Joel 3:7

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompence upon your own head:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנְנִ֣י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
מְעִירָ֔ם
Behold I will raise
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#3
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#4
הַ֨מָּק֔וֹם
them out of the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם
whither ye have sold
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
#7
אֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
שָׁ֑מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#9
וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֥י
them and will return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
גְמֻלְכֶ֖ם
your recompence
treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital
#11
בְּרֹאשְׁכֶֽם׃
upon your own head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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