Joel 2:19

Authorized King James Version

PDF

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:

Original Language Analysis

וַיַּ֨עַן will answer H6030
וַיַּ֨עַן will answer
Strong's: H6030
Word #: 1 of 19
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 Yea the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֜ה Yea the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר and say H559
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר and say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 3 of 19
to say (used with great latitude)
לְעַמּ֗וֹ unto his people H5971
לְעַמּ֗וֹ unto his people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 4 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הִנְנִ֨י H2005
הִנְנִ֨י
Strong's: H2005
Word #: 5 of 19
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
שֹׁלֵ֤חַ Behold I will send H7971
שֹׁלֵ֤חַ Behold I will send
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 6 of 19
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לָכֶם֙ H0
לָכֶם֙
Strong's: H0
Word #: 7 of 19
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּגָן֙ you corn H1715
הַדָּגָן֙ you corn
Strong's: H1715
Word #: 9 of 19
properly, increase, i.e., grain
וְהַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ and wine H8492
וְהַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ and wine
Strong's: H8492
Word #: 10 of 19
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
וְהַיִּצְהָ֔ר and oil H3323
וְהַיִּצְהָ֔ר and oil
Strong's: H3323
Word #: 11 of 19
oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing
וּשְׂבַעְתֶּ֖ם and ye shall be satisfied H7646
וּשְׂבַעְתֶּ֖ם and ye shall be satisfied
Strong's: H7646
Word #: 12 of 19
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
אֹת֑וֹ H854
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's: H854
Word #: 13 of 19
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וְלֹא H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 14 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶתֵּ֨ן therewith and I will no more make H5414
אֶתֵּ֨ן therewith and I will no more make
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 15 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶתְכֶ֥ם H853
אֶתְכֶ֥ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 16 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
ע֛וֹד H5750
ע֛וֹד
Strong's: H5750
Word #: 17 of 19
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
חֶרְפָּ֖ה you a reproach H2781
חֶרְפָּ֖ה you a reproach
Strong's: H2781
Word #: 18 of 19
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
בַּגּוֹיִֽם׃ among the heathen H1471
בַּגּוֹיִֽם׃ among the heathen
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 19 of 19
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

Analysis & Commentary

Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil—God's response to repentant prayer is immediate and generous. The triple promise of dagan (דָּגָן, grain/corn), tirosh (תִּירוֹשׁ, new wine), and yitshar (יִצְהָר, fresh oil) represents comprehensive agricultural restoration. These three staples formed the basis of ancient Israel's economy and diet, providing bread, drink, and cooking fuel. Their restoration reverses the devastation described in 1:10: "The field is wasted... for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth." What the locusts destroyed, God now restores.

And ye shall be satisfied therewith (Hebrew usevaatem oto)—the verb sava (שָׂבַע) means to be satisfied, filled, satiated. This isn't mere subsistence but abundance producing contentment. Deuteronomy 8:10 commands: "When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God." Satisfaction should lead to worship, not complacency. The phrase fulfills covenant blessing promises: "Ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely" (Leviticus 26:5).

And I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen—the word cherpah (חֶרְפָּה, reproach/disgrace) describes the shame Israel experienced when judgment made them objects of mockery. Pagan nations questioned God's power: "Where is their God?" (2:17). Divine restoration vindicates both God's people and God's name. This anticipates Romans 10:11: "Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Christ's work removes eternal reproach, securing believers' final vindication when "the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" (Isaiah 40:5).

Historical Context

Grain, wine, and oil were the Mediterranean triad sustaining ancient Near Eastern economies. Grain provided bread (the staff of life), wine served as both beverage and celebration drink, and oil fueled lamps and cooking. Their abundance signaled covenant blessing (Deuteronomy 7:13, 11:14); their failure indicated curse (Deuteronomy 28:51, Hosea 2:8-9). Joel's promise reverses curse, restoring blessing. The concern about reproach among nations reflects ancient Near Eastern honor/shame culture where military defeat or natural disaster indicated divine weakness or abandonment. God's restoration demonstrates His power and covenant faithfulness, silencing pagan mockery.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics