Joel 3:17

Authorized King James Version

So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וִֽידַעְתֶּ֗ם

H3045

So shall ye know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֤י

H589

יְהוָה֙

H3068

that I am the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם

H430

your God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

שֹׁכֵ֖ן

H7931

dwelling

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

בְּצִיּ֣וֹן

H6726

in Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

הַר

H2022

mountain

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

קֹ֔דֶשׁ

H6944

be holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

#10

וְהָיְתָ֤ה

H1961

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

#11

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙

H3389

then shall Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#12

קֹ֔דֶשׁ

H6944

be holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

#13

וְזָרִ֥ים

H2114

and there shall no strangers

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

#14

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

יַֽעַבְרוּ

H5674

pass through

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#16

בָ֖הּ

#17

עֽוֹד׃

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?