Joel 2:24

Authorized King James Version

And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמָלְא֥וּ
shall be full
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#2
הַגֳּרָנ֖וֹת
And the floors
a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area
#3
בָּ֑ר
of wheat
grain of any kind (even while standing in the field); by extension the open country
#4
וְהֵשִׁ֥יקוּ
shall overflow
to run after or over, i.e., overflow
#5
הַיְקָבִ֖ים
and the fats
a trough (as dug out); specifically, a wine-vat (whether the lower one, into which the juice drains; or the upper, in which the grapes are crushed)
#6
תִּיר֥וֹשׁ
with wine
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
#7
וְיִצְהָֽר׃
and oil
oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joel. The concept of divine revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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