Joel 2:19

Authorized King James Version

Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֨עַן

H6030

will answer

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

Yea the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and say

to say (used with great latitude)

לְעַמּ֗וֹ

H5971

unto his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הִנְנִ֨י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

שֹׁלֵ֤חַ

H7971

Behold I will send

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לָכֶם֙

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּגָן֙

H1715

you corn

properly, increase, i.e., grain

#10

וְהַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ

H8492

and wine

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

#11

וְהַיִּצְהָ֔ר

H3323

and oil

oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing

#12

וּשְׂבַעְתֶּ֖ם

H7646

and ye shall be satisfied

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

#13

אֹת֑וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#14

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

אֶתֵּ֨ן

H5414

therewith and I will no more make

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#16

אֶתְכֶ֥ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

ע֛וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#18

חֶרְפָּ֖ה

H2781

you a reproach

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

#19

בַּגּוֹיִֽם׃

H1471

among the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Joel chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?