Joel
Joel front
Introduction to Joel
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Book of Joel
- The land ruined; the day of Yahweh is coming (1:1–2:11)
- Locusts and drought (1:1–20)
- The day of Yahweh (2:1–11)
- Yahweh restores his people (2:12–32)
- The people should turn to Yahweh, for he will pity them (2:12–27)
- The Spirit of Yahweh, wonders, and salvation (2:28–32)
- Yahweh will judge the nations (3:1–21)
- Yahweh judges the nations (3:1–16)
- Yahweh dwells in Zion (3:17–21)
What is the Book of Joel about?
The main idea in the Book of Joel is “the day of Yahweh.” This expression is found five times (1:15, 2:1, 2:11, 2:21, 3:14).
The people of Israel looked forward to “the day of Yahweh” as a day that Yahweh would judge the nations around them. But Joel warns that Yahweh would also judge Israel for being unfaithful to him. After judging them, Yahweh will restore his people.
Joel’s message applies to the people of God in the church age. For Yahweh says, “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh” and “everyone who calls on Yahweh will be saved” (2:28 and 2:32, quoted by Peter in Acts 2:17 and 2:21).
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 Book about Joel” or “The Sayings of Joel.” (See: How to Translate Names)
Who wrote the Book of Joel?
This book contains the prophecies of an Israelite named Joel, son of Pethuel. The book does not tell when Joel prophesied.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What is the meaning of the locust attacks in Joel 1 and 2, and of the drought in Joel 2?
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 of their leaves. The locusts could not be stopped and caused terrible damage. For this reason, locust attacks served as a powerful image of military attacks in the Old Testament. In Chapters 1 and 2, Joel described locust attacks using military terms. He may have been speaking of enemy invaders coming and destroying the land its people.
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.
Joel also described a drought in Chapter 2. It might have been a real lack of rain. Or Joel may have been speaking of either enemy invaders or Yahweh himself coming to punish his people and the other nations.
Translators should simply translate the locust attacks and drought as Joel described them and not worry about the various possible meanings.
What did Joel prophesy about the future for God’s people?
Joel prophesied that God will defeat Israel’s enemies, rebuild the city of Jerusalem, and rule as victorious king over the whole world. At the same time, God will give his Spirit to all his people, and they will receive messages from him in dreams and visions. (See: Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit)
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
How should one translate the poetry of the Book of Joel?
All of the text in the Book of Joel is poetry. The ULT presents it in this way. The UST, however, presents the text as prose. Translators may choose to use prose in their versions. Translators who want to translate the book as poetry should read about poetry and parallelism. (See: Poetry and Parallelism)
Joel 1
Joel 1 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Joel is written in poetic form and with striking imagery. The ULT is written in poetic form, but the UST has been transferred to a prose form. If possible, use the poetic form to communicate the meaning of this book in order to stay closer to the original meaning of the text.
Special concepts in this chapter
Locusts
This book starts very dramatically with the imagery of the locusts and the devastation they produce. There are five different kinds of locusts that appear to come and they progressively destroy the vegetation including the crops, vineyards and even the trees of the whole land of Israel.
It was common for farmers in the ancient Near East to experience large locust swarms that would come and eat all crops in their fields. Joel might be describing such attacks in this first chapter. Because Joel uses military terms and images to describe these locust attacks, his descriptions might represent enemy invaders who would come and destroy the land its people. (See: Metaphor)
Translators should translate simply, presenting the scenes of locusts as Joel describes them, and not worry about the various possible meanings.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical Questions
The author also uses rhetorical questions that communicate surprise and alarm. (See: Rhetorical Question)
Joel 1:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismGeneral Information:
God speaks through Joel to the people of Israel using poetry.
This is the word of Yahweh that came to Joel
Quote: דְּבַר־יְהוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָיָ֔ה אֶל־יוֹאֵ֖ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom is used to announce that God gave messages to Joel. Alternate translation: “the message Yahweh gave to Joel” or “the message Yahweh spoke to Joel”
Yahweh
Quote: יְהוָה֙ (1)This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
Pethuel
Quote: פְּתוּאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Joel’s father
Joel 1:2
Has anything like this happened 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 preparing the elders to listen to what he has to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Nothing like this has ever happened before either to you or to your ancestors”
Joel 1:3
and their sons the next generation
Quote: וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם לְד֥וֹר אַחֵֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
You may need to fill in the words that have been left out. Alternate translation: “let their children tell the generation after them”
Joel 1:4
the swarming locust
Quote: הָֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
large groups of insects like grasshoppers that fly together and eat large areas of food crops
the cutting locust … the swarming locust … the hopping locust … the destroying locust
Quote: הַגָּזָם֙ & הָֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה & הַיָּ֑לֶק & הֶחָסִֽיל (1)These are, respectively, an adult locust that can fly, a locust too large to fly easily, a locust with wings too young to fly, and a newborn locust that has not yet developed wings. Use names that would be understood in your language.
Joel 1:5
General Information:
God warns the people of Israel about the coming locust army.
you drunkards, and weep! Wail, all you drinkers of wine
Quote: שִׁכּוֹרִים֙ וּבְכ֔וּ וְהֵילִ֖לוּ כָּל־שֹׁ֣תֵי יָ֑יִן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
If your language has only one word for “weep” and “wail,” you can combine the lines: “you people who love wine should cry out in sorrow”
Joel 1:6
a nation
Quote: גוֹי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The locust swarm is like an invading army.
Its teeth are the teeth of
Quote: שִׁנָּיו֙ שִׁנֵּ֣י (1)The locusts are like a nation which is like one person. You can refer to the nation as “it,” or to the locusts as “they,” or to the invader as one person.
Its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and it has the fangs of a lioness
Quote: שִׁנָּיו֙ שִׁנֵּ֣י אַרְיֵ֔ה וּֽמְתַלְּע֥וֹת לָבִ֖יא לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines share similar meanings.
my land
Quote: אַרְצִ֔י (1)Yahweh’s land
Joel 1:7
It has made … It has stripped its bark
Quote: שָׂ֤ם & חָשֹׂ֤ף חֲשָׂפָהּ֙ (1)The locusts are like a nation which is like one person. You can refer to the nation as “it,” or to the locusts as “they,” or to the invader as one person.
my vine … and … my fig tree
Quote: גַּפְנִי֙ & וּתְאֵנָתִ֖י (1)Yahweh’s vineyard and fig tree
into a waste
Quote: לְשַׁמָּ֔ה (1)empty and without life
Joel 1:10
the ground is mourning
Quote: אָבְלָ֖ה אֲדָמָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the land is spoken of as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “the farmers are mourning”
the grain has been destroyed
Quote: שֻׁדַּ֣ד דָּגָ֔ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the locusts have destroyed all of the grain”
Joel 1:11
the barley
Quote: שְׂעֹרָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a type of grass, like wheat, whose seeds can be used to make bread
Joel 1:12
have withered
Quote: הוֹבִ֔ישָׁה (1)dried up and died
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: וְהַתְּאֵנָ֖ה & מּ֞וֹן & וְתַפּ֗וּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
different types of fruit
Joel 1:13
General Information:
God speaks to the priests in Israel
the grain offering and the drink offering
Quote: מִנְחָ֥ה וָנָֽסֶךְ (1)regular offerings in the temple
Joel 1:14
to the house of Yahweh your God
Quote: בֵּ֖ית יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֑ם (1)the temple in Jerusalem
Joel 1:15
General Information:
This is what God is telling the priests to say.
With it will come destruction from the Almighty
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 behind the word destruction, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destroy” Alternate translation: “On that day the Almighty will destroy his enemies”
Joel 1:16
Has not food been cut off from before our eyes, and 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-ellipsis
It is certain that destruction will come from the Almighty because these things have already happened. Alternate translation: “We know this is true because we have already seen the Almighty cut off our supply of food, and he has cut off joy and gladness from the house of our God”
from before our eyes
Quote: נֶ֥גֶד עֵינֵ֖ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“from us.” This refers to all of the nation of Israel.
and joy and gladness from the house of our God
Quote: מִבֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ שִׂמְחָ֥ה וָגִֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
You may need to fill in the ellipsis. Alternate translation: “joy and gladness have been cut off from the house of our God”
and joy and gladness
Quote: שִׂמְחָ֥ה וָגִֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize that there is no kind of joyful activity happening at the temple.
Joel 1:17
their clods
Quote: מֶגְרְפֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם (1)lumps of dirt
Joel 1:18
groan
Quote: נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה (1)make a deep sound because of pain
Joel 1:20
the … brooks
Quote: אֲפִ֣יקֵי (1)small streams
Joel 2
Joel 2 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter continues in the poetic form with striking imagery of armies and soldiers.
Special concepts in this chapter
Locusts
This book starts very dramatically with the imagery of the locusts and the devastation they produce. There are five different kinds of locusts that appear to come and progressively destroy the vegetation including the crops, vineyards and even the trees of Israel.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
This chapter uses simile to a great extent as Joel tries to describe this army. (See: Simile)
Metaphor
The drought, or severe lack of rain, Joel describes is probably a real drought. It might also be a picture of either enemy invaders or of Yahweh himself coming to punish his people and the other nations. Translators should translate simply, presenting the scenes of locusts and drought as Joel describes them, and not worry about the various possible meanings. (See: Metaphor)
Joel 2:1
Blow the trumpet … and sound an alarm
Quote: תִּקְע֨וּ שׁוֹפָ֜ר & וְהָרִ֨יעוּ֙ (1)Joel is emphasizing the importance of calling Israel together in preparation for the destruction that is coming.
Joel 2:2
It is a day of darkness and gloom
Quote: י֧וֹם חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וַאֲפֵלָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “darkness” and “gloom” share similar meanings and emphasize that the darkness will be very dark. Alternate translation: “day that is full of darkness”
and gloom
Quote: וַאֲפֵלָ֗ה (1)total or partial darkness
a day of clouds and thick darkness
Quote: י֤וֹם עָנָן֙ וַעֲרָפֶ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
This phrase means the same thing as, and intensifies the idea of the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “day full of dark storm clouds”
Like the dawn that spreads on the mountains, a large and mighty army is approaching
Quote: כְּשַׁ֖חַר פָּרֻ֣שׂ עַל־הֶֽהָרִ֑ים עַ֚ם רַ֣ב וְעָצ֔וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
When direct sunlight shines on a mountain at dawn, it begins at the top and spreads to the bottom. When an army comes over a mountain range, it comes over the top and spreads out as it comes down. Alternate translation: “A large, mighty army comes over the mountains into the land. They spread over the land like the light from the rising sun”
a large and mighty army is approaching
Quote: עַ֚ם רַ֣ב וְעָצ֔וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The words “large” and “mighty” share similar meanings here and emphasize that the army will be very strong. The word army could possibly be: (1) a metaphor for a swarm of locusts or (2) referring to a human army. (See also: Doublet)
Joel 2:3
A fire is consuming everything in front of it
Quote: לְפָנָיו֙ אָ֣כְלָה אֵ֔שׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A fire destroys everything as it moves, and the “army” (Joel 2:2), whether of humans or of locusts, destroys everything as it moves.
and behind it a flame is burning
Quote: וְאַחֲרָ֖יו תְּלַהֵ֣ט לֶֽהָבָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
After a wall of flame goes through dry land and burns the dryest and smallest fuel, there will still be flames as the larger and less dry fuel burns.
The land is like the garden of Eden
Quote: כְּגַן־עֵ֨דֶן הָאָ֜רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The garden of Eden was a beautiful place, and the land was beautiful.
Joel 2:4
The army’s appearance is like the appearance of horses
Quote: כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה סוּסִ֖ים מַרְאֵ֑הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The head of a locust looks like a small horse head. The army is fast, and horses are fast.
horses
Quote: סוּסִ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A large, strong, fast animal with four legs.
and they run like war horses
Quote: וּכְפָרָשִׁ֖ים כֵּ֥ן יְרוּצֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Men riding horses move quickly, and the army moves quickly.
Joel 2:5
they jump
Quote: יְרַקֵּד֔וּן (1)A horse jumps or leaps as it runs quickly.
With a noise like that of chariots … like the noise of fiery flames … like a mighty army ready for battle
Quote: כְּק֣וֹל מַרְכָּב֗וֹת & כְּקוֹל֙ לַ֣הַב אֵ֔שׁ & כְּעַ֣ם עָצ֔וּם עֱר֖וּךְ מִלְחָמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
These sounds would have been very frightening to Joel’s readers. If your readers will not understand what these sound like, you might be able to use a more general phrase: “a noise that frightens everyone”
Joel 2:7
the walls
Quote: חוֹמָ֑ה (1)walls around the cities
Joel 2:8
they break through the weapons
Quote: וּבְעַ֥ד הַשֶּׁ֛לַח יִפֹּ֖לוּ (1)they overcome the soldiers defending the city.
Joel 2:10
The earth shakes in front of them, the heavens tremble
Quote: לְפָנָיו֙ רָ֣גְזָה אֶ֔רֶץ רָעֲשׁ֖וּ שָׁמָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Joel speaks of the earth and heavens as if they were people who are shaking with fear. This can be translated as either a hyperbole, that the army is so frightening that even things that are not alive are afraid, or as metonymy, that the earth and the heavens are metonyms for the beings who live there. Alternate translation: “Everyone on earth and in the heavens is very afraid” (See also: Hyperbole)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: שֶׁ֤מֶשׁ וְיָרֵ֨חַ֙ קָדָ֔רוּ וְכוֹכָבִ֖ים אָסְפ֥וּ נָגְהָֽ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This exaggeration claims that there are so many locusts that people cannot see the sun, moon, or stars.
Joel 2:11
Yahweh raises his voice
Quote: וַֽיהוָ֗ה נָתַ֤ן קוֹלוֹ֙ (1)“Yahweh speaks loudly” to give commands.
is great and very terrible
Quote: גָד֧וֹל & וְנוֹרָ֥א מְאֹ֖ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
In this phrase both descriptions mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “greatly terrible”
Who can survive it
Quote: וּמִ֥י יְכִילֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one will be strong enough to survive Yahweh’s judgment.”
Joel 2:12
Return to me with all your heart
Quote: שֻׁ֥בוּ עָדַ֖י בְּכָל־לְבַבְכֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The heart is a metonym for what the person thinks and loves. Alternate translation: “Turn away from your sins and be totally devoted to me”
Joel 2:13
Tear your heart and not only your garments
Quote: וְקִרְע֤וּ לְבַבְכֶם֙ וְאַל־בִּגְדֵיכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The heart is a metonym for what the person thinks and loves. Tearing one’s clothes is an outward act of shame or repentance. Alternate translation: “Change your way of thinking; do not just tear your garments”
and abundant in covenant faithfulness
Quote: וְרַב־חֶ֔סֶד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful” or “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “always faithful to his covenant” or “always loves faithfully”
and he relents from
Quote: וְנִחָ֖ם עַל (1)stop
Joel 2:14
Will he perhaps turn and have compassion, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for Yahweh your God
Quote: יָשׁ֣וּב וְנִחָ֑ם וְהִשְׁאִ֤יר אַֽחֲרָיו֙ בְּרָכָ֔ה מִנְחָ֣ה וָנֶ֔סֶךְ לַיהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Perhaps Yahweh will turn from his anger … God.”
and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering
Quote: וְהִשְׁאִ֤יר אַֽחֲרָיו֙ בְּרָכָ֔ה מִנְחָ֣ה וָנֶ֔סֶךְ (1)“leave behind him a blessing—that is, a grain offering and a drink offering.” The blessing is that plenty of grain and grapes will ripen, and so the people will be able to offer grain and drink offerings.
Joel 2:16
out of their bridal chambers
Quote: מֵחֻפָּתָֽהּ (1)rooms, usually in the parents’ houses, where brides would wait for their wedding ceremonies
Joel 2:17
and do not make your inheritance into an object of scorn
Quote: וְאַל־תִּתֵּ֨ן נַחֲלָתְךָ֤ לְחֶרְפָּה֙ (1)Alternate translation: “do not allow your inheritance to become people whom the other nations regard as worthless”
your inheritance
Quote: נַחֲלָתְךָ֤ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the people of Israel are spoken of as God’s inheritance. Alternate translation: “your special people”
Why should they say among the nations, Where is their God
Quote: לָ֚מָּה יֹאמְר֣וּ בָֽעַמִּ֔ים אַיֵּ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Other nations should not be able to say, ‘Their God does not help them.’” or “Other nations should not be able to say that the God of Israel has abandoned his people.”
Joel 2:18
for his land
Quote: לְאַרְצ֑וֹ (1)Alternate translation: “the nation of Israel”
his people
Quote: עַמּֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
Joel 2:19
Look, I
Quote: הִנְנִ֨י (1)Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: וּשְׂבַעְתֶּ֖ם אֹת֑ (1)Alternate translation: “You will have all you need of them”
a disgrace
Quote: חֶרְפָּ֖ה (1)Alternate translation: “unworthy of respect”
Joel 2:20
the northern attackers … eastern … western
Quote: הַצְּפוֹנִ֞י & הַקַּדְמֹנִ֔י & הָאַֽחֲר֑וֹן (1)These directions are from the perspective of people living in the land of Israel.
the eastern sea
Quote: הַיָּם֙ הַקַּדְמֹנִ֔י (1)the Dead Sea
the western sea
Quote: הַיָּ֣ם הָאַֽחֲר֑וֹן (1)the Mediterranean Sea
he has done great things
Quote: הִגְדִּ֖יל לַעֲשֽׂוֹת (1)That is, Yahweh has done great things. Another possible meaning is that the writer speaks of the invading army, “it has done very bad things.”
Joel 2:21
Do not fear, O land
Quote: אַל־תִּֽירְאִ֖י אֲדָמָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Joel speaks to the people of the land as if he were speaking to the land itself. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid, you people of the land”
Joel 2:22
Do not fear, you beasts of the field
Quote: אַל־תִּֽירְאוּ֙ בַּהֲמ֣וֹת שָׂדַ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Joel speaks to people who own livestock as if he were speaking to the animals themselves. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid, you people who own livestock”
the pastures of the wilderness will sprout
Quote: דָשְׁא֖וּ נְא֣וֹת מִדְבָּ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The pastures are a metonym for the plants that grow in the pastures. Alternate translation: “plants good for food will sprout in the pastures in the wilderness”
Joel 2:23
he will give … and bring down showers for you
Quote: נָתַ֥ן & וַיּ֣וֹרֶד לָכֶ֗ם גֶּ֛שֶׁם (1)Alternate translation: “he will … cause much rain to fall so that you will live well”
the autumn rain and the spring rain
Quote: מוֹרֶ֥ה וּמַלְק֖וֹשׁ (1)the first rains of the rainy season in early December and the last rains in April and May
Joel 2:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh begins a long speech to the Israelites.
the vats
Quote: הַיְקָבִ֖ים (1)large containers for liquids
Joel 2:25
the years of crops that the swarming locust has eaten
Quote: אֶת־הַשָּׁנִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר֙ אָכַ֣ל הָֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: “the crops that you took care of for years and that the swarming locusts have eaten”
the swarming locust … the hopping locust, the destroying locust, and the cutting locust
Quote: הָֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה הַיֶּ֖לֶק וְהֶחָסִ֣יל וְהַגָּזָ֑ם (1)These are, respectively, an adult locust that can fly, a locust too large to fly easily, a locust with wings too young to fly, and a newborn locust that has not yet developed wings. Use names that would be understood in your language. See how you translated this in Joel 1:4.
Joel 2:26
and praise the name of Yahweh
Quote: וְהִלַּלְתֶּ֗ם אֶת־שֵׁ֤ם יְהוָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The name is a metonym for the person, specifically his reputation. Alternate translation: “praise Yahweh” or “praise Yahweh because everyone knows he is good”
the name of Yahweh your God, who has done wonders among you
Quote: שֵׁ֤ם יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֥ה עִמָּכֶ֖ם לְהַפְלִ֑יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to show that he will certainly do as he has said. Alternate translation: “my name … because I have done wonders”
Joel 2:28
It will come about afterward that I will pour out
Quote: וְהָיָ֣ה אַֽחֲרֵי־כֵ֗ן אֶשְׁפּ֤וֹךְ (1)Alternate translation: “This is what I will do after that: I”
that 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 speaks of the Spirit as if he were speaking of water. AT” “I will give my Spirit generously to all flesh”
all flesh
Quote: כָּל־בָּשָׂ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “flesh” represents people. Alternate translation: “all people”
Joel 2:30
blood, fire, and pillars of smoke
Quote: דָּ֣ם וָאֵ֔שׁ וְתִֽימֲר֖וֹת עָשָֽׁן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“blood” is symbolizing the death of people. Alternate translation: “death, fire and pillars of smoke”
Joel 2:31
The sun will turn into darkness
Quote: הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙ יֵהָפֵ֣ךְ לְחֹ֔שֶׁךְ (1)Alternate translation: “The sun will no longer give light”
and the moon into blood
Quote: וְהַיָּרֵ֖חַ לְדָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “blood” refers to the color red. Alternate translation: “the moon will turn red like blood”
Joel 2:32
It will be that everyone
Quote: וְהָיָ֗ה כֹּ֧ל (1)Alternate translation: “This is what will happen: everyone”
that everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh will be saved
Quote: כֹּ֧ל אֲשֶׁר־יִקְרָ֛א בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה יִמָּלֵ֑ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will save everyone who calls on his name”
on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
Quote: בְּהַר־צִיּ֨וֹן וּבִירוּשָׁלִַ֜ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These refer to the same place. Alternate translation: “on Mount Zion in Jerusalem”
and among the survivors, those whom Yahweh calls
Quote: וּבַ֨שְּׂרִידִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה קֹרֵֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The phrase “there will be” is understood from earlier in the sentence. It can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “among the survivors there will be those whom Yahweh calls”
and among the survivors
Quote: וּבַ֨שְּׂרִידִ֔ים (1)These survivors are people who live through a terrible event like a war or a disaster.
Joel 3
Joel 3 General Notes
Structure and formatting
There is a change in focus in this chapter from the people of Israel to her enemies. The events of this chapters also contain many prophecies about the events of the end of this world. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Israel
The mention of Israel in this chapter is probably a reference to the people of Judah and not the northern kingdom of Israel. It is also possible this is a reference to the people of Israel as a whole.
Joel 3:1
Behold
Quote: כִּ֗י הִנֵּ֛ה (1)Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention”
in those days and at that time
Quote: בַּיָּמִ֥ים הָהֵ֖מָּה וּבָעֵ֣ת הַהִ֑יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The phrase “at that time” means the same thing as and intensifies the phrase “in those days.” Alternate translation: “in those very days” or “at that very time”
when the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָשִׁ֛יב אֶת־שְׁב֥וּת יְהוּדָ֖ה וִירוּשָׁלִָֽם (1)Alternate translation: “When I send the exiles back to Judah and Jerusalem”
Joel 3:2
the Valley of Jehoshaphat
Quote: עֵ֖מֶק יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט (1)Jehoshaphat, whose name means “Yahweh judges,” was king of Judah before Joel lived. There is no known place with this name. It would be best to translate this as the name of a valley that people named after the man Jehoshaphat.
my people and my inheritance Israel
Quote: עַמִּ֨י וְנַחֲלָתִ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases emphasize how Yahweh views Israel as his own precious people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel, who are my inheritance”
Joel 3:3
traded a boy for a prostitute, and sold a girl for wine so they could drink
Quote: וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ הַיֶּ֨לֶד֙ בַּזּוֹנָ֔ה וְהַיַּלְדָּ֛ה מָכְר֥וּ בַיַּ֖יִן וַיִּשְׁתּֽוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These are examples of the kinds of things they did and do not indicate what they did to two particular children. Alternate translation: “and did things like trading a boy for a prostitute and selling a girl for wine, so they could drink”
Joel 3:4
Now, what have you against me, Tyre, Sidon and all the regions of Philistia
Quote: וְ֠גַם מָה־אַתֶּ֥ם לִי֙ צֹ֣ר וְצִיד֔וֹן וְכֹ֖ל גְּלִיל֣וֹת פְּלָ֑שֶׁת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is encouraging the people of Judah, who can hear him, by scolding the people of Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia, who cannot hear him, as if they can. The names of the towns are metonyms for the people who live in the towns. These words can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “you have no right to be angry at me … Philistia.”
Are you paying me back for something
Quote: הַגְּמ֗וּל אַתֶּם֙ מְשַׁלְּמִ֣ים עָלָ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
“Will you get revenge on me?” God uses this question to make the people think about what they are doing. Alternate translation: “You think you can get revenge on me, but you cannot.”
I will immediately return your retribution on your own head
Quote: קַ֣ל מְהֵרָ֔ה אָשִׁ֥יב גְּמֻלְכֶ֖ם בְּרֹאשְׁכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “head” refers to the person. Yahweh will make them suffer the pain they wanted him to suffer. Alternate translation: “I will cause you to suffer the retribution that you tried to put on me” (See also: Idiom)
your retribution
Quote: גְּמֻלְכֶ֖ם (1)Alternate translation: “revenge” or “payback”
Joel 3:7
Look, I
Quote: הִנְנִ֣י (1)Alternate translation: “Pay attention” or “Listen”
out of the place where you sold them
Quote: מִן־הַ֨מָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁר־מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם אֹתָ֖ם שָׁ֑מָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The people of Israel will leave the places where they were slaves and come back to the land of Israel.
and will return your payment
Quote: וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֥י גְמֻלְכֶ֖ם (1)Alternate translation: “give back what you deserve”
Joel 3:8
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-metonymy
The hand can be a metonym for the power the hand exercises or a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “I will have the people of Judah sell your sons and your daughters” (See also: Synecdoche)
to the Sabeans
Quote: לִשְׁבָאיִ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
the people of the land of Sabea
Joel 3:9
rouse the mighty men
Quote: הָעִ֨ירוּ֙ הַגִּבּוֹרִ֔ים (1)Alternate translation: “make the mighty men ready for action”
Joel 3:10
Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning knives into spears
Quote: כֹּ֤תּוּ אִתֵּיכֶם֙ לַֽחֲרָב֔וֹת וּמַזְמְרֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם לִרְמָחִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases share similar meanings. Both of them instruct the people to turn their farming tools into weapons.
your plowshares
Quote: אִתֵּיכֶם֙ (1)tools that are used to break up the soil in order to plant crops
and your pruning knives
Quote: וּמַזְמְרֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם (1)knives that are used to cut off small branches
Joel 3:11
Hurry and come, all you surrounding nations, gather yourselves together there
Quote: ע֣וּשׁוּ וָבֹ֧אוּ כָֽל־הַגּוֹיִ֛ם מִסָּבִ֖יב וְנִקְבָּ֑צוּ שָׁ֕מָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
These words continue the ironic call to battle that begins in Joel 3:9.
gather yourselves together
Quote: וְנִקְבָּ֑צוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The purpose of the gathering is for battle. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “gather yourselves together for battle”
O Yahweh, bring down your mighty warriors
Quote: הַֽנְחַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה גִּבּוֹרֶֽיךָ (1)This could mean: (1) Joel is telling the people of Judah that this is what they are to “proclaim among the nations” (Joel 3:9) or (2) Joel interrupts the words of Yahweh and prays a short prayer.
Joel 3:12
General Information:
Yahweh finishes the speech he began in Joel 2:25, promising good things for the people of Israel.
the nations … all the surrounding nations
Quote: הַגּוֹיִ֔ם & אֶת־כָּל־הַגּוֹיִ֖ם מִסָּבִֽיב (1)The words “the nations” and “the surrounding nations” refer to the same nations, those that surround Judah. Yahweh will judge them in the Valley of Jehoshaphat for what they have done to Jerusalem.
the Valley of Jehoshaphat
Quote: עֵ֖מֶק יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט (1)Jehoshaphat, whose name means “Yahweh judges,” was king of Judah before Joel lived. There is no known place with this name. It would be best to translate this as the name of a valley that people named after the man Jehoshaphat. See how you translated this in Joel 3:2.
Joel 3:13
Put in the sickle, … the winepress is full
Quote: שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל & מָ֣לְאָה גַּ֔ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Possible meanings are that Yahweh speaks of completely destroying the nations as if: (1) he were harvesting all the grapes and all the grain or (2) he were harvesting quickly, while the grain and grapes are ripe.
Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe
Quote: שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל כִּ֥י בָשַׁ֖ל קָצִ֑יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of making war against the nations as if he were using a sharp tool to harvest a field of ripe crops. If your readers will not understand the word “sickle,” you may use the word for any sharp tool that your people use for harvesting.
Put in the sickle
Quote: שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Swing the sickle to cut the grain.” This is a metaphor for a soldier using a sword to kill people, but it is best to use the word for a sharp tool used in harvesting.
the sickle
Quote: מַגָּ֔ל (1)a long curved knife that people use for cutting grain
the harvest is ripe
Quote: בָשַׁ֖ל קָצִ֑יר (1)Alternate translation: “the grain is ready to be harvested”
Come, crush the grapes, for the winepress is full
Quote: בֹּ֤אֽוּ רְדוּ֙ כִּֽי־מָ֣לְאָה גַּ֔ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the nations as if they were many grapes in a winepress, ready for people to crush them by stepping on them. Alternate translation: “Come, completely destroy the nations, for they are many, and they are helpless to resist you”
The vats overflow, for their wickedness is enormous
Quote: הֵשִׁ֨יקוּ֙ הַיְקָבִ֔ים כִּ֥י רַבָּ֖ה רָעָתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the nations’ wickedness as if it were the juice that flows from the winepress into storage containers, and more juice flows into the vats than they can contain.
Joel 3:14
There are multitudes, multitudes
Quote: הֲמוֹנִ֣ים הֲמוֹנִ֔ים (1)A tumult is noise caused by a large crowd. This is repeated to show that it will be very noisy from all the people.
in the Valley of Judgment. … in the Valley of Judgment
Quote: בְּעֵ֖מֶק הֶֽחָר֑וּץ & בְּעֵ֖מֶק הֶחָרֽוּץ (1)This phrase is repeated to show that the judgment will certainly happen.
in the Valley of Judgment
Quote: בְּעֵ֖מֶק הֶֽחָר֑וּץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
There is no known place with this name. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word judgment, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “Valley Where Yahweh Judges”
Joel 3:16
General Information:
Yahweh begins speaking in verse 17.
Yahweh will roar from Zion, and raise his voice from Jerusalem
Quote: וַיהוָ֞ה מִצִּיּ֣וֹן יִשְׁאָ֗ג וּמִירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ יִתֵּ֣ן קוֹל֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both phrases mean Yahweh will shout with a loud, clear and powerful voice from Jerusalem. If your language only has one word for speaking very loudly, this can be used as one phrase. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will shout from Jerusalem”
Yahweh will roar
Quote: וַיהוָ֞ה & יִשְׁאָ֗ג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) “Yahweh will roar like a lion” or (2) “Yahweh will roar like thunder.”
The heavens and earth will shake
Quote: וְרָעֲשׁ֖וּ שָׁמַ֣יִם וָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Joel speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were people who are shaking with fear. This can be translated as either a hyperbole, that Yahweh’s roar is so frightening that even things that are not alive are afraid, or as metonymy, that the heavens and earth are metonyms for the beings who live there. Alternate translation: “Everyone in the heavens and on the earth is very afraid” (See also: Metonymy)
will shake
Quote: וְרָעֲשׁ֖וּ (1)This word is the past form of the word translated “tremble” in Joel 2:10.
but Yahweh will be a shelter for his people, and a fortress for the sons of Israel
Quote: וַֽיהוָה֙ מַֽחֲסֶ֣ה לְעַמּ֔וֹ וּמָע֖וֹז לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Both of these phrases mean Yahweh will protect his people. A fortress is a strong shelter used to protect people during war. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will be a strong fortress for his people, the people of Israel” (See also: Parallelism)
Joel 3:17
So you will know
Quote: וִֽידַעְתֶּ֗ם (1)Alternate translation: “When I do these things, you will know”
Joel 3:18
It will come about on that day that the mountains
Quote: וְהָיָה֩ בַיּ֨וֹם הַה֜וּא & הֶהָרִ֣ים (1)“This is what will happen on that day: the mountains” Translate “It will come about” as in Joel 2:28.
that the mountains will drip with sweet wine
Quote: יִטְּפ֧וּ הֶהָרִ֣ים עָסִ֗יס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
“sweet wine will drip from the mountains.” This is an exaggeration to show that the land is very fertile. Alternate translation: “On the mountains there will be vineyards that produce plenty of sweet wine”
the hills will flow with milk
Quote: וְהַגְּבָעוֹת֙ תֵּלַ֣כְנָה חָלָ֔ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“milk will flow from the hills.” The land being very fertile is spoken of as if the hills would flow with milk. Alternate translation: “on the hills your cattle and goats will produce plenty of milk”
all the brooks of Judah will flow with water
Quote: וְכָל־אֲפִיקֵ֥י יְהוּדָ֖ה יֵ֣לְכוּ מָ֑יִם (1)Alternate translation: “water will flow through all the brooks of Judah”
and water the Valley of Shittim
Quote: וְהִשְׁקָ֖ה אֶת־נַ֥חַל הַשִּׁטִּֽים (1)Alternate translation: “will send water to the Valley of Shittim”
Shittim
Quote: הַשִּׁטִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place on the east side of the Jordan River. It means “Acacia Trees.”
Joel 3:19
Egypt will become an abandoned devastation
Quote: מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לִשְׁמָמָ֣ה תִֽהְיֶ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: “Everyone will leave Egypt and no one will live there”
and Edom will become an abandoned wilderness
Quote: וֶאֱד֕וֹם לְמִדְבַּ֥ר שְׁמָמָ֖ה תִּֽהְיֶ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “Everyone will leave Edom and it will look like no people have ever lived there”
because of the violence done to the sons of Judah
Quote: מֵֽחֲמַס֙ בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: “because of the violent things Egypt and Edom did to the people of Judah”
because they shed innocent blood in their land
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־שָׁפְכ֥וּ דָם־נָקִ֖יא בְּאַרְצָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “they” refers to “Edom” and “Egypt” and is a metonym for the people of Egypt and Edom. The words “innocent blood” are a metonym for innocent people whom they have killed. Alternate translation: “because the people of Egypt and the people of Edom killed innocent people in the land of the people of Judah”
Joel 3:20
But Judah will be inhabited forever
Quote: וִיהוּדָ֖ה לְעוֹלָ֣ם תֵּשֵׁ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will live in Judah forever”
and Jerusalem will be inhabited from generation to generation
Quote: וִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם לְד֥וֹר וָדֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “generation after generation, people will live in Jerusalem”
Joel 3:21
I will avenge their blood that I have not yet avenged
Quote: וְנִקֵּ֖יתִי דָּמָ֣ם לֹֽא־נִקֵּ֑יתִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Blood is a metonym for death. Alternate translation: “I will punish the enemies who killed the people of Israel and still have not been punished”