Joel 3:16

Authorized King James Version

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיהוָה֙
H3068
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
מִצִּיּ֣וֹן
H6726
out of Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#3
יִשְׁאָ֗ג
H7580
also shall roar
to rumble or moan
#4
וּמִירוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
H3389
from Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#5
יִתֵּ֣ן
H5414
and utter
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
קוֹל֔וֹ
H6963
his voice
a voice or sound
#7
וְרָעֲשׁ֖וּ
H7493
shall shake
to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)
#8
שָׁמַ֣יִם
H8064
and the heavens
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#9
וָאָ֑רֶץ
H776
and the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
וַֽיהוָה֙
H3068
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
מַֽחֲסֶ֣ה
H4268
will be the hope
a shelter (literally or figuratively)
#12
לְעַמּ֔וֹ
H5971
of his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#13
וּמָע֖וֹז
H4581
and the strength
a fortified place; figuratively, a defense
#14
לִבְנֵ֥י
H1121
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of hope connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about hope, 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes hope in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection