Joel 2:1

Authorized King James Version

Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תִּקְע֨וּ
H8628
Blow
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
#2
שׁוֹפָ֜ר
H7782
ye the trumpet
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
#3
בְּצִיּ֗וֹן
H6726
in Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#4
וְהָרִ֙יעוּ֙
H7321
and sound an alarm
to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)
#5
בְּהַ֣ר
H2022
mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#6
קָדְשִׁ֔י
H6944
in my holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#7
יִרְגְּז֕וּ
H7264
tremble
to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)
#8
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י
H3427
let all the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#10
הָאָ֑רֶץ
H776
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
בָ֥א
H935
cometh
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#13
יוֹם
H3117
for the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#14
יְהוָ֖ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
קָרֽוֹב׃
H7138
for it is nigh at hand
near (in place, kindred or time)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection