Joel 3:6

Authorized King James Version

The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold unto the Grecians, that ye might remove them far from their border.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִבְנֵ֣י
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
#2
יְהוּדָה֙
also of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#3
לִבְנֵ֣י
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
#4
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#5
מְכַרְתֶּ֖ם
have ye sold
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
#6
לִבְנֵ֣י
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
#7
הַיְּוָנִ֑ים
unto the Grecians
a jevanite, or descendant of javan
#8
לְמַ֥עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#9
הַרְחִיקָ֖ם
that ye might remove them far
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
#10
מֵעַ֥ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
גְּבוּלָֽם׃
from their border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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