
Quote: בֹּ֤אֽוּ רְדוּ֙ כִּֽי־מָ֣לְאָה גַּ֔ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if he literally wanted those “warriors” to press grapes. He means once again that he wants them to punish the nations. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Yes, come and punish the nations, just as harvesters tread down the grapes that fill a winepress]
for … for their wickedness is
Quote: כִּ֥י & כִּ֥י רַבָּ֖ה רָעָתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wickedness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [for they are very wicked]
Joel 3:14
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision, … in the valley of
Quote: הֲמוֹנִ֣ים הֲמוֹנִ֔ים בְּעֵ֖מֶק הֶֽחָר֑וּץ & בְּעֵ֖מֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
Joel is repeating the word multitudes in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: [Vast multitudes in the valley of decision]
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision, … in the valley of
Quote: הֲמוֹנִ֣ים הֲמוֹנִ֔ים בְּעֵ֖מֶק הֶֽחָר֑וּץ & בְּעֵ֖מֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [Multitudes, multitudes are in the valley of decision]
in the valley of decision, … in the valley of
Quote: בְּעֵ֖מֶק הֶֽחָר֑וּץ & בְּעֵ֖מֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of decision, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [in the valley where I will decide their fate]
Joel 3:15
The sun and the moon become dark, and the stars withdraw their brightness
Quote: שֶׁ֥מֶשׁ וְיָרֵ֖חַ קָדָ֑רוּ וְכוֹכָבִ֖ים אָסְפ֥וּ נָגְהָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These are the same phrases as in 2:10, where Joel used them to describe the locust swarm blocking the light of the sun, moon, and stars. Here, in Joel’s description of the final judgment, these phrases could: (1) have a literal meaning, describing how the creation will disintegrate at the end of history. See the UST. Or (2) be symbolic of earthly rulers and nations losing their power. Alternate translation: [All earthly powers fade before the power of Yahweh]
and the stars withdraw their brightness
Quote: וְכוֹכָבִ֖ים אָסְפ֥וּ נָגְהָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
See how you translated the same expression in 2:10.
Joel 3:16
Yahweh will roar from Zion
Quote: וַיהוָ֞ה מִצִּיּ֣וֹן יִשְׁאָ֗ג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking as if Yahweh would literally roar like a lion. He means that Yahweh will powerfully proclaim his judgments. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Yahweh will powerfully proclaim his judgments from Zion, just as a lion roars powerfully]
and the heavens and the earth will shake
Quote: וְרָעֲשׁ֖וּ שָׁמַ֣יִם וָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is speaking as if the heavens and the earth would literally shake. This could be: (1) a literal description of how the creation will disintegrate at the end of history. See the UST. Or (2) a symbolic description of how powers on earth and in heaven will give way before the power of Yahweh. Alternate translation: [Yes, powers on earth and in heaven will give way before the power of Yahweh]
But Yahweh {will be} a shelter for his people and a stronghold for the sons of Israel
Quote: וַֽיהוָה֙ מַֽחֲסֶ֣ה לְעַמּ֔וֹ וּמָע֖וֹז לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joel is describing Yahweh as a shelter and a stronghold. He means that Yahweh will protect his people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [But Yahweh will protect his people, yes, he will guard the sons of Israel]
for the sons of Israel
Quote: לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the term sons in 2:23. Alternate translation: [the people of Israel]
Joel 3:17
Then you will know
Quote: וִֽידַעְתֶּ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
This verse begins a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: [He says, “Then you will know]
the mountain of my holiness
Quote: הַר־קָדְשִׁ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of holiness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [my holy mountain]
Joel 3:18
And it will be on that day
Quote: וְהָיָה֩ בַיּ֨וֹם הַה֜וּא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
Some versions do not treat this verse as part of the direct quotation of Yahweh in 3:17–21. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
on that day
Quote: בַיּ֨וֹם הַה֜וּא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term day to mean a specific time, by association with the way a day is a specific period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [at that time]
the mountains will drip sweet wine, and the hills will flow {with} milk
Quote: יִטְּפ֧וּ הֶהָרִ֣ים עָסִ֗יס וְהַגְּבָעוֹת֙ תֵּלַ֣כְנָה חָלָ֔ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is describing the mountains and hills as producing wine and milk. He means that the land will be very productive. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the grapevines on the mountains will produce grapes for wine abundantly, and the pastures on the hills will nourish cattle that will produce much milk]
and a spring will go forth
Quote: וּמַעְיָ֗ן & יֵצֵ֔א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: [and a spring will come out]
and a spring
Quote: וּמַעְיָ֗ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term spring by association to mean the water that comes from a spring. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [water from a spring]
from the house of Yahweh
Quote: מִבֵּ֤ית יְהוָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the same expression in 1:9. Alternate translation: [from the temple of Yahweh]
the Valley of Shittim
Quote: אֶת־נַ֥חַל הַשִּׁטִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate
The word Shittim is the name of a valley. In your translation, you could spell it the way it sounds in your language, as the ULT does, or you could use a word or phrase from your language that expresses the meaning of this name. Alternate translation: [the Valley of the Acacias]
Joel 3:19
Egypt will become desolation
Quote: מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לִשְׁמָמָ֣ה תִֽהְיֶ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of desolation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [Egypt will become desolate]
for the violence of the sons of Judah
Quote: מֵֽחֲמַס֙ בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe not violence that the sons of Judah committed but violence that was committed against them. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [for the violence that they committed against the sons of Judah]
they shed innocent blood
Quote: שָׁפְכ֥וּ דָם־נָקִ֖יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term blood to mean the lives of people, by association with the way people’s blood may be shed when they are killed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [killed innocent people]
in their land
Quote: בְּאַרְצָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The word their could refer to: (1) the sons of Judah, and would mean that the violence was done in Judah. Alternate translation: [in the land of Judah] or (2) Egypt and Edom, and would mean that the violence was done in those countries. Alternate translation: [in their lands]
Joel 3:20
But Judah
Quote: וִיהוּדָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term Judah by association to mean the people living in Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the people of Judah]
and Jerusalem to generation and generation
Quote: וִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם לְד֥וֹר וָדֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and Jerusalem will dwell to generation and generation]
to generation and generation
Quote: לְד֥וֹר וָדֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Like the expression in 2:2, this means “for a very long time.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [for all generations to come]
Joel 3:21
And I will acquit their blood {that} I have not acquitted
Quote: וְנִקֵּ֖יתִי דָּמָ֣ם לֹֽא־נִקֵּ֑יתִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: [And I will avenge their blood {that} I have not avenged]
their blood
Quote: דָּמָ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term blood to mean the deaths of people, by association with the loss of blood that usually occurs when people die violently. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [their deaths]
for Yahweh {is} dwelling in Zion
Quote: וַֽיהוָ֖ה שֹׁכֵ֥ן בְּצִיּֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
Some versions do not treat this clause as part of the direct quotation of Yahweh in 3:17–21. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
for Yahweh {is} dwelling in Zion
Quote: וַֽיהוָ֖ה שֹׁכֵ֥ן בְּצִיּֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: [for I am dwelling in Zion]