Joel 1 1

Joel 1:1 kjv

The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.

Joel 1:1 nkjv

The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.

Joel 1:1 niv

The word of the LORD that came to Joel son of Pethuel.

Joel 1:1 esv

The word of the LORD that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel:

Joel 1:1 nlt

The LORD gave this message to Joel son of Pethuel.

Joel 1 verses

Joel 1 1 Meaning

Joel chapter 1 verse 1 establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message contained within the book of Joel. It states unequivocally that the prophecy is not of human devising but is a direct revelation from the Lord (Yahweh) to His chosen servant, Joel, the son of Pethuel, thereby affirming the message's infallible source.

Joel 1 1 Context

Joel 1:1 serves as the crucial opening statement for the entire book of Joel. While the book itself deals with a devastating locust plague and drought, interpreted as an act of divine judgment and a precursor to the "Day of the Lord," this introductory verse solely focuses on the source and authority of the message. Unlike many other prophetic books, Joel provides no explicit historical dating, no mention of specific kings or historical events in this opening verse or throughout the book that would firmly place it in a particular period. This absence highlights that the divine origin, "the word of the Lord," is the paramount contextual element, lending immediate gravity and urgency to the unfolding prophecy irrespective of its exact historical moment. It asserts that what follows is not mere human observation or speculation but God's direct communication to His people through His chosen prophet.

Joel 1 1 Word analysis

• The word (דְּבַר - devar): This Hebrew term signifies not just an utterance but an active, potent communication; it carries authority, purpose, and the power to accomplish. In prophetic contexts, it refers to a message, command, or declaration from a divine source that is inherently true and effective.
• of the Lord (יְהוָה - Yahweh): Refers to the personal, covenant God of Israel, the self-existent one who reveals Himself. This designation explicitly differentiates the prophecy from any human insight, wisdom, or the pronouncements of false gods, declaring it as stemming from the sovereign Creator and Redeemer.
• that came (הָיָה - hayah): Literally "was, happened, occurred." In this common prophetic phrase ("The word of the Lord came to..."), it denotes a direct, unbidden, and supernatural delivery or imposition of a message by God upon His chosen messenger. It implies the prophet is a recipient, not an originator, of the divine revelation.
• to Joel (יוֹאֵל - Yoel): The recipient of the divine word. The name itself is highly significant, meaning "Yahweh is God" or "The Lord is God." This name serves as a miniature confession of faith and a theological summary of the core message often found in prophetic books: challenging idolatry and proclaiming the sole sovereignty of the Lord.
• the son (בֶּן - ben): A common identifier in ancient Near Eastern society, denoting parentage and lineage. It serves to identify the individual distinctly.
• of Pethuel (פְּתוּאֵל - Pethuel): Joel's father. The name likely means "God's expansion," "God's persuasion," or "vision of God." Identifying the prophet by his father was a customary way to authenticate the messenger within the community, situating him in a recognized lineage, even if Pethuel himself is otherwise unknown.

Words-group analysis

• The word of the Lord: This opening phrase is a powerful declaration of divine authority. It immediately sets the tone, assuring the reader that the subsequent prophecies are not mere human observations or opinions, but God's direct revelation. This standard prophetic formula establishes the non-human origin and binding nature of the message.
• that came to Joel: This clarifies the medium and method of divine communication. God actively transmitted His message to Joel, highlighting that prophecy is an act of divine initiative and communication, rather than Joel merely seeking or receiving human insight. Joel is identified as the divinely appointed conduit, validating his role as a true prophet of the Lord.

Joel 1 1 Bonus section

The conciseness of Joel 1:1, particularly the absence of typical regnal dates, focuses absolute attention on the divine authority ("the word of the Lord") and the prophetic instrumentality ("to Joel"). This stylistic choice elevates the message's timeless relevance and universal applicability beyond a specific historical crisis, indicating that the prophetic words are eternally significant, speaking to all generations. The repetition of the precise introductory formula "the word of the Lord came to..." across numerous prophetic books in the Old Testament reinforces a unified understanding of God's communication and the distinct, non-human origin of His message to humanity.

Joel 1 1 Commentary

Joel 1:1, though brief, functions as a powerful declaration of authority and divine origin for the entire book. By stating that the message is "the word of the Lord that came to Joel," it instantly establishes the prophecy as supernatural revelation, not human conjecture or wisdom. This foundation is crucial, especially in an era filled with diverse voices, false prophets, and conflicting worldviews. The use of "the Lord" (Yahweh), the covenant name of God, underscores that this is a message from the one true God who actively relates to His people. Joel's name, "Yahweh is God," implicitly echoes this truth, potentially affirming the core message of his prophecy through his very identity. This verse bypasses historical dating to immediately spotlight the ultimate source, demanding reverent attention to all that follows. It exemplifies the core of biblical prophecy: God speaks, and a chosen human instrument delivers His word.