Joel 2:25

Authorized King James Version

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשִׁלַּמְתִּ֤י
And I will restore
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#2
לָכֶם֙
H0
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַשָּׁנִ֔ים
to you the years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#5
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
אָכַ֣ל
hath eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#7
הָֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה
that the locust
a locust (from its rapid increase)
#8
הַיֶּ֖לֶק
the cankerworm
a devourer; specifically, the young locust
#9
וְהֶחָסִ֣יל
and the caterpiller
the ravager, i.e., a locust
#10
וְהַגָּזָ֑ם
and the palmerworm
a kind of locust
#11
חֵילִי֙
army
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#12
הַגָּד֔וֹל
my great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#13
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
שִׁלַּ֖חְתִּי
which I sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#15
בָּכֶֽם׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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