Joel 3 19

Joel 3:19 kjv

Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.

Joel 3:19 nkjv

"Egypt shall be a desolation, And Edom a desolate wilderness, Because of violence against the people of Judah, For they have shed innocent blood in their land.

Joel 3:19 niv

But Egypt will be desolate, Edom a desert waste, because of violence done to the people of Judah, in whose land they shed innocent blood.

Joel 3:19 esv

"Egypt shall become a desolation and Edom a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the people of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.

Joel 3:19 nlt

But Egypt will become a wasteland
and Edom will become a wilderness,
because they attacked the people of Judah
and killed innocent people in their land.

Joel 3 verses

Joel 3 19 Meaning

This verse speaks of the consequences for nations and peoples who wronged or oppressed Israel. Their riches and lands will be utterly destroyed and abandoned. Judgment will be enacted upon those who scattered Israel and dealt with them unjustly.

Joel 3 19 Context

This verse is part of Joel's prophecy concerning the Day of the LORD, a time of great judgment and restoration. The preceding verses (Joel 3:1-18) detail God's judgment on the surrounding nations for their mistreatment of Judah and Israel, including scattering them and plundering their land. This verse specifically addresses Egypt and Edom, and by extension all nations that afflicted God's people. It signifies the reversal of fortunes, where the oppressors will face destruction and their spoils will be lost, while a remnant of God's people will experience restoration and prosperity. This theme of divine recompense and eventual restoration for Israel is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament.

Joel 3 19 Word analysis

• וְהָיָה (v'hayah) - "and it will be," "and it came to pass." Connects the statement to the preceding context, indicating a continuation of the prophetic declaration.

• גְּמֻלַּתְכֶם (gemulatkem) - "your recompense," "your reward," "your doing." Refers to the consequence of their actions. It's the just deserts for what they have done.

• אֲשֶׁר (asher) - "which," "that." A relative pronoun introducing the clause that specifies the nature of their recompense.

• עֲשִׂיתֶם (asitem) - "you did," "you have done." Past tense verb, referring to the actions of the nations towards Israel.

• בָּהּ (bah) - "in it," "in her." Refers back to the land (Israel) that was wronged.

• כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka'asher) - "as," "just as." Introduces a comparison for the coming judgment.

• עֲשָׂה (asah) - "did," "made." Singular verb, typically God's action.

• תֵּעָשֶׂה (te'aseh) - "will be done," "will be made." Passive verb, indicating that the recompense will be done to them, by a higher power.

• עֲלֵי־רֹאשְׁכֶם (alei-ro'shkem) - "upon your head." A common idiom for direct retribution or consequences. Their own actions will return upon them.

• וְאֵימַתְכֶם (v'eimatem) - "and your violence," "and your dread," "your terror." Can refer to the acts of violence they committed or the fear they instilled in others.

• הֲבָאָה (havo'ah) - "has been brought," "will be brought." From the root "bow" (to bring), a poetic or older form, often indicating something divinely orchestrated.

• אֱלֹהֵיכֶם (eloheykem) - "your God." Referring to the false gods of the nations, or sarcastically to their perceived deities, contrasting with Israel's one true God.

• עַל־רֹאשְׁכֶם (al-ro'shkem) - "upon your head." Repeats the idea of direct and personal consequence.

• Words/Phrases Group Analysis:

  • "Your recompense which you have done in her" (גְּמֻלַּתְכֶם אֲשֶׁר עֲשִׂיתֶם בָּהּ) highlights the direct accountability of the nations for their deeds against the land of Israel.
  • "As you have done, it shall be done to you" (כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה תֵּעָשֶׂה עֲלֵי־רֹאשְׁכֶם) encapsulates the principle of reciprocity and lex talionis – the law of retaliation or "an eye for an eye." God ensures that the measure they used against Israel will be measured back to them.
  • "And your violence... upon your head" (וְאֵימַתְכֶם... עַל־רֹאשְׁכֶם) emphasizes that the terror and harm they inflicted will be turned back upon themselves, making them experience the fear and devastation they caused.

Joel 3 19 Bonus Section

The reference to Egypt (implied by context of Joel 3:1-3) and Edom (explicitly mentioned later in Joel 3:19) highlights specific historical antagonists of Israel. Egypt's cruelty under Pharaoh (Exodus) and Edom's hostility during Israel's journey and later oppression (Obadiah) are well-documented in scripture. This verse echoes the judgment declared against these nations in other prophetic books like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Obadiah, reinforcing the consistency of God's judgment against those who mistreat His people. The underlying theological principle is God’s fierce protection of those whom He has chosen and His ultimate justice against their oppressors, fulfilling His promises of deliverance and restoration for His covenant people. The "deserts of Philistia" further points to the dismantling of Israel's sworn enemies, consolidating the theme of comprehensive divine victory and judgment.

Joel 3 19 Commentary

This verse is a powerful declaration of divine justice and retribution. It underscores the principle that God holds nations accountable for their actions, especially those that oppress His chosen people. The language is stark, portraying a complete reversal where those who brought devastation will face it themselves. The repetition of "upon your head" signifies a personal and unavoidable judgment. The mention of "your God" implies a rebuke to polytheistic nations, asserting that their gods cannot protect them from the true God's justice when they mistreat His covenant people. This verse speaks to a universal truth that actions have consequences, and God ensures that justice, though sometimes delayed, will ultimately prevail.