Joel 2:16

Authorized King James Version

Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִסְפוּ֙
H622
Gather
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#2
עָ֞ם
H5971
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
קַדְּשׁ֤וּ
H6942
sanctify
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#4
קָהָל֙
H6951
the congregation
assemblage (usually concretely)
#5
קִבְצ֣וּ
H6908
assemble
to grasp, i.e., collect
#6
זְקֵנִ֔ים
H2205
the elders
old
#7
אִסְפוּ֙
H622
Gather
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#8
עֽוֹלָלִ֔ים
H5768
the children
a suckling
#9
וְיֹנְקֵ֖י
H3243
and those that suck
to suck; causatively, to give milk
#10
שָׁדָ֑יִם
H7699
the breasts
the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)
#11
יֵצֵ֤א
H3318
go forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#12
חָתָן֙
H2860
let the bridegroom
a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)
#13
מֵֽחֶדְר֔וֹ
H2315
of his chamber
an apartment (usually literal)
#14
וְכַלָּ֖ה
H3618
and the bride
a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife
#15
מֵחֻפָּתָֽהּ׃
H2646
out of her closet
a canopy

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joel.

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection