Joel 2:28

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַֽחֲרֵי

H310

And it shall come to pass afterward

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כֵ֗ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֶשְׁפּ֤וֹךְ

H8210

that I will pour out

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

אֶת

H853

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

רוּחִי֙

H7307

my spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּשָׂ֔ר

H1320

upon all flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#10

וְנִבְּא֖וּ

H5012

shall prophesy

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

#11

בְּנֵיכֶ֣ם

H1121

and your sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

וּבְנֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם

H1323

and your daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#13

זִקְנֵיכֶם֙

H2205

your old men

old

#14

חֲלֹמ֣וֹת

H2492

shall dream

properly, to bind firmly, i.e., (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream

#15

יַחֲלֹמ֔וּן

H2472

dreams

a dream

#16

בַּח֣וּרֵיכֶ֔ם

H970

your young men

properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)

#17

חֶזְיֹנ֖וֹת

H2384

visions

a revelation, expectation by dream

#18

יִרְאֽוּ׃

H7200

shall see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Acts 2:17 Acts 2:17
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
— Pour out my Spirit
² Acts 2:16 Acts 2:16
But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
— This is that spoken by Joel

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 revelation 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?