Joel 3:9

Authorized King James Version

Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קִרְאוּ
H7121
Proclaim
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
זֹאת֙
H2063
this (often used adverb)
#3
בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם
H1471
ye this among the Gentiles
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#4
קַדְּשׁ֖וּ
H6942
Prepare
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#5
הַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃
H4421
of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#6
הָעִ֙ירוּ֙
H5782
wake up
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#7
הַגִּבּוֹרִ֔ים
H1368
the mighty men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#8
יִגְּשׁ֣וּ
H5066
draw near
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#9
יַֽעֲל֔וּ
H5927
let them come up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#10
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
H582
let all the men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#12
הַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃
H4421
of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection