Joel 1:6

Authorized King James Version

For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
גוֹי֙
For a nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#3
עָלָ֣ה
is come up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
אַרְצִ֔י
upon my land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
עָצ֖וּם
strong
powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous
#7
וְאֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
מִסְפָּ֑ר
and without number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#9
שִׁנֵּ֣י
are the teeth
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
#10
שִׁנֵּ֣י
are the teeth
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
#11
אַרְיֵ֔ה
of a lion
a lion
#12
וּֽמְתַלְּע֥וֹת
and he hath the cheek teeth
properly, a biter, i.e., a tooth
#13
לָבִ֖יא
of a great lion
a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))
#14
לֽוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joel. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection