Joel 1:13

Authorized King James Version

Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חִגְר֨וּ
H2296
Gird
to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)
#2
וְסִפְד֜וּ
H5594
yourselves and lament
properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail
#3
הַכֹּהֲנִ֗ים
H3548
ye priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
הֵילִ֙ילוּ֙
H3213
howl
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)
#5
מְשָׁרְתֵ֖י
H8334
ye ministers
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#6
מִזְבֵּ֔חַ
H4196
of the altar
an altar
#7
בֹּ֚אוּ
H935
come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
לִ֣ינוּ
H3885
lie all night
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#9
בַשַּׂקִּ֔ים
H8242
in sackcloth
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
#10
מְשָׁרְתֵ֖י
H8334
ye ministers
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#11
אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם
H430
of my God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#12
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
נִמְנַ֛ע
H4513
is withholden
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
#14
מִבֵּ֥ית
H1004
from the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#15
אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם
H430
of my God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#16
מִנְחָ֥ה
H4503
for the meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#17
וָנָֽסֶךְ׃
H5262
and the drink offering
a libation; also a cast idol

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection