Joel 1:12

Authorized King James Version

The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַגֶּ֣פֶן

H1612

The vine

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

הֹבִ֥ישׁ

H3001

are withered

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

וְהַתְּאֵנָ֖ה

H8384

and the fig tree

the fig (tree or fruit)

אֻמְלָ֑לָה

H535

languisheth

to droop; by implication to be sick, to mourn

רִמּ֞וֹן

H7416

the pomegranate

a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

תָּמָ֣ר

H8558

tree the palm tree

a palm tree

וְתַפּ֗וּחַ

H8598

also and the apple tree

an apple (from its fragrance), i.e., the fruit or the tree (probably including others of the pome order, as the quince, the orange, etc.)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

עֲצֵ֤י

H6086

even all the trees

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#11

הַשָּׂדֶה֙

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

#12

הֹבִ֥ישׁ

H3001

are withered

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

#13

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

הֹבִ֥ישׁ

H3001

are withered

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

#15

שָׂשׂ֖וֹן

H8342

because joy

cheerfulness; specifically, welcome

#16

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#17

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

from the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#18

אָדָֽם׃

H120

of men

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Joel's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?