en_tn/en_tn_29-JOL.tsv

41 KiB
Raw Permalink Blame History

1BookChapterVerseIDSupportReferenceOrigQuoteOccurrenceGLQuoteOccurrenceNote
2JOLfrontintroaq5w0

Introduction to Joel

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Joel

  1. The land ruined; the day of Yahweh is coming (1:12:11)
  • Locusts and drought (1:120)
  • The day of Yahweh (2:111)
  1. Yahweh restores his people (2:12-32)
  • The people should turn to Yahweh, for he will pity them (2:1227)
  • The Spirit of Yahweh, wonders, and salvation (2:2832)
  1. Yahweh will judge the nations (3:1-21)
  • Yahweh judges the nations (3:116)
  • Yahweh dwells in Zion (3:1721)

What is the Book of Joel about?

The main idea in the Book of Joel is “the day of Yahweh.” This expression is found five times (1:15, 2:1, 2:11, 2:21, 3:14).

The people of Israel looked forward to “the day of Yahweh” as a day that Yahweh would judge the nations around them. But Joel warns that Yahweh would also judge Israel for being unfaithful to him. After judging them, Yahweh will restore his people.

Joels message applies to the people of God in the church age. For Yahweh says, “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh” and “everyone who calls on Yahweh will be saved” (2:28 and 2:32, quoted by Peter in Acts 2:17 and 2:21).

How should the title of this book be translated?

The traditional title of this book is “The Book of Joel” or just “Joel.” Translators may also call it the “The Book about Joel” or “The Sayings of Joel.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Who wrote the Book of Joel?

This book contains the prophecies of an Israelite named Joel, son of Pethuel. The book does not tell when Joel prophesied.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is the meaning of the locust attacks in Joel 1 and 2, and of the drought in Joel 2?

Locust attacks occurred often in the ancient Near East. Certain kinds of grasshoppers would come in countless numbers. There would be so many that they would darken the sky like a black cloud that blocked the sunlight. They often came after a long period of no rain. They came down on whatever crops were surviving in the fields and stripped them bare of their leaves. The locusts could not be stopped and caused terrible damage. For this reason, locust attacks served as a powerful image of military attacks in the Old Testament. In Chapters 1 and 2, Joel described locust attacks using military terms. He may have been speaking of enemy invaders coming and destroying the land its people.

There are various names for locusts in the original language of the Old Testament. It is uncertain whether these refer to different kinds of locusts or to the same kind of locust in different stages of growth. For this reason, versions of the Bible differ in how they translate these terms.

Joel also described a drought in Chapter 2. It might have been a real lack of rain. Or Joel may have been speaking of either enemy invaders or Yahweh himself coming to punish his people and the other nations.

Translators should simply translate the locust attacks and drought as Joel described them and not worry about the various possible meanings.

What did Joel prophesy about the future for Gods people?

Joel prophesied that God will defeat Israels enemies, rebuild the city of Jerusalem, and rule as victorious king over the whole world. At the same time, God will give his Spirit to all his people, and they will receive messages from him in dreams and visions. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How should one translate the poetry of the Book of Joel?

All of the text in the Book of Joel is poetry. The ULT presents it in this way. The UST, however, presents the text as prose. Translators may choose to use prose in their versions. Translators who want to translate the book as poetry should read about poetry and parallelism. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

3JOL1introq2ev0

Joel 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Joel is written in poetic form and with striking imagery. The ULT is written in poetic form, but the UST has been transferred to a prose form. If possible, use the poetic form to communicate the meaning of this book in order to stay closer to the original meaning of the text.

Special concepts in this chapter

Locusts

This book starts very dramatically with the imagery of the locusts and the devastation they produce. There are five different kinds of locusts that appear to come and they progressively destroy the vegetation including the crops, vineyards and even the trees of the whole land of Israel.

It was common for farmers in the ancient Near East to experience large locust swarms that would come and eat all crops in their fields. Joel might be describing such attacks in this first chapter. Because Joel uses military terms and images to describe these locust attacks, his descriptions might represent enemy invaders who would come and destroy the land its people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Translators should translate simply, presenting the scenes of locusts as Joel describes them, and not worry about the various possible meanings.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

The author also uses rhetorical questions that communicate surprise and alarm. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4JOL11qry6figs-parallelism0General Information:

God speaks through Joel to the people of Israel using poetry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

5JOL11er8gfigs-idiom0the word of Yahweh that came to Joel

This idiom is used to announce that God gave messages to Joel. Alternate translation: “the message Yahweh gave to Joel” or “the message Yahweh spoke to Joel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

6JOL11qwp80Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

7JOL11m5wrtranslate-names0Pethuel

Joels father (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

8JOL12t74nfigs-rquestion0Has anything like this happened in your days or in the days of your ancestors?

Joel is preparing the elders to listen to what he has to say. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Nothing like this has ever happened before either to you or to your ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

9JOL13vge5figs-ellipsis0their children the next generation

You may need to fill in the words that have been left out. Alternate translation: “let their children tell the generation after them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

10JOL14m68utranslate-unknown0the swarming locust

large groups of insects like grasshoppers that fly together and eat large areas of food crops (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

11JOL14ny2z0swarming locust…great locust…grasshopper…caterpillar

These are, respectively, an adult locust that can fly, a locust too large to fly easily, a locust with wings too young to fly, and a newborn locust that has not yet developed wings. Use names that would be understood in your language.

12JOL15zk2a0General Information:

God warns the people of Israel about the coming locust army.

13JOL15l1nqfigs-parallelism0you drunkards, and weep! Wail, all you drinkers of wine

If your language has only one word for “weep” and “wail,” you can combine the lines: “you people who love wine should cry out in sorrow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

14JOL16qm8jfigs-metaphor0a nation

The locust swarm is like an invading army. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

15JOL16jn1q0His teeth…he has the teeth

The locusts are like a nation which is like one person. You can refer to the nation as “it,” or to the locusts as “they,” or to the invader as one person.

16JOL16mpz6figs-parallelism0His teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he has the teeth of a lioness.

These two lines share similar meanings. The reference to the locusts teeth being as sharp as lions teeth emphasize how fierce they are as they eat all of the crops of the land. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

17JOL16aj1z0my land

Yahwehs land

18JOL17sxr30He has made…He has stripped

The locusts are like a nation which is like one person. You can refer to the nation as “it,” or to the locusts as “they,” or to the invader as one person.

19JOL17hi960my vineyard…my fig tree

Yahwehs vineyard and fig tree

20JOL17k8l90desolate

empty and without life

21JOL18iwe30General Information:

God continues speaking to the people of Israel.

22JOL110zn6hfigs-metaphor0the ground is mourning

Here the land is spoken of as if it were a person. These words could also be seen as a metonym for the people who are mourning or even as hyperbole, that the famine is so bad that even things that are not alive are mourning. Alternate translation: “the farmers are mourning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

23JOL110j565figs-activepassive0the grain has been destroyed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the locusts have destroyed all of the grain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

24JOL111mx5v0General Information:

God continues speaking to the people of Israel.

25JOL111eeq1translate-unknown0barley

a type of grass, like wheat, whose seeds can be used to make bread (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

26JOL112pk4b0withered

dried up and died

27JOL112r11atranslate-unknown0fig…pomegranate…apple

different types of fruit (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

28JOL113uv6d0General Information:

God speaks to the priests in Israel

29JOL113w9cv0the grain offering and the drink offering

regular offerings in the temple

30JOL114z8ne0the house of Yahweh your God

the temple in Jerusalem

31JOL115q8950General Information:

This is what God is telling the priests to say.

32JOL115u6hsfigs-abstractnouns0With it will come destruction from the Almighty

The abstract noun “destruction” can be translated using the verb “destroy.” You may need to make explicit what it is the Almighty will destroy. Alternate translation: “On that day the Almighty will destroy his enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

33JOL116yv6dfigs-ellipsis0Has not food been cut off from before our eyes, and joy and gladness from the house of our God?

It is certain that destruction will come from the Almighty because these things have already happened. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “We know this is true because we have already seen the Almighty cut off our supply of food, and he has cut off joy and gladness from the house of our God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

34JOL116r8wrfigs-synecdoche0from before our eyes

“from us.” This refers to all of the nation of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

35JOL116f1ebfigs-ellipsis0joy and gladness from the house of our God

You may need to fill in the ellipsis. Alternate translation: “joy and gladness have been cut off from the house of our God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

36JOL116ppt5figs-doublet0joy and gladness

These two words mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize that there is no kind of joyful activity happening at the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

37JOL117y7su0clods

lumps of dirt

38JOL118w5nw0General Information:

God continues to tell the priests how they should pray for Israel.

39JOL118ul6j0groan

make a deep sound because of pain

40JOL120n9lf0brooks

small streams

41JOL2introj2gp0

Joel 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues in the poetic form with striking imagery of armies and soldiers.

Special concepts in this chapter

Locusts

This book starts very dramatically with the imagery of the locusts and the devastation they produce. There are five different kinds of locusts that appear to come and progressively destroy the vegetation including the crops, vineyards and even the trees of Israel.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

This chapter uses simile to a great extent as Joel tries to describe this army. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

Metaphor

The drought, or severe lack of rain, Joel describes is probably a real drought. It might also be a picture of either enemy invaders or of Yahweh himself coming to punish his people and the other nations. Translators should translate simply, presenting the scenes of locusts and drought as Joel describes them, and not worry about the various possible meanings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

42JOL21t9j9figs-parallelism0General Information:

Joel continues poetry that began in the previous chapter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

43JOL21m7i50Blow the trumpet…sound an alarm

Joel is emphasizing the importance of calling Israel together in preparation for the destruction that is coming.

44JOL22qmb9figs-doublet0day of darkness and gloom

The words “darkness” and “gloom” share similar meanings and emphasize that the darkness will be very dark. Both words refer to a time of disaster or divine judgment. Alternate translation: “day that is full of darkness” or “day of terrible judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

45JOL22st7t0gloom

total or partial darkness

46JOL22pcr6figs-doublet0day of clouds and thick darkness

This phrase means the same thing as, and intensifies the idea of the previous phrase. Like that phrase, both “clouds” and “thick darkness” refer to divine judgment. Alternate translation: “day full of dark storm clouds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

47JOL22h3d1figs-simile0Like the dawn that spreads on the mountains, a large and mighty army is approaching

When direct sunlight shines on a mountain at dawn, it begins at the top and spreads to the bottom. When an army comes over a mountain range, it comes over the top and spreads out as it comes down. Alternate translation: “A large, mighty army comes over the mountains into the land. They spread over the land like the light from the rising sun” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

48JOL22ekb8figs-metaphor0a large and mighty army

The words “large” and “mighty” share similar meanings here and emphasize that the army will be very strong. The word “army” could possibly be 1) a metaphor for a swarm of locusts or 2) referring to a human army. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

49JOL23xcv40General Information:

Joels description of the coming army continues.

50JOL23fly5figs-metaphor0A fire is consuming everything in front of it

A fire destroys everything as it moves, and the “army” (Joel 2:2), whether of humans or of locusts, destroys everything as it moves. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

51JOL23z5iufigs-metaphor0behind it a flame is burning

After a wall of flame goes through dry land and burns the dryest and smallest fuel, there will still be flames as the larger and less dry fuel burns, (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

52JOL23yne4figs-simile0land is like the garden of Eden

The garden of Eden was a beautiful place, and the land was beautiful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

53JOL24ex3a0General Information:

The description continues with the noises of an army of horses.

54JOL24ztn5figs-simile0The armys appearance is like horses

The head of a locust looks like a small horse head. The army is fast, and horses are fast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

55JOL24fdt4translate-unknown0horses

A large, strong, fast animal with four legs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

56JOL24myc3figs-simile0they run like horsemen

Men riding horses move quickly, and the army moves quickly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

57JOL25m6fl0jump

A horse jumps or leaps as it runs quickly.

58JOL25n75ffigs-simile0a noise like that of chariots…like the noise of fiery flames…like a mighty army ready for battle

These sounds would have been very frightening to Joels readers. If your readers will not understand what these sound like, you might be able to use a more general phrase: “a noise that frightens everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

59JOL26bh520General Information:

Joel continues to describe the locust army of Yahweh.

60JOL27e5gefigs-personification0They run like mighty warriors…climb the walls like soldiers

The army of locusts acts as real soldiers do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

61JOL27d4kv0walls

walls around the cities

62JOL28u5ew0General Information:

The description of the locust army of Yahweh continues.

63JOL28yt670they break through the defenses

they overcome the soldiers defending the city.

64JOL210iu1hfigs-personification0The earth shakes in front of them, the heavens tremble

Joel speaks of the earth and heavens as if they were people who are shaking with fear. This can be translated as either a hyperbole, that the army is so frightening that even things that are not alive are afraid, or as metonymy, that the earth and the heavens are metonyms for the beings who live there. Alternate translation: “Everyone on earth and in the heavens is very afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

65JOL210lm84figs-hyperbole0the sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars stop shining

This exaggeration claims that there are so many locusts that people cannot see the sun, moon, or stars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

66JOL211mi1t0Yahweh raises his voice

“Yahweh speaks loudly” to give commands.

67JOL211tzv4figs-hendiadys0great and very terrible

In this phrase both descriptions mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “greatly terrible” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

68JOL211vht4figs-rquestion0Who can survive it?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one will be strong enough to survive Yahwehs judgment.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

69JOL212d1i9figs-metonymy0Return to me with all your heart

The heart is a metonym for what the person thinks and loves. Alternate translation: “Turn away from your sins and be totally devoted to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

70JOL213d1sffigs-metonymy0Tear your heart and not only your garments

The heart is a metonym for what the person thinks and loves. Tearing ones clothes is an outward act of shame or repentance. Alternate translation: “Change your way of thinking; do not just tear your garments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

71JOL213wfp5figs-abstractnouns0abundant in covenant faithfulness

The abstract noun “faithfulness” can be stated as “faithful” or “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “always faithful to his covenant” or “always loves faithfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

72JOL213e3gw0turn from

stop

73JOL214a2avfigs-rquestion0Will he perhaps turn…God?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Perhaps Yahweh will turn from his anger…God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

74JOL214xys30leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering

“leave behind him a blessing—that is, a grain offering and a drink offering.” The blessing is that plenty of grain and grapes will ripen, and so the people will be able to offer grain and drink offerings.

75JOL216jzj10bridal chambers

rooms, usually in the parents houses, where brides would wait for their wedding ceremonies

76JOL217fek90do not make your inheritance into an object of scorn

“do not allow your inheritance to become people whom the other nations regard as worthless”

77JOL217kqr6figs-metaphor0your inheritance

Here the people of Israel are spoken of as Gods inheritance. Alternate translation: “your special people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

78JOL217ey9sfigs-rquestion0Why should they say among the nations, Where is their God?

This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Other nations should not be able to say, Their God does not help them.’” or “Other nations should not be able to say that the God of Israel has abandoned his people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

79JOL218xeg70his land

“the nation of Israel”

80JOL218im7l0his people

“the people of Israel”

81JOL219lu180Look

“Pay attention to what I am about to say”

82JOL219jde50You will be satisfied with them

“You will have all you need of them”

83JOL219tqc60a disgrace

“unworthy of respect”

84JOL220q49d0General Information:

God continues his promise to Israel.

85JOL220khh70northern…eastern…western

These directions are from the perspective of people living in the land of Israel.

86JOL220v9xy0the eastern sea

the Dead Sea

87JOL220ue9y0the western sea

the Mediterranean Sea

88JOL220k6n80he has done great things

That is, Yahweh has done great things. Another possible meaning is that the writer speaks of the invading army, “it has done very bad things.”

89JOL221g3z3figs-apostrophe0Do not fear, land

Joel speaks to the people of the land as if he were speaking to the land itself. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid, you people of the land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

90JOL222n9lmfigs-apostrophe0Do not fear, beasts of the field

Joel speaks to people who own livestock as if he were speaking to the animals themselves. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid, you people who own livestock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

91JOL222t5tyfigs-metonymy0the pastures of the wilderness will sprout

The pastures are a metonym for the plants that grow in the pastures. Alternate translation: “plants good for food will sprout in the pastures in the wilderness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

92JOL223xlq60he will…bring down showers for you

“he will…cause much rain to fall so that you will live well”

93JOL223vnx80autumn rain and the spring rain

the first rains of the rainy season in early December and the last rains in April and May

94JOL224gw970Connecting Statement:

Yahweh begins a long speech to the Israelites.

95JOL224p8u10vats

large containers for liquids

96JOL225k6bd0the years of crops that the swarming locust has eaten

“the crops that you took care of for years and that the swarming locusts have eaten”

97JOL225e81a0swarming locust…the great locust, the devouring locust, and the destroying locust

These are, respectively, an adult locust that can fly, a locust too large to fly easily, a locust with wings too young to fly, and a newborn locust that has not yet developed wings. Use names that would be understood in your language. See how you translated this in Joel 1:4.

98JOL226qw240General Information:

Yahweh continues the speech he began in Joel 2:25, promising good things for the people of Israel.

99JOL226jy17figs-metonymy0praise the name of Yahweh

The name is a metonym for the person, specifically his reputation. Alternate translation: “praise Yahweh” or “praise Yahweh because everyone knows he is good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

100JOL226x2qrfigs-123person0the name of Yahweh…who has done wonders

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to show that he will certainly do as he has said. Alternate translation: “my name…because I have done wonders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

101JOL228h1ph0General Information:

Yahweh continues the speech he began in Joel 2:25, promising good things for the people of Israel.

102JOL228p6xw0It will come about afterward that I

“This is what I will do after that: I”

103JOL228mc8bfigs-metaphor0I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh

Yahweh speaks of the Spirit as if he were speaking of water. AT” “I will give my Spirit generously to all flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

104JOL228ny8xfigs-synecdoche0all flesh

Here “flesh” represents people. Alternate translation: “all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

105JOL230c3260General Information:

Yahweh continues the speech he began in Joel 2:25, promising good things for the people of Israel.

106JOL230fxj8figs-metonymy0blood, fire, and pillars of smoke

“blood” is symbolizing the death of people. Alternate translation: “death, fire and pillars of smoke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

107JOL231e1db0The sun will turn into darkness

“The sun will no longer give light”

108JOL231fc5hfigs-metonymy0the moon into blood

Here the word “blood” refers to the color red. You can supply the verb for this phrase. Alternate translation: “the moon will turn red like blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

109JOL232xyf30General Information:

Yahweh continues the speech he began in Joel 2:25, promising good things for the people of Israel.

110JOL232w6nv0It will be that everyone

“This is what will happen: everyone”

111JOL232t1vgfigs-metonymy0everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh will be saved

The name is a metonym for the person. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will save everyone who calls on his name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

112JOL232k5zjfigs-doublet0on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem

These refer to the same place. Alternate translation: “on Mount Zion in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

113JOL232j194figs-ellipsis0among the survivors, those whom Yahweh calls

The phrase “there will be” is understood from earlier in the sentence. It can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “among the survivors there will be those whom Yahweh calls” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

114JOL232e73u0survivors

people who live through a terrible event like a war or a disaster

115JOL3introjcn70

Joel 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

There is a change in focus in this chapter from the people of Israel to her enemies. The events of this chapters also contain many prophecies about the events of the end of this world. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Israel

The mention of Israel in this chapter is probably a reference to the people of Judah and not the northern kingdom of Israel. It is also possible this is a reference to the people of Israel as a whole.

116JOL31b14f0General Information:

Yahweh continues the speech he began in Joel 2:25, promising good things for the people of Israel.

117JOL31nha50Behold

“Listen” or “Pay attention”

118JOL31zy3sfigs-doublet0in those days and at that time

The phrase “at that time” means the same thing as and intensifies the phrase “in those days.” Alternate translation: “in those very days” or “at that very time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

119JOL31c3ys0when I return the exiles of Judah and Jerusalem

“When I send the exiles back to Judah and Jerusalem”

120JOL32xs2u0Valley of Jehoshaphat

Jehoshaphat, whose name means “Yahweh judges,” was king of Judah before Joel lived. There is no known place with this name. It would be best to translate this as the name of a valley that people named after the man Jehoshaphat.

121JOL32idt3figs-doublet0my people and my inheritance Israel

These two phrases emphasize how Yahweh views Israel as his own precious people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel, who are my inheritance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

122JOL33z4y6figs-explicit0traded a boy for a prostitute, and sold a girl for wine so they could drink

These are examples of the kinds of things they did and do not indicate what they did to two particular children. Alternate translation: “and did things like trading a boy for a prostitute and selling a girl for wine, so they could drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

123JOL34k66w0General Information:

Yahweh continues the speech he began in Joel 2:25, promising good things for the people of Israel.

124JOL34qj6vfigs-rquestion0why are you angry at me…Philistia?

Yahweh is encouraging the people of Judah, who can hear him, by scolding the people of Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia, who cannot hear him, as if they can. The names of the towns are metonyms for the people who live in the towns. These words can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “you have no right to be angry at me…Philistia.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

125JOL34xaa9figs-rquestion0Will you repay me?

“Will you get revenge on me?” God uses this question to make the people think about what they are doing. Alternate translation: “You think you can get revenge on me, but you cannot.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

126JOL34ns7ffigs-synecdoche0I will immediately return your retribution on your own head

Here the word “head” refers to the person. Yahweh will make them suffer the pain they wanted him to suffer. Alternate translation: “I will cause you to suffer the retribution that you tried to put on me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

127JOL34wdm30retribution

“revenge” or “payback”

128JOL37d8mh0General Information:

Yahweh continues the speech he began in Joel 2:25, promising good things for the people of Israel.

129JOL37sum80Look

“Pay attention” or “Listen”

130JOL37dc6dfigs-explicit0out of the place where you sold them

The people of Israel will leave the places where they were slaves and come back to the land of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

131JOL37uh320return payment

“give back what you deserve”

132JOL38pww6figs-metonymy0I will sell your sons and your daughters, by the hand of the people of Judah

The hand can be a metonym for the power the hand exercises or a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “I will have the people of Judah sell your sons and your daughters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

133JOL38t9jctranslate-names0Sabeans

the people of the land of Sabea (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

134JOL39ih66figs-irony0General Information:

Yahweh continues the speech he began in Joel 2:25, promising good things for the people of Israel. Here he begins an ironic call to the nations to prepare for a war in which Yahweh will completely destroy the nations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

135JOL39d6ny0rouse the mighty men

“make the mighty men ready for action”

136JOL310t93cfigs-parallelism0Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning knives into spears

These two phrases share similar meanings. Both of them instruct the people to turn their farming tools into weapons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

137JOL310ze4m0plowshares

tools that are used to break up the soil in order to plant crops

138JOL310epv70pruning knives

knives that are used to cut off small branches

139JOL311iq6r0General Information:

Yahweh continues the speech he began in Joel 2:25, promising good things for the people of Israel.

140JOL311rp2afigs-irony0Hurry and come…together there

These words continue the ironic call to battle that begins in Joel 3:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

141JOL311p5mcfigs-explicit0gather yourselves together

The purpose of the gathering is for battle. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “gather yourselves together for battle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

142JOL311e3ig0Yahweh, bring down your mighty warriors

Possible meanings are 1) Joel is telling the people of Judah that this is what they are to “proclaim among the nations” (Joel 3:9) or 2) Joel interrupts the words of Yahweh and prays a short prayer.

143JOL312b1jw0General Information:

Yahweh finishes the speech he began in Joel 2:25, promising good things for the people of Israel.

144JOL312ul2y0Let the nations wake themselves…all the surrounding nations

The words “the nations” and “the surrounding nations” refer to the same nations, those that surround Judah. Yahweh will judge them in the Valley of Jehoshaphat for what they have done to Jerusalem.

145JOL312pq550Valley of Jehoshaphat

Jehoshaphat, whose name means “Yahweh judges,” was king of Judah before Joel lived. There is no known place with this name. It would be best to translate this as the name of a valley that people named after the man Jehoshaphat. See how you translated this in Joel 3:2.

146JOL313hq7ffigs-metaphor0Put in the sickle…the winepress is full

Possible meanings are that Yahweh speaks of completely destroying the nations as if 1) he were harvesting all the grapes and all the grain or 2) he were harvesting quickly, while the grain and grapes are ripe. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

147JOL313iw8dfigs-metaphor0Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe

Yahweh speaks of making war against the nations as if he were using a sharp tool to harvest a field of ripe crops. If your readers will not understand the word “sickle,” you may use the word for any sharp tool that your people use for harvesting. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

148JOL313i8r2figs-metaphor0Put in the sickle

“Swing the sickle to cut the grain.” This is a metaphor for a soldier using a sword to kill people, but it is best to use the word for a sharp tool used in harvesting. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

149JOL313zx330sickle

a long curved knife that people use for cutting grain

150JOL313rua70the harvest is ripe

“the grain is ready to be harvested”

151JOL313tz4afigs-metaphor0Come, crush the grapes, for the winepress is full

Yahweh speaks of the nations as if they were many grapes in a winepress, ready for people to crush them by stepping on them. Alternate translation: “Come, completely destroy the nations, for they are many, and they are helpless to resist you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

152JOL313haw5figs-metaphor0The vats overflow, for their wickedness is enormous

Yahweh speaks of the nations wickedness as if it were the juice that flows from the winepress into storage containers, and more juice flows into the vats than they can contain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

153JOL314y2ge0a tumult, a tumult

A tumult is noise caused by a large crowd. This is repeated to show that it will be very noisy from all the people.

154JOL314r3ir0Valley of Judgment…Valley of Judgment

This phrase is repeated to show that the judgment will certainly happen.

155JOL314fq2ifigs-abstractnouns0Valley of Judgment

There is no known place with this name. The abstract noun “judgment” can be translated using the verb “judge.” Alternate translation: “Valley Where Yahweh Judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

156JOL316fj290General Information:

Yahweh begins speaking in verse 17.

157JOL316fe1rfigs-parallelism0Yahweh will roar from Zion, and raise his voice from Jerusalem

Both phrases mean Yahweh will shout with a loud, clear and powerful voice from Jerusalem. If your language only has one word for speaking very loudly, this can be used as one phrase. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will shout from Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

158JOL316yr8ufigs-metaphor0Yahweh will roar

Possible meanings are 1) “Yahweh will roar like a lion” or 2) “Yahweh will roar like thunder.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

159JOL316lf34figs-hyperbole0The heavens and earth will shake

Joel speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were people who are shaking with fear. This can be translated as either a hyperbole, that Yahwehs roar is so frightening that even things that are not alive are afraid, or as metonymy, that the heavens and earth are metonyms for the beings who live there. Alternate translation: “Everyone in the heavens and on the earth is very afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

160JOL316vd5q0will shake

This word is the past form of the word translated “tremble” in Joel 2:10.

161JOL316lr5vfigs-metaphor0Yahweh will be a shelter for his people, and a fortress for the people of Israel

Both of these phrases mean Yahweh will protect his people. A fortress is a strong shelter used to protect people during war. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will be a strong fortress for his people, the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

162JOL317isx10So you will know

“When I do these things, you will know”

163JOL318kj6z0General Information:

God continues to speak about the day of the Lord.

164JOL318y22f0It will come about on that day that the mountains

“This is what will happen on that day: the mountains” Translate “It will come about” as in Joel 2:28.

165JOL318m6v9figs-hyperbole0the mountains will drip with sweet wine

“sweet wine will drip from the mountains.” This is an exaggeration to show that the land is very fertile. Alternate translation: “On the mountains there will be vineyards that produce plenty of sweet wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

166JOL318yj7wfigs-metaphor0the hills will flow with milk

“milk will flow from the hills.” The land being very fertile is spoken of as if the hills would flow with milk. Alternate translation: “on the hills your cattle and goats will produce plenty of milk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

167JOL318l5yu0all the brooks of Judah will flow with water

“water will flow through all the brooks of Judah”

168JOL318k6qq0water the Valley of Shittim

“will send water to the Valley of Shittim”

169JOL318f69ltranslate-names0Shittim

This is the name of a place on the east side of the Jordan River. It means “Acacia Trees.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

170JOL319la920Egypt will become an abandoned devastation

“Everyone will leave Egypt and no one will live there”

171JOL319au360Edom will become an abandoned wilderness

“Everyone will leave Edom and it will look like no people have ever lived there”

172JOL319c2r80because of the violence done to the people of Judah

“because of the violent things Egypt and Edom did to the people of Judah”

173JOL319t6ayfigs-metonymy0because they shed innocent blood in their land

The word “they” refers to “Edom” and “Egypt” and is a metonym for the people of Egypt and Edom. The words “innocent blood” are a metonym for innocent people whom they have killed. Alternate translation: “because the people of Egypt and the people of Edom killed innocent people in the land of the people of Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

174JOL320y1980General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak about the day of the Lord.

175JOL320gi4zfigs-activepassive0Judah will be inhabited forever

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people will live in Judah forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

176JOL320f72tfigs-activepassive0Jerusalem will be inhabited from generation to generation

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “generation after generation, people will live in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

177JOL321dj9sfigs-metonymy0I will avenge their blood that I have not yet avenged

Blood is a metonym for death. Alternate translation: “I will punish the enemies who killed the people of Israel and still have not been punished” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])