Joel 3:13

Authorized King James Version

Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שִׁלְח֣וּ
Put
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
מַגָּ֔ל
ye in the sickle
a sickle
#3
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
בָשַׁ֖ל
is ripe
properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen
#5
קָצִ֑יר
for the harvest
severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)
#6
בֹּ֤אֽוּ
come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
רְדוּ֙
get you down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
מָ֣לְאָה
is full
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#10
גַּ֔ת
for the press
a wine-press (or vat for holding the grapes in pressing them)
#11
הֵשִׁ֙יקוּ֙
overflow
to run after or over, i.e., overflow
#12
הַיְקָבִ֔ים
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)
#13
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
רַבָּ֖ה
is great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#15
רָעָתָֽם׃
for their wickedness
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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