Joel 3:1 kjv

For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,

Joel 3:1 nkjv

"For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem,

Joel 3:1 niv

"In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,

Joel 3:1 esv

"For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,

Joel 3:1 nlt

"At the time of those events," says the LORD,
"when I restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem,

Joel 3 verses

Joel 3 1 Meaning

Joel 3:1 declares a profound eschatological promise concerning a specific time of divine action. It states that "in those days and at that time," immediately following the events described in Joel 2, the LORD Himself will supernaturally reverse the fortunes of His people, Judah and Jerusalem, by restoring their "captivity" or bringing them back from a state of displacement. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent divine judgment upon the nations who have scattered God's people and His ultimate vindication of Judah and Jerusalem. It signifies a pivotal moment in salvation history, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in both the restoration of His chosen people and the judgment of their adversaries.

Joel 3 1 Context

Joel chapter 3 (or Joel 4 in some versions) immediately follows Joel chapter 2, which culminates in a powerful promise of divine blessing and restoration for Israel after a period of judgment (locust plague and military invasion, understood as precursors to the Day of the Lord). Joel 2:28-32 specifically speaks of the outpouring of God's Spirit in the "latter days," accompanying signs in the heavens, and the salvation of all who call on the name of the Lord. Joel 3:1's "in those days and at that time" directly links back to this promised outpouring and the preceding judgment. Historically, the audience would have been post-exilic or in the context of previous exiles (like Assyrian), familiar with the concept of captivity and a longed-for restoration. The prophet Joel directs their focus to a future, ultimate restoration, linking it to the decisive "Day of the Lord" when God intervenes universally to judge the nations and redeem His people. This divine action establishes God's kingdom and vindicates His covenant with Judah and Jerusalem.

Joel 3 1 Word analysis

• For behold (כִּי הִנֵּה֙ - ki hinneh):
  • כִּי (ki): "For," "surely," "indeed." Connects the verse to previous statements, signaling a consequence or elaboration.
  • הִנֵּה֙ (hinneh): "Behold!", "Lo!", "Pay attention!" An interjection drawing immediate attention to something important, dramatic, or imminent that the Lord is about to declare or do. It often precedes a divine pronouncement or a significant turn of events.
• in those days (בַּיָּמִ֤ים הָהֵ֙מָּה֙ - bayyamim hahemmah):
  • Refers to a specific, identifiable period in the future, often indicating the eschatological or "last days."
  • It points back to the time described in Joel 2:28 (Hebrew 3:1) when God would pour out His Spirit and perform signs, setting the stage for the climactic events of the Day of the Lord.
• and at that time (וּבָעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔יא - uvâ'eṯ hahî):
  • וּבָעֵ֣ת (uvâ'eṯ): "and at the time of," emphasizing precise timing.
  • הַהִ֔יא (hahî): "that (female, singular)," agreeing with "time."
  • This phrase reinforces "in those days," highlighting the precise juncture when these events will occur, emphasizing their convergence and specificity. It removes any ambiguity about when these actions will unfold.
• When I bring back (בְּשׁוּבִ֧י - beshuvî):
  • שׁוּב (shuv): Root means "to turn," "return," "restore," "bring back." This verb explicitly emphasizes the divine initiative; it is God Himself who performs this act.
  • This is not a human effort but a sovereign act of God. It signifies a complete reversal of fortunes, from desolation to prosperity.
• the captives of (אֶת־שְׁב֣וּת - et-shəvuṯ):
  • שְׁבוּת (shevut): "Captivity," "exile," "fortune." The idiom "to bring back the captivity" (often translated "restore the fortunes") is common in prophetic literature (e.g., Deut 30:3, Jer 29:14). It means not just a physical return of exiles but a comprehensive reversal of their state—economic, social, spiritual restoration, and vindication. It can encompass release from oppression and the re-establishment of the nation's well-being and favor with God.
• Judah and Jerusalem (יְהוּדָ֗ה וִירוּשָׁלַ֛͏ִם - yəhûḏâ viyerûšālayim):
  • Judah: Represents the southern kingdom and the primary remnant of Israel post-exile, often used broadly for the covenant people.
  • Jerusalem: The capital, the city of David, and the place of the Temple; symbolizes the spiritual and political heart of God's people. Its restoration signifies the restoration of the Davidic covenant and God's dwelling place.
  • The specificity underscores that God's primary concern in this restoration is His covenant people and His holy city, indicating their central role in His end-time plans.
• Word-Group Analysis:
  • "For behold, in those days and at that time": This opening sets a strong prophetic and eschatological tone. It's an attention-grabbing, precise temporal marker indicating the imminence and specificity of the ensuing divine actions, linking directly to the prior promises of the Day of the Lord and the Spirit's outpouring (Joel 2).
  • "When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem": This phrase details the primary act God will perform. "Bring back the captives" (restore the fortunes) emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and omnipotence in reversing the desolate state of His people. The inclusion of "Judah and Jerusalem" highlights God's covenant faithfulness to His chosen nation and capital, which serve as central figures in His end-time plan for both restoration and judgment of nations. It implies a comprehensive and holistic restoration—physical, social, and spiritual—far beyond merely a return from a historical exile.

Joel 3 1 Bonus section

The phrase "restore the captives/fortunes" (shuv shevut) can imply more than merely bringing people back from physical exile. In biblical prophecy, it often denotes a comprehensive restoration that includes spiritual revival, economic prosperity, and national honor. It encompasses the reversal of all the adverse circumstances a people may have faced due to sin or oppression, signifying a complete turning point. This ultimate restoration is closely tied to the "Day of the Lord" not just as a day of judgment but also as a day of salvation and renewal for God's covenant people. The fulfillment of Joel 3:1 is thus often understood as an eschatological event, still future in its ultimate and global scope, signaling the final triumph of God's kingdom and justice.

Joel 3 1 Commentary

Joel 3:1 functions as the hinge between Joel's initial prophecies of judgment and blessing (Chs 1-2) and the final, decisive Day of the Lord judgment upon the nations (Ch 3). It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, reiterating that the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem is solely His doing, not by human might or wisdom. The timing "in those days and at that time" connects directly to the outpouring of the Spirit mentioned in Joel 2, implying that this restoration will coincide with a period of spiritual revival and divine intervention. This restoration isn't limited to a historical return from the Babylonian exile; it speaks to an ultimate, future restoration of Israel, when all their captivities (both physical and spiritual) will be comprehensively reversed, leading to their vindication and exaltation by God Himself. This event precedes and serves as the catalyst for God's judgment against all nations who have oppressed or scattered His people. It points towards the Messianic age and Christ's return when His kingdom will be fully established.