Joel 3:8

Authorized King James Version

And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמְכָר֥וּם

H4376

And I will sell

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֣י

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

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֽוֹתֵיכֶ֗ם

H1323

and your daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

בְּיַד֙

H3027

into the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בְּנֵ֣י

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

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּמְכָר֥וּם

H4376

And I will sell

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

#10

לִשְׁבָאיִ֖ם

H7615

them to the Sabeans

a shebaite or descendant of sheba

#11

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

גּ֣וֹי

H1471

to a people

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#13

רָח֑וֹק

H7350

far off

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

#14

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#15

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

for the LORD

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

#16

דִּבֵּֽר׃

H1696

hath spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

Analysis

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?