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front:intro aq5w 0 # Introduction to Joel\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of Joel\n\n1. The land ruined; the day of Yahweh is coming (1:1–2:11)\n * Locusts and drought (1:1–20)\n * The day of Yahweh (2:1–11)\n1. Yahweh restores his people (2:12–32)\n * The people should turn to Yahweh, for he will pity them (2:12–27)\n * The Spirit of Yahweh, wonders, and salvation (2:28–32)\n1. Yahweh will judge the nations (3:1–21)\n * Yahweh judges the nations (3:1–16)\n * Yahweh dwells in Zion (3:17–21)\n\n### What is the Book of Joel about?\n\nThe 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).\n\nThe 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.\n\nJoel’s 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).\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThe 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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Joel?\n\nThis book contains the prophecies of an Israelite named Joel, son of Pethuel. The book does not tell when Joel prophesied.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### What is the meaning of the locust attacks in Joel 1 and 2, and of the drought in Joel 2?\n\nLocust 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.\n\nThere 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.\n\nJoel 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.\n\nTranslators should simply translate the locust attacks and drought as Joel described them and not worry about the various possible meanings.\n\n### What did Joel prophesy about the future for God’s people?\n\nJoel prophesied that God will defeat Israel’s 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### How should one translate the poetry of the Book of Joel?\n\nAll 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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1:intro q2ev 0 # Joel 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nJoel 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.\n\n## Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter\n\n### Locusts\n\nThis 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.\n\nIt 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\nTranslators should translate simply, presenting the scenes of locusts as Joel describes them, and not worry about the various possible meanings.\n\n## Translation Issues in This Chapter\n\n### Rhetorical Questions\n\nThe author also uses rhetorical questions that communicate surprise and alarm. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1:1 qry6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism 0 # General Information:\n\nGod speaks through Joel to the people of Israel using poetry.
1:1 er8g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom דְּבַר־יְהוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָיָ֔ה אֶל־יוֹאֵ֖ל 1 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”
1:1 qwp8 יְהוָה֙ 1 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.
1:1 m5wr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names פְּתוּאֵֽל 1 Joel’s father
1:2 t74n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֶ⁠הָ֤יְתָה זֹּאת֙ בִּֽ⁠ימֵי⁠כֶ֔ם וְ⁠אִ֖ם בִּ⁠ימֵ֥י אֲבֹֽתֵי⁠כֶֽם 1 Joel is preparing the elders to listen to what he has to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Nothing like this has ever happened before either to you or to your ancestors”
1:3 vge5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם לְ⁠ד֥וֹר אַחֵֽר 1 You may need to fill in the words that have been left out. Alternate translation: “let their children tell the generation after them”
1:4 m68u rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown הָֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה 1 large groups of insects like grasshoppers that fly together and eat large areas of food crops
1:4 ny2z הַ⁠גָּזָם֙ & הָֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה & הַ⁠יָּ֑לֶק & הֶ⁠חָסִֽיל 1 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.
1:5 zk2a 0 # General Information:\n\nGod warns the people of Israel about the coming locust army.
1:5 l1nq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism שִׁכּוֹרִים֙ וּ⁠בְכ֔וּ וְ⁠הֵילִ֖לוּ כָּל־שֹׁ֣תֵי יָ֑יִן 1 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”
1:6 qm8j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor גוֹי֙ 1 The locust swarm is like an invading army.
1:6 jn1q שִׁנָּי⁠ו֙ שִׁנֵּ֣י 1 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.
1:6 mpz6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism שִׁנָּי⁠ו֙ שִׁנֵּ֣י אַרְיֵ֔ה וּֽ⁠מְתַלְּע֥וֹת לָבִ֖יא לֽ⁠וֹ 1 These two lines share similar meanings.
1:6 aj1z אַרְצִ֔⁠י 1 Yahweh’s land
1:7 sxr3 שָׂ֤ם & חָשֹׂ֤ף חֲשָׂפָ⁠הּ֙ 1 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.
1:7 hi96 גַּפְנִ⁠י֙ & וּ⁠תְאֵנָתִ֖⁠י 1 Yahweh’s vineyard and fig tree
1:7 k8l9 לְ⁠שַׁמָּ֔ה 1 empty and without life
1:10 zn6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אָבְלָ֖ה אֲדָמָ֑ה 1 Here the land is spoken of as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “the farmers are mourning”
1:10 j565 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive שֻׁדַּ֣ד דָּגָ֔ן 1 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the locusts have destroyed all of the grain”
1:11 eeq1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown שְׂעֹרָ֑ה 1 a type of grass, like wheat, whose seeds can be used to make bread
1:12 pk4b הוֹבִ֔ישָׁה 1 dried up and died
1:12 r11a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וְ⁠הַ⁠תְּאֵנָ֖ה & מּ֞וֹן & וְ⁠תַפּ֗וּחַ 1 different types of fruit
1:13 uv6d 0 # General Information:\n\nGod speaks to the priests in Israel
1:13 w9cv מִנְחָ֥ה וָ⁠נָֽסֶךְ 1 regular offerings in the temple
1:14 z8ne בֵּ֖ית יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֑ם 1 the temple in Jerusalem
1:15 q895 0 # General Information:\n\nThis is what God is telling the priests to say.
1:15 u6hs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠כְ⁠שֹׁ֖ד מִ⁠שַׁדַּ֥י יָבֽוֹא 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **destruction**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destroy” Alternate translation: “On that day the Almighty will destroy his enemies”
1:16 yv6d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis הֲ⁠ל֛וֹא נֶ֥גֶד עֵינֵ֖י⁠נוּ אֹ֣כֶל נִכְרָ֑ת מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵ֖י⁠נוּ שִׂמְחָ֥ה וָ⁠גִֽיל 1 It is certain that destruction will come from the Almighty because these things have already happened. 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”
1:16 r8wr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche נֶ֥גֶד עֵינֵ֖י⁠נוּ 1 “from us.” This refers to all of the nation of Israel.
1:16 f1eb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵ֖י⁠נוּ שִׂמְחָ֥ה וָ⁠גִֽיל 1 You may need to fill in the ellipsis. Alternate translation: “joy and gladness have been cut off from the house of our God”
1:16 ppt5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet שִׂמְחָ֥ה וָ⁠גִֽיל 1 These two words mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize that there is no kind of joyful activity happening at the temple.
1:17 y7su מֶגְרְפֹ֣תֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 lumps of dirt
1:18 ul6j נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה 1 make a deep sound because of pain
1:20 n9lf אֲפִ֣יקֵי 1 small streams
1:1 a3b2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Pethuel 1 The word **Pethuel** is the name of a man.
1:1 a3b7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy The word of Yahweh that was 1 Joel is using the term **word** to mean the message that Yahweh gave, by association with the way words are used to communicate messages. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The message that Yahweh gave”
1:2 a3b7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor your fathers 1 Joel is not referring to the literal **fathers** of the Israelites he is addressing. He is using that term to mean their ancestors. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your ancestors”
1:2 c9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy in your days or in the days of 1 Joel is using the term **days** to mean a period of time, by association with the way days make up longer periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in your time or in the time of”
1:2 d6e9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Hear this, you elders, and listen, all of the dwellers of the land 1 See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of how Hebrew poetry consisted of paired phrases that meant basically the same thing. Decide as a translation team how you will represent this poetry in your translation throughout the book of Joel. Alternate translation: “Hear this, you elders! Yes, listen, all of the dwellers of the land!”
1:2 q3r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Has this been in your days or in the days of your fathers? 1 Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “This has not happened in your days or in the days of your fathers!”
1:3 d4e9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis and your sons to their sons, and their sons to the generation after 1 Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and let your sons recount it to their sons, and let their sons recount it to the generation after”
1:3 f7g5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations to your sons, and your sons to their sons, and their sons 1 Here the masculine term **sons** has a generic sense that includes both male and female children. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “to your children, and your children to their children, and their children”
1:3 s9t2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular Recount about it to your sons, and your sons 1 The imperative **Recount** and the word **your** are plural here because Joel is addressing the “elders” and “dwellers” mentioned in the previous verse. So use plural forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
1:4 h9j4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun The residue of the cutting locust, the swarming locust has eaten, and the residue of the swarming locust, the hopping locust has eaten, and the residue of the hopping locust, the destroying locust has eaten 1 Joel is not referring to specific locusts of these types. He means locusts of these types in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “The residue of the cutting locusts, swarming locusts have eaten, and the residue of the swarming locusts, hopping locusts have eaten, and the residue of the hopping locusts, destroying locusts have eaten”
1:4 m9p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany The residue of the cutting locust, the swarming locust has eaten, and the residue of the swarming locust, the hopping locust has eaten, and the residue of the hopping locust, the destroying locust has eaten 1 See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of the litany form and how you might format this verse in your translation to show that Joel is using it.
1:4 r2s6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown The residue of the cutting locust, the swarming locust has eaten, and the residue of the swarming locust, the hopping locust has eaten, and the residue of the hopping locust, the destroying locust has eaten 1 The terms **cutting**, **swarming**, **hopping**, and **destroying** describe different kinds of locusts. Interpreters are no longer certain specifically what kinds of locusts these were. You may wish to use more general expressions in your translation. Alternate translation: “The residue of one kind of locust, another kind of locust has eaten, and the residue of that kind of locust, yet another kind of locust has eaten, and the residue of that kind of locust, still another kind of locust has eaten”
1:5 f2g7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result Wake up, drunkards, and weep! And wail, all of the drinkers of wine, upon the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth 1 See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of places such as this where the speaker describes a result before giving the reason for it. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “The sweet wine has been cut off from your mouth, so wail upon it, all of the drinkers of wine”
1:5 q7n2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom it has been cut off from your mouth 1 This is a common expression that means that something is no longer available. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “it is no longer available for you to drink”
1:5 v7w2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns from your mouth 1 Since Joel is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **mouth**. Alternate translation: “from your mouths”
1:5 w4x8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive it has been cut off from your mouth 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the locusts have cut it off from your mouth”
1:6 c9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor a nation 1 Joel is speaking as if this locust swarm were literally a **nation**, meaning in this context an “army.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a great swarm of locusts”
1:6 e5f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Its teeth {are} the teeth of a lion, and the fangs of a lioness {are} to it 1 Joel is describing the locusts as if they literally had the teeth of lions and lionesses. He means that they have strong teeth that can chew even the toughest of plants. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Like a lion or lioness, these locusts have strong teeth that powerfully grind and chew”
1:6 j7k9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole and without number 1 Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and in huge numbers”
1:6 j7k9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases For 1 Joel is using the word **For** to introduce the reason for what he described in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “This has happened because”
1:6 q8r9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession and the fangs of a lioness {are} to it 1 Joel is using a particular possessive form here. A different kind of possessive form may be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and it has the fangs of a lioness”
1:6 u3v7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns my land 1 Since Joel and the people he is addressing live in the same land, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **my**. Alternate translation: “our land”
1:6 z8a3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit a nation has come up against my land 1 See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of travel descriptions marked for change in elevation. Alternate translation: “a nation has come against my land”
1:7 b5c9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication Stripping, it has stripped it 1 Joel is repeating the verb “strip” in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “It has stripped it completely”
1:7 e5f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy its branches make white 1 Joel is using the term **make white** to mean that the branches have been stripped of their bark, by association with the way the wood underneath the bark is white in color. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “its branches have been stripped of their bark”
1:7 g1h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor thrown {it} away 1 Joel is speaking as if the locusts had literally **thrown … away** the vegetation they had finished eating. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “spit it out”
1:7 g4h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns It has made my vine into a desolation 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **desolation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “It has made my vine desolate”
1:7 w9x2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns It has made my vine into a desolation and my fig tree into splinters 1 Since Joel and the people he is addressing eat the same crops, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **my**. Alternate translation: “It has made our vines into a desolation and our fig trees into splinters”
1:8 a3b7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the husband of her youth 1 Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **the husband of her youth**, he means the fiancé to whom a young woman was betrothed. The word **virgin** indicates that this woman was not yet married, but in this culture, engagement was tanatmount to marriage and a fiancé was considered a **husband**. You could express this relationship with your own culture’s characteristic terms if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the fiancé of her youth”
1:8 g7h3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction like a virgin dressed in sackcloth 1 To wear **sackcloth**, which is clothing made of rough, uncomfortable fabric, is a symbolic action that expresses grief. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “like a virgin dressed in sackcloth to express her grief”
1:8 h7j2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like a virgin dressed in sackcloth for the husband of her youth 1 The point of this comparison is that just as a virgin dresses in sackcloth to express her grief, so the Israelites should mourn to express their grief. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “like a virgin dressed in sackcloth to express her grief for the husband of her youth”
1:8 j2k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns the husband of her youth 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **youth**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the husband she married when she was young”
1:8 q5r7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns Mourn 1 The imperative **Mourn** is feminine singular because Joel is telling the community to mourn as it would as if it were a young woman whose fiancé had died. It may be more natural in your language to use a plural imperative.
1:8 y6z1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive like a virgin dressed in sackcloth 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “like a virgin who has dressed herself in sackcloth”
1:9 a3b7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The grain offering and the drink offering have been cut off 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The locusts have cut off the grain offering and the drink offering”
1:9 t9u2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor from the house of Yahweh 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and often in this chapter, Joel is using the word **house** to mean “temple.” Alternate translation: “from the temple of Yahweh”
1:10 c7d9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification the ground mourns 1 Joel is speaking of **the ground** as if it were a living thing that could **mourn** because it was bare of crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ground is bare”
1:10 c9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The field has been destroyed, the ground mourns, for the grain has been destroyed 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The locusts have destroyed the field, the ground mourns, for the locusts have destroyed the grain”
1:10 e5f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the oil is made weak 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the oil has become weak”
1:10 j7k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the new wine dries up 1 Joel is speaking as if the **new wine** the Israelites would have gotten from this harvest had literally dried up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the new wine disappears as if it had evaporated” or “the new wine runs out”
1:10 k6l2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun The field has been destroyed 1 Joel is not referring to a specific **field**. He means fields in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “The fields have been destroyed”
1:11 m8n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun the field 1 Joel is not referring to a specific **field**. He means fields in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “the fields”
1:12 g1h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive has been made weak 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “has become weak”
1:12 h2j8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations the sons of man 1 Here the masculine terms **sons** and **man** have a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “human beings”
1:12 l3m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor joy has dried up from the sons of man 1 Joel is speaking of **joy** as if it were a liquid that had literally **dried up**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people no longer feel joyful”
1:12 m3n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole all of the trees of the field have dried up 1 Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “trees of the field of every kind have dried up”
1:12 p3q7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun The vine has dried up and the fig tree has been made weak. The pomegranate tree, also the palm tree and the apple tree 1 Joel is not referring to specific **vine**, **fig tree**, **pomegranate tree**, **palm tree**, or **apple tree**. He means these trees in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “The vines have dried up and the fig trees have been made weak. The pomegranate trees, also the palm trees and the apple trees”
1:13 a1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns your God 1 Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **your**. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: “our God”
1:13 c9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Dress 1 Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **Dress**, he means “Dress in sackcloth.” You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Dress in sackcloth”
1:13 i9j5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction lodge in sackcloth 1 To **lodge in sackcloth** is a symbolic action that expresses deep mourning and repentance. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “spend the night wearing sackcloth to show your deep sorrow and repentance”
1:13 j7k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the grain offering and the drink offering have been withheld 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the locusts have withheld the grain offering and the drink offering”
1:13 y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns my God 1 Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **my**. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: “our God”
1:14 c7d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns your God 1 Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **your**. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: “our God”
1:14 k2l7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction Consecrate a fast 1 A **fast** is a time of going without eating. In this context, not eating would be a symbolic action that expressed sorrow for the sins that had caused Yahweh to punish the Israelites. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “Consecrate a fast to show your sorrow for your sin”
1:15 c7d9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Shaddai 1 The word **Shaddai** is another name for God.
1:15 f9g3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations Alas for the day 1 Joel is using this phrase as an exclamation to express a strong feeling. There may be an equivalent phrase in your language that you can use in your translation to convey this strong feeling. If not, you could say what Joel was feeling. Alternate translation: “Oh, what a terrible day!” or “I am very distressed about this day”
1:15 g1h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Alas for the day 1 Joel is using the term **day** to mean this particular time of trouble, by association with the way a day is a specific period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Alas for this time”
1:15 j7k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the day of Yahweh 1 Joel is using the term **day** to mean the time when Yahweh will judge and punish his enemies, by association with the way days make up specific periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time when Yahweh will judge and punish his enemies”
1:15 l9m3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns and as destruction it will come from Shaddai 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **destruction**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and it will come from Shaddai to destroy”
1:16 f1g6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis joy and gladness from the house of our God 1 Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and joy and gladness have been cut off from the house of our God”
1:16 k2m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet joy and gladness 1 The terms **joy** and **gladness** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “all celebration”
1:16 l3m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Has not food been cut off before our eyes 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Have not the locusts cut off food before our eyes”
1:16 l3m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy before our eyes 1 Joel is using the term **eyes** to mean sight, by association with the way eyes are used for seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from our sight”
1:16 s7t2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Has not food been cut off before our eyes, joy and gladness from the house of our God? 1 Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Food has been cut off before our eyes, and joy and gladness from the house of our God!”
1:17 n9p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the granaries have been broken down 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the granaries have broken down”
1:17 n9p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the grain has dried up 1 Joel is speaking of **grain** as if it had literally **dried up**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the grain has disappeared as if it had evaporated” or “the grain has run out”
1:18 h5j7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations How the beast groans 1 Joel is using this phrase as an exclamation to express a strong feeling. There may be an equivalent phrase in your language that you can use in your translation to convey this strong feeling. If not, you could say what Joel was feeling. Alternate translation: “Listen to the animals’ pitiful cries!” or “It makes me sad to hear the beasts groan”
1:18 q5r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The herds of cattle are perplexed 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The locusts have perplexed the herds of cattle”
1:18 q5r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the flocks of sheep are punished 1 Joel is speaking of the sheep dying from hunger as if they were literally being punished. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the flocks of sheep die from hunger, perishing as if they were being punished”
1:18 r9s4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun How the beast groans 1 Joel is not referring to a specific **beast**. He means beasts in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “How the beasts groan”
1:18 s1t3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the flocks of sheep are punished 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the locusts have punished the flocks of sheep”
1:19 s1t3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor and fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness 1 Joel is speaking of the locusts’ destruction as if it were literally a fire consuming the **pastures**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the locusts have eaten up the grass in the pastures of the wilderness”
1:19 t6u2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun and the flame has burned all of the trees of the field 1 Joel is not referring to a specific **flame** or **field**. He means flames and fields in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “and flames have burned all of the trees of the fields”
1:19 u7v2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor and the flame has burned all of the trees of the field 1 Joel is speaking of the locusts’ destruction as if it were literally a flame burning the **trees**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, the locusts have eaten the leaves and bark of the trees of the field”
1:19 y3z6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youformal To you, Yahweh, I cry 1 Joel is appealing to someone who is in authority over him, so languages that have formal and informal forms of “you” would probably use the formal form here.
1:20 b1c4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youformal you 1 By **you**, Joel means Yahweh, so if you used the formal form of “you” in the previous verse, use it here as well.
1:20 w3x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor and fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness 1 See how you translated this same expression in [1:19](../01/19.md).
2:intro j2gp 0 # Joel 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThis chapter continues in the poetic form with striking imagery of armies and soldiers.\n\n## Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter\n\n### Locusts\n\nThis 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.\n\n## Translation Issues in This Chapter\n\nThis chapter uses simile to a great extent as Joel tries to describe this army. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])\n\n### Metaphor\n\nThe 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:1 m7i5 תִּקְע֨וּ שׁוֹפָ֜ר & וְ⁠הָרִ֨יעוּ֙ 1 Joel is emphasizing the importance of calling Israel together in preparation for the destruction that is coming.
2:2 qmb9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet י֧וֹם חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וַ⁠אֲפֵלָ֗ה 1 The words “darkness” and “gloom” share similar meanings and emphasize that the darkness will be very dark. Alternate translation: “day that is full of darkness”
2:2 st7t וַ⁠אֲפֵלָ֗ה 1 total or partial darkness
2:2 pcr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet י֤וֹם עָנָן֙ וַ⁠עֲרָפֶ֔ל 1 This phrase means the same thing as, and intensifies the idea of the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “day full of dark storm clouds”
2:2 h3d1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile כְּ⁠שַׁ֖חַר פָּרֻ֣שׂ עַל־הֶֽ⁠הָרִ֑ים עַ֚ם רַ֣ב וְ⁠עָצ֔וּם 1 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”
2:2 ekb8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor עַ֚ם רַ֣ב וְ⁠עָצ֔וּם 1 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
2:3 fly5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֙ אָ֣כְלָה אֵ֔שׁ 1 A fire destroys everything as it moves, and the “army” ([Joel 2:2](../02/02.md)), whether of humans or of locusts, destroys everything as it moves.
2:3 z5iu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠אַחֲרָ֖י⁠ו תְּלַהֵ֣ט לֶֽהָבָ֑ה 1 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.
2:3 yne4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile כְּ⁠גַן־עֵ֨דֶן הָ⁠אָ֜רֶץ 1 The garden of Eden was a beautiful place, and the land was beautiful.
2:4 ztn5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile כְּ⁠מַרְאֵ֥ה סוּסִ֖ים מַרְאֵ֑⁠הוּ 1 The head of a locust looks like a small horse head. The army is fast, and horses are fast.
2:4 fdt4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown סוּסִ֖ים 1 A large, strong, fast animal with four legs.
2:4 myc3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile וּ⁠כְ⁠פָרָשִׁ֖ים כֵּ֥ן יְרוּצֽוּ⁠ן 1 Men riding horses move quickly, and the army moves quickly.
2:5 m6fl יְרַקֵּד֔וּ⁠ן 1 A horse jumps or leaps as it runs quickly.
2:5 n75f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile כְּ⁠ק֣וֹל מַרְכָּב֗וֹת & כְּ⁠קוֹל֙ לַ֣הַב אֵ֔שׁ & כְּ⁠עַ֣ם עָצ֔וּם עֱר֖וּךְ מִלְחָמָֽה 1 These sounds would have been very frightening to Joel’s 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”
2:7 d4kv חוֹמָ֑ה 1 walls around the cities
2:8 yt67 וּ⁠בְעַ֥ד הַ⁠שֶּׁ֛לַח יִפֹּ֖לוּ 1 they overcome the soldiers defending the city.
2:10 iu1h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֙ רָ֣גְזָה אֶ֔רֶץ רָעֲשׁ֖וּ שָׁמָ֑יִם 1 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
2:10 lm84 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole שֶׁ֤מֶשׁ וְ⁠יָרֵ֨חַ֙ קָדָ֔רוּ וְ⁠כוֹכָבִ֖ים אָסְפ֥וּ נָגְהָֽ⁠ 1 This exaggeration claims that there are so many locusts that people cannot see the sun, moon, or stars.
2:11 mi1t וַֽ⁠יהוָ֗ה נָתַ֤ן קוֹל⁠וֹ֙ 1 “Yahweh speaks loudly” to give commands.
2:11 tzv4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys גָד֧וֹל & וְ⁠נוֹרָ֥א מְאֹ֖ד 1 In this phrase both descriptions mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “greatly terrible”
2:11 vht4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וּ⁠מִ֥י יְכִילֶֽ⁠נּוּ 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one will be strong enough to survive Yahweh’s judgment.”
2:12 d1i9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy שֻׁ֥בוּ עָדַ֖⁠י בְּ⁠כָל־לְבַבְ⁠כֶ֑ם 1 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”
2:13 d1sf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠קִרְע֤וּ לְבַבְ⁠כֶם֙ וְ⁠אַל־בִּגְדֵי⁠כֶ֔ם 1 The heart is a metonym for what the person thinks and loves. Tearing one’s clothes is an outward act of shame or repentance. Alternate translation: “Change your way of thinking; do not just tear your garments”
2:13 wfp5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠רַב־חֶ֔סֶד 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **faithfulness**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful” or “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “always faithful to his covenant” or “always loves faithfully”
2:13 e3gw וְ⁠נִחָ֖ם עַל 1 stop
2:14 a2av rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion יָשׁ֣וּב וְ⁠נִחָ֑ם וְ⁠הִשְׁאִ֤יר אַֽחֲרָי⁠ו֙ בְּרָכָ֔ה מִנְחָ֣ה וָ⁠נֶ֔סֶךְ לַ⁠יהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶֽם 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Perhaps Yahweh will turn from his anger … God.”
2:14 xys3 וְ⁠הִשְׁאִ֤יר אַֽחֲרָי⁠ו֙ בְּרָכָ֔ה מִנְחָ֣ה וָ⁠נֶ֔סֶךְ 1 “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.
2:16 jzj1 מֵ⁠חֻפָּתָֽ⁠הּ 1 rooms, usually in the parents’ houses, where brides would wait for their wedding ceremonies
2:17 fek9 וְ⁠אַל־תִּתֵּ֨ן נַחֲלָתְ⁠ךָ֤ לְ⁠חֶרְפָּה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “do not allow your inheritance to become people whom the other nations regard as worthless”
2:17 kqr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor נַחֲלָתְ⁠ךָ֤ 1 Here the people of Israel are spoken of as God’s inheritance. Alternate translation: “your special people”
2:17 ey9s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֚⁠מָּה יֹאמְר֣וּ בָֽ⁠עַמִּ֔ים אַיֵּ֖ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question 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.”
2:18 xeg7 לְ⁠אַרְצ֑⁠וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “the nation of Israel”
2:18 im7l עַמּֽ⁠וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
2:19 lu18 הִנְ⁠נִ֨י 1 Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to say”
2:19 jde5 וּ⁠שְׂבַעְתֶּ֖ם אֹת֑⁠ 1 Alternate translation: “You will have all you need of them”
2:19 tqc6 חֶרְפָּ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “unworthy of respect”
2:20 khh7 הַ⁠צְּפוֹנִ֞י & הַ⁠קַּדְמֹנִ֔י & הָ⁠אַֽחֲר֑וֹן 1 These directions are from the perspective of people living in the land of Israel.
2:20 v9xy הַ⁠יָּם֙ הַ⁠קַּדְמֹנִ֔י 1 the Dead Sea
2:20 ue9y הַ⁠יָּ֣ם הָ⁠אַֽחֲר֑וֹן 1 the Mediterranean Sea
2:20 k6n8 הִגְדִּ֖יל לַ⁠עֲשֽׂוֹת 1 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.”
2:21 g3z3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe אַל־תִּֽירְאִ֖י אֲדָמָ֑ה 1 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”
2:22 n9lm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe אַל־תִּֽירְאוּ֙ בַּהֲמ֣וֹת שָׂדַ֔י 1 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”
2:22 t5ty rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy דָשְׁא֖וּ נְא֣וֹת מִדְבָּ֑ר 1 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”
2:23 xlq6 נָתַ֥ן & וַ⁠יּ֣וֹרֶד לָ⁠כֶ֗ם גֶּ֛שֶׁם 1 Alternate translation: “he will … cause much rain to fall so that you will live well”
2:23 vnx8 מוֹרֶ֥ה וּ⁠מַלְק֖וֹשׁ 1 the first rains of the rainy season in early December and the last rains in April and May
2:24 gw97 Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nYahweh begins a long speech to the Israelites.
2:24 p8u1 הַ⁠יְקָבִ֖ים 1 large containers for liquids
2:25 k6bd אֶת־הַ⁠שָּׁנִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר֙ אָכַ֣ל הָֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “the crops that you took care of for years and that the swarming locusts have eaten”
2:25 e81a הָֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה הַ⁠יֶּ֖לֶק וְ⁠הֶ⁠חָסִ֣יל וְ⁠הַ⁠גָּזָ֑ם 1 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](../01/04.md).
2:26 jy17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠הִלַּלְתֶּ֗ם אֶת־שֵׁ֤ם יְהוָה֙ 1 The name is a metonym for the person, specifically his reputation. Alternate translation: “praise Yahweh” or “praise Yahweh because everyone knows he is good”
2:26 x2qr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person שֵׁ֤ם יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵי⁠כֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֥ה עִמָּ⁠כֶ֖ם לְ⁠הַפְלִ֑יא 1 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”
2:28 p6xw וְ⁠הָיָ֣ה אַֽחֲרֵי־כֵ֗ן אֶשְׁפּ֤וֹךְ 1 Alternate translation: “This is what I will do after that: I”
2:28 mc8b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אֶשְׁפּ֤וֹךְ אֶת־רוּחִ⁠י֙ עַל־כָּל־בָּשָׂ֔ר 1 Yahweh speaks of the Spirit as if he were speaking of water. “I will give my Spirit generously to all flesh”
2:28 ny8x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche כָּל־בָּשָׂ֔ר 1 Here “flesh” represents people. Alternate translation: “all people”
2:30 fxj8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy דָּ֣ם וָ⁠אֵ֔שׁ וְ⁠תִֽימֲר֖וֹת עָשָֽׁן 1 “blood” is symbolizing the death of people. Alternate translation: “death, fire and pillars of smoke”
2:31 e1db הַ⁠שֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙ יֵהָפֵ֣ךְ לְ⁠חֹ֔שֶׁךְ 1 Alternate translation: “The sun will no longer give light”
2:31 fc5h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּרֵ֖חַ לְ⁠דָ֑ם 1 Here the word “blood” refers to the color red. Alternate translation: “the moon will turn red like blood”
2:32 w6nv וְ⁠הָיָ֗ה כֹּ֧ל 1 Alternate translation: “This is what will happen: everyone”
2:32 t1vg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy כֹּ֧ל אֲשֶׁר־יִקְרָ֛א בְּ⁠שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה יִמָּלֵ֑ט 1 The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will save everyone who calls on his name”
2:32 k5zj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet בְּ⁠הַר־צִיּ֨וֹן וּ⁠בִ⁠ירוּשָׁלִַ֜ם 1 These refer to the same place. Alternate translation: “on Mount Zion in Jerusalem”
2:32 j194 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וּ⁠בַ֨⁠שְּׂרִידִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה קֹרֵֽא 1 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”
2:32 e73u וּ⁠בַ֨⁠שְּׂרִידִ֔ים 1 These **survivors** are people who live through a terrible event like a war or a disaster.
2:1 e5f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Blow the shofar in Zion, and shout on the mountain of my holiness 1 Joel assumes that his listeners will know that he wants them to do the things he describes in order to sound an alarm. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Blow the shofar in Zion, and shout on the mountain of my holiness in order to sound an alarm”
2:1 g1h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit tremble 1 Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **tremble**, he means to tremble in fear or awe. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “tremble in fear or tremble in awe”
2:1 h3j7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown the shofar 1 A **shofar** is a trumpet made from a ram’s horn. If your readers would not be familiar with what a shofar is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar thing that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a trumpet” or “a ram’s horn”
2:1 n5p7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns on the mountain of my holiness 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “on my holy mountain”
2:1 n9p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the day of Yahweh 1 See how you translated the same expression in [1:15](../01/15.md).
2:2 h8i3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis a great and mighty people 1 Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “a great and mighty people is coming”
2:2 k4m9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Like the dawn being spread upon the mountains 1 The point of this comparison is that just as the dawn spreads steadily and inexorably across the mountains, so the army of locusts spreads steadily and inexorably across the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Like the dawn spreading steadily and inexorably upon the mountains”
2:2 n8p3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet darkness and gloom 1 The terms **darkness** and **gloom** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “deep darkness”
2:2 p8q2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole Like it there has not been from antiquity, and after it there will not be again to years of generation and generation 1 Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “It is worse than anything that has happened in living memory, and nothing like it will happen again for many generations”
2:2 q5r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness 1 Joel is using the term **day** to mean a period of time, by association with the way days make up specific periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a time of darkness and gloom, a time of clouds and thick darkness”
2:2 q7r2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet clouds and thick darkness 1 The terms **clouds** and **thick darkness** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very dark clouds”
2:2 s1t3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy like the dawn 1 Joel is using the term **dawn** by association to mean the light that appears at dawn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like the light of dawn” or “like the morning sunlight”
2:2 s5t9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet a great and mighty people 1 The terms **great** and **mighty** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a very strong people”
2:2 u7v2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Like the dawn being spread upon the mountains 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Like the dawn spreading upon the mountains”
2:2 x3m9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to years of generation and generation 1 This is a common expression that means “for a very long time.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “for many generations to come”
2:3 e3f9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns A fire is devouring to its face, and behind it a flame is burning. To its face the land is like the garden of Eden, but behind it {is} a wilderness of desolation, and indeed {there} is no escape from it 1 The pronoun **it** refers to the locust swarm, described in the previous verse as a “people,” that is, an “army.” It may be more natural in your language to use plural pronouns. Alternate translation: “A fire is devouring in front of them, and behind them a flame is burning. In front of them the land is like the garden of Eden, but behind them is a wilderness of desolation, and indeed there is no escape from them”
2:3 n6p3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile To its face the land is like the garden of Eden 1 The point of this comparison is that just as the garden of Eden was very lush, so the land of Israel ahead of the locust invasion is lush. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “To its face the land is lush, like the garden of Eden”
2:3 q1r4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns {is} a wilderness of desolation 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **desolation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “is a desolate wilderness”
2:3 r6s4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole and indeed {there} is no escape from it 1 Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and indeed it is extremely difficult to escape from it”
2:3 s8t2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns {there} is no escape from it 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **escape**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “no one can escape from it”
2:3 x1y5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy A fire is devouring to its face 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of how several phrases with the word **face** mean “in front of.” Alternate translation: “A fire is devouring in front of it”
2:3 y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor A fire is devouring to its face, and behind it a flame is burning 1 Joel is speaking of the locusts’ destruction as if it were literally a fire consuming everything in front of it and leaving burned land behind. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The locusts eat up the vegetation in front of them as if they were a fire consuming it, and after they have passed, the land looks as if a flame has burned it”
2:4 g5h1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns {is} its appearance 1 Since the locust swarm is described in verse 2 as a “people” or “army,” it may be more natural in your language to use a plural pronoun. Alternate translation: “is their appearance”
2:4 q8r5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Like the appearance of horses {is} its appearance 1 The point of this comparison is that just like war horses, the locusts appear to be strong, agile, and undaunted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Like the appearance of strong, agile, undaunted war horses is their appearance”
2:4 s1t7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile and like steeds, thus they run 1 The point of this comparison is that just as galloping steeds seem to be almost flying because they often leave the ground as they are running, so the locusts seem to be almost flying as they bound across the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and like galloping steeds that seem almost to be flying, thus they bound across the land”
2:5 u3v9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Like the sound of chariots, they leap on the tops of the hills 1 The point of this comparison is that just as chariots make a loud, rumbling noise, so the locusts make a loud noise as they move across the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Making a loud sound like that of chariots, they leap on the tops of the hills”
2:5 w3x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive like a mighty people arrayed {for} war 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “like a mighty people who have arrayed themselves for war”
2:5 w5x2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like the sound of a flame of fire devouring stubble 1 The point of this comparison is that just as a fire makes a crackling sound as it quickly consumes dry stubble, so the locusts make a similar sound as they quickly consume the vegetation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “making a crackling sound like a flame of fire devouring stubble”
2:5 y7z4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like a mighty people arrayed {for} war 1 The point of this comparison is that just as a mighty army gives a loud shout once it is arrayed for war, so the locusts are making a loud and terrifying noise. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “making a loud, terrifying sound as a mighty people does when it is arrayed for war”
2:6 j7k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit writhe 1 Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **writhe**, he means to writhe in agony or fear. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “writhe in agony or writhe in fear”
2:6 u7v2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy gather beauty 1 Joel is using the term **beauty** to mean paleness, by association with the way pale skin was considered beautiful in that culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “become pale”
2:7 a1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor and they do not pledge their paths 1 Joel is speaking of the locusts staying on their paths as if those paths were literally something they could give in pledge. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they do not part from their paths as if they were giving them in pledge”
2:7 b9c6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile They run like warriors 1 The point of this comparison is that the locusts rush forward irresistibly, just as warriors do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “They rush forward irresistibly like warriors”
2:7 d1e8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like men of war, they climb the wall 1 The point of this comparison is that just as men of war skillfully scale walls in battle, so the locusts surmount obstacles without difficulty. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “like men of war they swarm over walls without difficulty”
2:7 f5t1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom a man in his way 1 In this context, **man** means “each one” and **way** refers to the direction in which a locust is traveling. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “each one in its own direction”
2:7 h7j3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants and they do not pledge their paths 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: “and they do not turn from their paths”
2:7 s1t2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession like men of war 1 Joel is using this possessive form to describe **men** who take part in **war**. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “warriors”
2:7 v8w5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun the wall 1 Joel is not referring to a specific **wall**. He means walls in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “the walls”
2:8 k8p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom And a man does not crowd his brother 1 Here, **man** means “each one” and **brother** means “another one.” This expression describes how the locusts move in an orderly manner. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “And they do not crowd each other”
2:8 l3m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Among the weapons they fall, and they do not break off 1 This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “They bound in among the weapons without breaking ranks” or (2) Alternate translation: “Even though weapons may kill some of them, the swarm keeps coming”
2:8 w2s7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom they walk, a man in his road 1 As in the previous clause, **man** means “each one” and **road** refers to the direction of travel. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “they move, each one in its own path”
2:9 f3g5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile through the windows they enter like thieves 1 The point of this comparison is that just as thieves enter unexpectedly and undetected through windows, so the locusts get into homes in ways that people do not anticipate and so cannot prevent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “they get into homes in unexpected ways, just as thieves sneak in through windows”
2:9 s5t1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany Upon the city they rush, on the wall they run, into the houses they climb, through the windows they enter like thieves 1 See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of the litany form and how you might format this verse in your translation to show that Joel is using it.
2:10 c5d9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the sun and the moon become dark 1 Joel is speaking as if the sun and moon had literally become dark. He means that the locust swarm is blocking their light. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the locust swarm blocks the light of the sun and moon”
2:10 e3f5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification and the stars withdraw their brightness 1 Joel is speaking of **the stars** as if they were living things that could **withdraw their brightness**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the stars stop shining”
2:10 l5m7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The earth shakes to their face, the heavens tremble 1 Joel is speaking as if the locust swarm were literally causing the **earth** to shake and the **heavens** to **tremble**. He means that they make such a loud sound and cause such vibration that it seems like this is happening. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They make such a loud sound and cause such vibration that it is as if the earth is shaking and the heavens are trembling”
2:11 a1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy his word 1 Joel is using the term **word** to mean Yahweh’s orders, by association with the way people use words to give orders. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his orders”
2:11 c7d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the day of Yahweh 1 See how you translated the same expression in [1:15](../01/15.md).
2:11 u9v4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion For the day of Yahweh is great and very terrible, and who will endure it? 1 Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “For the day of Yahweh is great and very terrible, and no one can endure it!”
2:11 w3x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy his voice 1 Joel is using the term **voice** to mean Yahweh’s commands, by association with the way authorities use their voices to give commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his commands”
2:11 y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy is his camp 1 Joel is using the term **camp** to mean Yahweh’s army, by association with the way armies stay in camps. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is his army”
2:12 p9q3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations “Yet even now,” the declaration of Yahweh, “return to me 1 The phrase **the declaration of Yahweh** indicates that this is a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh declares, ‘Yet even now, return to me”
2:12 u3v8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular return 1 The imperative **return** is plural here because Yahweh is addressing the people of Judah. For the same reason, the imperatives and the word “your” are plural in verses 13–16, in which Joel is speaking. So use plural forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
2:12 x9y4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns your heart 1 Since Yahweh is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **heart**. Alternate translation: “your hearts”
2:13 e7f2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor And tear your heart and not your garments 1 Joel is speaking as if people could literally tear their hearts. He is using the contrast with tearing garments, which was a literal sign of mourning, to emphasize internal repentance. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And do not only tear your garments; repent in your hearts”
2:13 u6v9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns and great of kindness 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **kindness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and very kind”
2:13 w3x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations And tear your heart and not your garments, and return to Yahweh your God 1 Some versions end the quotation that begins in verse 12 after this sentence. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
2:14 j9k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns your God 1 Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **your**. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: “our God”
2:14 u3v7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet He may turn and relent 1 The terms **turn** and **relent** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “He may indeed change his mind”
2:14 w1x6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing after him, a grain offering and a drink offering for Yahweh your God 1 Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “For all anyone knows, he may turn and relent and leave a blessing after him, a grain offering and a drink offering for Yahweh your God”
2:14 w3x7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns and leave a blessing 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **blessing**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and leave something to bless you”
2:16 g7h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism assemble the elders, gather the children and the ones sucking the breasts 1 Joel is speaking of two things in order to mean them and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “assemble people of all ages”
2:16 n9p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit May the bridegroom come out from his chamber and the bride from her room 1 Joel means implicitly that while newlyweds are ordinarily excused from public duties, this is an exceptional circumstance that calls for even their attendance. Alternate translation: “Even newly married men and women should come to the assembly under these exceptional circumstances.”
2:17 g1h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor your inheritance 1 Joel is speaking to Yahweh of the Israelites as if they were literally something he had inherited. Joel means that the Israelites are the people Yahweh has chosen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people you have chosen”
2:17 i9j1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism between the porch and the altar 1 Joel is speaking of two things in order to mean them and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in the court of the priests”
2:17 j3k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor for the nations to rule over them 1 Joel is speaking of the locust invasion as if it were literally rule by other nations. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for them to be subject to a locust invasion”
2:17 k5m1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants for the nations to rule over them 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: “for the nations to use a proverb against them” or “for them to become a byword to the nations”
2:17 s4t9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns Why should they say 1 Here, **they** is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “Why should it be said”
2:17 t3u7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where {is} their God?’ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Why should the peoples ask where our God is?”
2:17 y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where {is} their God?’ 1 Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “They should not say among the peoples, ‘Their God is not with them!’“
2:17 y9z4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns and do not give your inheritance to reproach 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **reproach**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and do not let other nations reproach your inheritance”
2:18 g5h7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy for his land 1 Joel is using the term **land** by association to mean the people living on the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for his people”
2:18 l9m4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Then Yahweh was jealous 1 Joel is speaking as if Yahweh were literally jealous. He means that Yahweh was concerned for his people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh was concerned”
2:19 a1b2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys And Yahweh answered and said to his people 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **answered** tells for what purpose Yahweh **said** this. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh replied to his people”
2:19 b5c1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns and I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **reproach**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and I will no longer make the nations reproach you”
2:19 g6h2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations Behold me, sending to you grain and new wine and oil 1 This verse begins a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh also said, ‘Behold me, sending to you grain and new wine and oil”
2:19 j6r3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Behold me sending 1 The expression **Behold me** doing something means “I am going to do” what is described. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “I am going to send”
2:19 l3m8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns with it 1 Yahweh is using the pronoun **it** to refer to what he will send to the Israelites. But since he lists **grain**, **wine**, and **oil**, it may be more natural in your language to use a plural pronoun. Alternate translation: “with them”
2:20 d7e3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns a land of dryness and desolation 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **dryness** and **desolation**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “a dry and desolate land”
2:20 g1h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification his face into the eastern sea and his back into the western sea 1 Yahweh is speaking of the locust swarm as if it were a living thing that had a **face** and a **back**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the locusts at the front of the swarm will fall into the eastern sea and die, and the locusts at the back of the swarm will fall into the western sea and die”
2:20 h9n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom he has been great in doing 1 This expression means “he has in some way done more than he should have done.” The implication is that the locust swarm has perhaps destroyed more crops than it ordinarily would. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “it has caused excessive destruction”
2:20 j1k3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the northerner 1 Yahweh is using the term **northerner** to mean the invader or locust swarm, by association with the direction from which invasions often came. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the invader” or “the locust swarm”
2:20 q5r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit his face into the eastern sea and his back into the western sea 1 Yahweh is speaking to the Judeans from the perspective of their own culture and location. By **eastern sea**, he means the Dead Sea, and by **western sea**, he means the Mediterranean Sea. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “his face into the Dead Sea and his back into the Mediterranean Sea”
2:20 w1x5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet a land of dryness and desolation 1 The terms **dryness** and **desolation** mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a completely barren land”
2:20 y5z1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations for he has been great in doing 1 Some versions end the quotation that begins in verse 19 before this clause. Other versions end that quotation after this clause. Some other versions do not end that quotation in this verse, so that it continues through 3:8. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
2:21 a9b2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture Yahweh has been great in doing 1 Joel is using the past tense to describe something that is going to happen in the future in order to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will be great in doing”
2:21 q7r3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe Do not fear, land! Be glad and rejoice 1 Joel is speaking to the **land** as if it were a person who could hear him. He is doing this to show in a strong way how he feels about what Yahweh will do for the land. Joel is actually speaking to the people who can hear him. If your readers might not understand this kind of figurative speech, you could translate what Joel is saying as if he were speaking directly to the Judeans. Alternate translation: “You Judeans should not be afraid because of what has happened to the land. Be glad and rejoice”
2:21 y9z4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet Be glad and rejoice 1 The terms **glad** and **rejoice** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Celebrate with great joy”
2:21 z4m1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Yahweh has been great in doing 1 Unlike the use in the previous verse, here this expression means “he has done more good things for us than we would have imagined.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has done wonderful things”
2:22 c3d7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture the pastures of the wilderness have sprouted, for the tree has borne its fruit, the fig tree and the vine have yielded their strength 1 Joel is using the past tense to describe something that is going to happen in the future in order to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “the pastures of the wilderness will sprout, for the tree will bear its fruit, the fig tree and the vine will yield their strength”
2:22 l9m2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy their strength 1 Joel is using the term **strength** to mean the harvest, by association with the way the land has the capacity to produce crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their harvest”
2:22 s9t5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe Do not fear, beasts of the field 1 Joel is once again speaking to the **beasts of the field** as if they were people who could hear him. He is doing this to show his Judean listeners in a strong way how he feels about what Yahweh will do for them by restoring the pastures and the trees. If your readers might not understand this kind of figurative speech, you could translate what Joel is saying as if he were speaking directly to the Judeans. Alternate translation: “You Judeans should also not be afraid of what will happen to the beasts of the field”
2:22 x3y7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun the tree has borne its fruit, the fig tree and the vine have yielded their strength 1 Joel is not referring to specific **tree**, **fig tree**, or **vine**. He means these trees in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “the trees have borne their fruit, the fig trees and the vines have yielded their strength”
2:23 e5f1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture he has given to you the early rain for vindication and has brought down the shower to you 1 Joel is using the past tense to describe something that is going to happen in the future in order to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “he will give to you the early rain for vindication and will bring down the shower to you”
2:23 f2g8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns for vindication 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **vindication**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to vindicate you”
2:23 n5p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor sons of Zion 1 Joel is speaking as if **Zion**, meaning Jerusalem, were literally the mother of the people who lived in that city. Alternate translation: “residents of Zion” or “citizens of Jerusalem”
2:23 n7p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns your God 1 Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **your**. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: “our God”
2:23 s1t3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the early rain and the late rain 1 Joel is speaking from the perspective of his own culture and location. By **early rain**, he means the fall rains, and by **late rain**, he means the spring rains. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the fall rains and the spring rains”
2:23 u7v2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit in the first 1 Joel is speaking from the perspective of his own culture. By **in the first**, he could mean either “in the first month of the year” or “as at first.” You could say one of these explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in the first month of the year” or “as at first”
2:23 z9a4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun the shower 1 Joel is not referring to a specific **shower**. He means showers in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “showers”
2:24 t9u7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole and the vats will overflow {with} new wine and oil 1 Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and the vats will be very full of new wine and oil”
2:25 n4p6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the years 1 Joel is using the term **years** by association to mean the crops produced in those years. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the crops”
2:25 q7r1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor my great army 1 Yahweh is speaking of the locust swarm as if it were literally his army. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the great swarm”
2:26 b2c9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo who has done with you, doing wondrously 1 It might seem that the expression **who has done with you, doing wondrously** contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “who has done wondrously with you” or “who has done wonderful things for you”
2:26 d3e7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication And eating, you will eat and be full 1 Yahweh is repeating the verb “eat” in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “And you will eat abundantly and be full”
2:26 q8r1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the name 1 Yahweh is using the term **name** to mean character or reputation, by association with the way a name represents a person’s identity. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the character” or “the reputation”
2:26 t8u2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person the name of Yahweh your God 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “my name. I am Yahweh your God”
2:26 w2x5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit and forever my people will not feel shame 1 The word translated as **forever** means “to indefinite futurity.” Alternate translation: “and for as long as anyone can imagine, my people will not feel shame”
2:27 j987 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit While it is not known precisely where or when Joel prophesied, he appears to have lived in the southern kingdom of Judah before the exile or in the province of Judah (Judea) after the exile. So the term **Israel** probably does not mean the northern kingdom of Israel. It seems to be a reference to the people of Judah as Israelites. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” 1
2:27 y8z3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit and forever my people will not feel shame 1 The word translated as **forever** means “to indefinite futurity.” Alternate translation: “and for as long as anyone can imagine, my people will not feel shame”
2:28 k2l3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism and your sons and your daughters will prophesy 1 Yahweh is speaking of the two major components of something in order to mean everything it includes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “all of your children will prophesy”
2:28 m4n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions 1 Yahweh is speaking of two things in order to mean them and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “your people of all ages will see prophetic images”
2:28 s3t7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy on all flesh 1 Yahweh is using the term **flesh** to mean people, by association with the way human bodies are made of flesh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on all people”
2:28 s3t8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he would literally pour out his Spirit like a liquid. He means that he will give his Spirit generously. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will generously give my Spirit to all people”
2:28 u7v2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent And it will happen after this 1 Yahweh is using this phrase to introduce a new event in the story that he goes on to describe. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event.
2:28 w3x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit dreams 1 Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **dreams**, he means dreams with prophetic significance. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “dreams with prophetic significance”
2:29 o6p7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism And even on male servants and on female servants 1 Yahweh is speaking of two things in order to mean them and everything in between. This verse continues the thought of the previous verse, in which all the people mentioned can be assumed to be free. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “Yes, on people of every gender and social status”
2:29 u5v9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy in those days 1 Yahweh is using the term **days** to mean a period of time, by association with the way days make up longer periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that time”
2:29 u6v4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will pour out my Spirit 1 See how you translated this in [2:28](../02/8.md).
2:31 j5k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis and the moon into blood 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and the moon will be turned into blood”
2:31 v4w6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person the great and terrible day of Yahweh 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “my great and terrible day”
2:31 w2x4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the great and terrible day of Yahweh 1 See how you translated the similar expression in [1:15](../01/15.md).
2:31 w9x2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the sun and moon would literally turn into darkness and blood. He means that they will appear as they do during eclipses. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The sun and the moon will appear as they do during eclipses”
2:31 y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The sun will become darkness and the moon will become blood”
2:32 a1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh will be saved 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will save everyone who calls on his name”
2:32 a6b2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem 1 The terms **Mount Zion** and **Jerusalem** mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “in the holy city of Jerusalem”
2:32 b7c2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person whom Yahweh {is} calling 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “whom I am calling”
2:32 h6j4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be escape 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **escape**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “For people who live on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem will escape”
2:32 j7k9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche on the name of Yahweh 1 Yahweh is using one aspect of Yahweh, his **name**, to represent all of Yahweh. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on Yahweh”
2:32 l7m4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis and among the survivors whom Yahweh {is} calling 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and there will be escape among the survivors whom Yahweh is calling”
2:32 x9y3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person the name of Yahweh 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “my name”
2:32 y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the survivors 1 Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **the survivors**, he means the survivors of the exile. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the survivors of the exile”
2:32 z1a5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person as that Yahweh has said 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “as I have said”
3:intro jcn7 0 # Joel 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThere 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])\n\n## Translation Issues in This Chapter\n\n### Israel\n\nThe 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.
3:1 nha5 כִּ֗י הִנֵּ֛ה 1 Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention”
3:1 zy3s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet בַּ⁠יָּמִ֥ים הָ⁠הֵ֖מָּה וּ⁠בָ⁠עֵ֣ת הַ⁠הִ֑יא 1 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”
3:1 c3ys אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָשִׁ֛יב אֶת־שְׁב֥וּת יְהוּדָ֖ה וִ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “When I send the exiles back to Judah and Jerusalem”
3:2 xs2u עֵ֖מֶק יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט 1 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.
3:2 idt3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet עַמִּ֨⁠י וְ⁠נַחֲלָתִ֤⁠י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ 1 These two phrases emphasize how Yahweh views Israel as his own precious people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel, who are my inheritance”
3:3 z4y6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּתְּנ֤וּ הַ⁠יֶּ֨לֶד֙ בַּ⁠זּוֹנָ֔ה וְ⁠הַ⁠יַּלְדָּ֛ה מָכְר֥וּ בַ⁠יַּ֖יִן וַ⁠יִּשְׁתּֽוּ 1 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”
3:4 qj6v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וְ֠⁠גַם מָה־אַתֶּ֥ם לִ⁠י֙ צֹ֣ר וְ⁠צִיד֔וֹן וְ⁠כֹ֖ל גְּלִיל֣וֹת פְּלָ֑שֶׁת 1 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.”
3:4 xaa9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הַ⁠גְּמ֗וּל אַתֶּם֙ מְשַׁלְּמִ֣ים עָלָ֔⁠י 1 “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.”
3:4 ns7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche קַ֣ל מְהֵרָ֔ה אָשִׁ֥יב גְּמֻלְ⁠כֶ֖ם בְּ⁠רֹאשְׁ⁠כֶֽם 1 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:4 wdm3 גְּמֻלְ⁠כֶ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “revenge” or “payback”
3:7 sum8 הִנְ⁠נִ֣י 1 Alternate translation: “Pay attention” or “Listen”
3:7 dc6d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit מִן־הַ֨⁠מָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁר־מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם אֹתָ֖⁠ם שָׁ֑מָּ⁠ה 1 The people of Israel will leave the places where they were slaves and come back to the land of Israel.
3:7 uh32 וַ⁠הֲשִׁבֹתִ֥י גְמֻלְ⁠כֶ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “give back what you deserve”
3:8 pww6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּ⁠מָכַרְתִּ֞י אֶת־בְּנֵי⁠כֶ֣ם וְ⁠אֶת־בְּנֽוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֗ם בְּ⁠יַד֙ בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה 1 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
3:8 t9jc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names לִ⁠שְׁבָאיִ֖ם 1 the people of the land of Sabea
3:9 d6ny הָעִ֨ירוּ֙ הַ⁠גִּבּוֹרִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “make the mighty men ready for action”
3:10 t93c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism כֹּ֤תּוּ אִתֵּי⁠כֶם֙ לַֽ⁠חֲרָב֔וֹת וּ⁠מַזְמְרֹֽתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם לִ⁠רְמָחִ֑ים 1 These two phrases share similar meanings. Both of them instruct the people to turn their farming tools into weapons.
3:10 ze4m אִתֵּי⁠כֶם֙ 1 tools that are used to break up the soil in order to plant crops
3:10 epv7 וּ⁠מַזְמְרֹֽתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם 1 knives that are used to cut off small branches
3:11 rp2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony ע֣וּשׁוּ וָ⁠בֹ֧אוּ כָֽל־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֛ם מִ⁠סָּבִ֖יב וְ⁠נִקְבָּ֑צוּ שָׁ֕מָּ⁠ה 1 These words continue the ironic call to battle that begins in [Joel 3:9](../03/09.md).
3:11 p5mc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְ⁠נִקְבָּ֑צוּ 1 The purpose of the gathering is for battle. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “gather yourselves together for battle”
3:11 e3ig הַֽנְחַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה גִּבּוֹרֶֽי⁠ךָ 1 This could mean: (1) Joel is telling the people of Judah that this is what they are to “proclaim among the nations” ([Joel 3:9](../03/09.md)) or (2) Joel interrupts the words of Yahweh and prays a short prayer.
3:12 b1jw 0 # General Information:\n\nYahweh finishes the speech he began in [Joel 2:25](../02/25.md), promising good things for the people of Israel.
3:12 ul2y הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֔ם & אֶת־כָּל־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֖ם מִ⁠סָּבִֽיב 1 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.
3:12 pq55 עֵ֖מֶק יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט 1 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](../03/02.md).
3:13 hq7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל & מָ֣לְאָה גַּ֔ת 1 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.
3:13 iw8d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל כִּ֥י בָשַׁ֖ל קָצִ֑יר 1 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.
3:13 i8r2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל 1 “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.
3:13 zx33 מַגָּ֔ל 1 a long curved knife that people use for cutting grain
3:13 rua7 בָשַׁ֖ל קָצִ֑יר 1 Alternate translation: “the grain is ready to be harvested”
3:13 tz4a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בֹּ֤אֽוּ רְדוּ֙ כִּֽי־מָ֣לְאָה גַּ֔ת 1 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”
3:13 haw5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor הֵשִׁ֨יקוּ֙ הַ⁠יְקָבִ֔ים כִּ֥י רַבָּ֖ה רָעָתָֽ⁠ם 1 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.
3:14 y2ge הֲמוֹנִ֣ים הֲמוֹנִ֔ים 1 A tumult is noise caused by a large crowd. This is repeated to show that it will be very noisy from all the people.
3:14 r3ir בְּ⁠עֵ֖מֶק הֶֽ⁠חָר֑וּץ & בְּ⁠עֵ֖מֶק הֶ⁠חָרֽוּץ 1 This phrase is repeated to show that the judgment will certainly happen.
3:14 fq2i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns בְּ⁠עֵ֖מֶק הֶֽ⁠חָר֑וּץ 1 There is no known place with this name. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **judgment**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “Valley Where Yahweh Judges”
3:16 fj29 0 # General Information:\n\nYahweh begins speaking in verse 17.
3:16 fe1r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַ⁠יהוָ֞ה מִ⁠צִּיּ֣וֹן יִשְׁאָ֗ג וּ⁠מִ⁠ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ יִתֵּ֣ן קוֹל֔⁠וֹ 1 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”
3:16 yr8u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וַ⁠יהוָ֞ה & יִשְׁאָ֗ג 1 This could mean: (1) “Yahweh will roar like a lion” or (2) “Yahweh will roar like thunder.”
3:16 lf34 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole וְ⁠רָעֲשׁ֖וּ שָׁמַ֣יִם וָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 1 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 Yahweh’s 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:16 vd5q וְ⁠רָעֲשׁ֖וּ 1 This word is the past form of the word translated “tremble” in [Joel 2:10](../02/10.md).
3:16 lr5v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וַֽ⁠יהוָה֙ מַֽחֲסֶ֣ה לְ⁠עַמּ֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠מָע֖וֹז לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3:17 isx1 וִֽ⁠ידַעְתֶּ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “When I do these things, you will know”
3:18 y22f וְ⁠הָיָה֩ בַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠ה֜וּא & הֶ⁠הָרִ֣ים 1 “This is what will happen on that day: the mountains” Translate “It will come about” as in [Joel 2:28](../02/28.md).
3:18 m6v9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole יִטְּפ֧וּ הֶ⁠הָרִ֣ים עָסִ֗יס 1 “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”
3:18 yj7w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠הַ⁠גְּבָעוֹת֙ תֵּלַ֣כְנָה חָלָ֔ב 1 “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”
3:18 l5yu וְ⁠כָל־אֲפִיקֵ֥י יְהוּדָ֖ה יֵ֣לְכוּ מָ֑יִם 1 Alternate translation: “water will flow through all the brooks of Judah”
3:18 k6qq וְ⁠הִשְׁקָ֖ה אֶת־נַ֥חַל הַ⁠שִּׁטִּֽים 1 Alternate translation: “will send water to the Valley of Shittim”
3:18 f69l rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names הַ⁠שִּׁטִּֽים 1 This is the name of a place on the east side of the Jordan River. It means “Acacia Trees.”
3:19 la92 מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לִ⁠שְׁמָמָ֣ה תִֽהְיֶ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “Everyone will leave Egypt and no one will live there”
3:19 au36 וֶ⁠אֱד֕וֹם לְ⁠מִדְבַּ֥ר שְׁמָמָ֖ה תִּֽהְיֶ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “Everyone will leave Edom and it will look like no people have ever lived there”
3:19 c2r8 מֵֽ⁠חֲמַס֙ בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “because of the violent things Egypt and Edom did to the people of Judah”
3:19 t6ay rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֲשֶׁר־שָׁפְכ֥וּ דָם־נָקִ֖יא בְּ⁠אַרְצָֽ⁠ם 1 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”
3:20 gi4z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וִ⁠יהוּדָ֖ה לְ⁠עוֹלָ֣ם תֵּשֵׁ֑ב 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will live in Judah forever”
3:20 f72t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וִ⁠ירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם לְ⁠ד֥וֹר וָ⁠דֽוֹר 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “generation after generation, people will live in Jerusalem”
3:21 dj9s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠נִקֵּ֖יתִי דָּמָ֣⁠ם לֹֽא־נִקֵּ֑יתִי 1 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”
3:1 c8d4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet in those days and at that time 1 The expressions **in those days** and **at that time** mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two expressions together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “when that wonderful time comes”
3:1 k4m8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations For behold, in those days and at that time 1 This verse begins a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh also said, ‘For behold, in those days and at that time”
3:1 k9l5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns when I return the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **captivity**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem”
3:1 p8q4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants when I return the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: “when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem”
3:1 y5z7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor For behold 1 3:1 Yahweh is using the term **behold** to focus his listeners’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Now listen”
3:2 c3d4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys my people and my inheritance Israel 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **inheritance** tells what kind of **people** the Israelites are to Yahweh. In this context, the word **inheritance** refers to a portion that someone would choose for himself. Alternate translation: “my chosen people Israel”
3:2 j2k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate the Valley of Jehoshaphat 1 The word **Jehoshaphat** is the name of a valley. In your translation, you could spell it the way it sounds in your language, as the ULT does, or you could use a word or phrase from your language that expresses the meaning of this name. Alternate translation: “the Valley of Yahweh-Judges”
3:2 n9p6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis and they divided up my land 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and because they divided up my land”
3:3 b6c2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun the lot 1 Yahweh is not referring to a specific **lot**. He means lots in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “lots”
3:3 d9e2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense and they sold a girl for wine and drank 1 Yahweh means that the people of these nations **sold a girl** into slavery in order to get money for **wine** that they could drink. If this connection would not be clear, you could use a different form of the verb **drank**. Alternate translation: “and they sold a girl for wine to drink”
3:4 a2b8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Are you repaying a recompense to me? And if you are recompensing me 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the nations were literally repaying him for something. He is asking if they have a grudge against him that they are carrying out. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do you have some grudge against me that you are carrying out? And if you are carrying out a grudge against me”
3:4 b2c7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion And indeed, what {are} you to me, Tyre, Sidon, and all of the regions of Philistia? Are you repaying a recompense to me? 1 Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “And indeed, you are nothing to me, Tyre, Sidon, and all of the regions of Philistia! There is no recompense that you need to repay to me!”
3:4 b5p9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom what {are} you to me 1 This is an expression that a person in this culture would commonly use to ask another person why he was treating him with hostility. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “what do you have against me” or “why are you treating me with hostility”
3:4 e7f3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet swiftly, speedily 1 The terms **swiftly** and **speedily** mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very quickly”
3:4 w7x3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche I will turn your recompense onto your head 1 Yahweh is using one part of a person, his **head**, to mean the entire person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning with a more general term. Alternate translation: “I will turn your recompense onto you” or “I will pay you back”
3:4 z1a6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns onto your head 1 Since Yahweh is referring to multiple nations, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **head**. Alternate translation: “onto your heads”
3:5 e7f3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor to the sons of Javan 1 Here the word **sons** does not mean literal first-generation offspring but “descendants.” The phrase **the sons of Javan** refers to the Ionians, that is, the Greeks. Alternate translation: “to the Greeks”
3:6 c4d1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor And you sold the sons of Judah and the sons of Jerusalem 1 See how you translated the term **sons** in [2:23](../02/23.md). Alternate translation: “the people who lived in the province of Judah and the city of Jerusalem”
3:6 e4f5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Javan 1 The word **Javan** is the name of a man.
3:6 l4n8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result in order to remove them far from their territory While this phrase seems to describe a purpose or goal, it is actually describing a result. Alternate translation: “and as a result, they were removed far from their territory” 1
3:7 b3c8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns onto your head 1 Since Yahweh is referring to multiple nations, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of “head.” Alternate translation: “onto your heads”
3:7 n8p3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo where you sold them there 1 It may seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “to which you sold them”
3:7 t7f2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Behold me rousing them 1 As in [2:19](../02/19.md), this expression means “I am going to rouse them.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “I am going to stir them up”
3:7 y9z5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche and I will turn your recompense onto your head 1 See how you translated the same expression in [3:4](../03/04.md).
3:8 d5e1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns into the hand of the sons of Judah 1 Since Yahweh is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **hand**. Alternate translation: “into the hands of the sons of Judah”
3:8 g8h1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Sabeans 1 The word **Sabeans** is the name of a people group.
3:8 l2m5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases For I will sell 1 Yahweh is using the word **For** to introduce more specific information about what he described in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “This will happen when I sell”
3:8 l3m5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche For I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the sons of Judah 1 Yahweh is using one part of a person, the **hand**, to represent the whole person in the act of taking possession of something. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning with more general terms. Alternate translation: “For I will sell your sons and your daughters to the Judeans”
3:8 r5s7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations to a faraway nation.” For Yahweh has spoken 1 The phrase **For Yahweh has spoken** indicates that this is a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “to a faraway nation,’ says Yahweh”
3:9 a1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Consecrate a war 1 Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **Consecrate a war**, he means to perform the rites with which they would begin a war. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Perform the rites with which you would begin a war”
3:9 w7x4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular Proclaim 1 The imperative **Proclaim** is plural here, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Joel is addressing generally all those who would be in a position to make this proclamation.
3:10 k9m2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown your plowshares 1 The word **plowshares** describes blades for plows, which are tools used to break up soil for planting. If your readers would not be familiar with what a plowshare is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar thing that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “your plow blades” or “your farming tools”
3:10 n5p8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown your pruning hooks 1 The expression **pruning hooks** describes curved blades used for trimming trees and vines. If your readers would not be familiar with what a pruning hook is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar thing that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “your curved trimming blades” or “your gardening tools”
3:10 v9w2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes Let the weak say, ‘I {am} strong.’ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Let the weak say that they are strong”
3:10 w5x8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj the weak 1 Joel is using the adjective **weak** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “anyone who is weak”
3:11 e5f6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys Hurry and come 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **Hurry** tells in what way the nations should **come**. Alternate translation: “Come quickly”
3:12 a7b3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations Let the nations rouse themselves 1 Most versions treat verses 12 and 13 as a direct quotation of Yahweh, but some do not. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
3:12 l9m3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate the Valley of Jehoshaphat 1 See how you translated this name in [3:2](../03/02.md).
3:12 m4n1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction I will sit to judge 1 To **sit to judge** means to sit down as a symbolic action that represents taking an official position of authority to make judgments. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “I will take my place as judge”
3:13 g9h2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Stretch out the sickle, for the harvest has ripened 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he literally wanted the “warriors” mentioned in 3:11 to harvest grain. He means that he wants them to gather the nations for judgment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Gather the nations for judgement, just as harvesters sickle grain and gather it”
3:13 j4k7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Come, go down, for the winepress is full 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he literally wanted those “warriors” to harvest grapes. He means once again that he wants them to gather the nations for judgment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, gather the nations for judgment, just as harvesters go down into vineyards when there are enough grapes to fill a winepress”
3:13 m3n7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns for their wickedness is great 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **wickedness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for they are very wicked”
3:13 w5x6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche Stretch out the sickle 1 Yahweh is using the first thing someone would to in order to use a sickle, **Strech** it out, to mean the entire act of using it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Use the sickle”
3:13 y1z6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular Stretch out 1 The imperative **Stretch out** is plural here, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. This imperative seems to be addressing the “warriors” mentioned in [3:9](../03/09.md).
3:13 y7z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun Stretch out the sickle 1 Yahweh is not referring to a specific **sickle**. He means the sickles that his “warriors” of verse 11 symbolically have. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “Use your sickles”
3:14 f1g5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision 1 Joel is repeating the word **multitudes** in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Vast multitudes in the valley of decision”
3:14 p1q6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns in the valley of decision 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **decision**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in the valley where I will decide their fate”
3:14 s5t1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision 1 Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Multitudes, multitudes are in the valley of decision”
3:15 j9k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification See how you translated the same expression in [2:10](../02/10.md). 1
3:15 l1m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The sun and the moon become dark, and the stars withdraw their brightness 1 These are the same phrases as in [2:10](../02/10.md), where Joel used them to describe the locust swarm blocking the light of the sun, moon, and stars. Here, in Joel’s description of the final judgment, these phrases could have a literal meaning, describing how the creation will disintegrate at the end of history. However, this could also be symbolic of earthly rulers and nations losing their power. Alternate translation: “All earthly powers fade before the power of Yahweh”
3:16 n2p9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor and the heavens and the earth will shake 1 Joel is speaking as if the **heavens** and the **earth** would literally shake. This could have a literal meaning and be a description of how the creation will disintegrate at the end of history. However, it could also be symbolic of how powers on earth and in heaven will give way before the power of Yahweh. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state one of these meanings plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, powers on earth and in heaven will give way before the power of Yahweh”
3:16 n8p3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Yahweh will roar from Zion 1 Joel is speaking as if Yahweh would literally **roar** like a lion. He means that Yahweh will powerfully proclaim his judgments. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will powerfully proclaim his judgments from Zion, just as a lion roars powerfully”
3:16 q5r9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor But Yahweh {will be} a shelter for his people and a stronghold for the sons of Israel 1 Joel is speaking as if Yahweh will literally be a **shelter** and a **stronghold**. He means that Yahweh will protect his people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh will protect his people, yes, he will guard the sons of Israel”
3:16 s2t7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the sons of Israel 1 See how you translated the term **sons** in [2:23](../02/23.md). Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
3:17 r8s2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns the mountain of my holiness 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “my holy mountain”
3:18 a3b5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy a spring 1 Yahweh is using the term **spring** by association to mean the water that comes from a spring. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “water from a spring”
3:18 c9d5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations And it will be on that day 1 Some versions do not treat this verse as part of the direct quotation of Yahweh in 3:17–21. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
3:18 n5p7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate the Valley of Shittim 1 The word **Shittim** is the name of a valley. In your translation, you could spell it the way it sounds in your language, as the ULT does, or you could use a word or phrase from your language that expresses the meaning of this name. Alternate translation: “the Valley of the Acacias”
3:18 q6r1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go and a spring will go forth 1 In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of **go**. Alternate translation: “and a spring will come out”
3:18 u6v1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the mountains will drip sweet wine, and the hills will flow {with} milk 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the **mountains** and **hills** would literally produce **wine** and **milk**. He means that the land will be very productive. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the grapevines on the mountains will produce grapes for wine abundantly, and the pastures on the hills will nourish cattle that will produce much milk”
3:18 v4w7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor from the house of Yahweh 1 See how you translated the same expression in [1:9](../01/09.md). Alternate translation: “from the temple of Yahweh”
3:18 y7z1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy on that day 1 Yahweh is using the term **day** to mean a specific time, by association with the way a day is a specific period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that time”
3:19 c9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy shed innocent blood 1 Yahweh is using the term **blood** to mean the lives of people, by association with the way people’s blood may be shed when they are killed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “killed innocent people”
3:19 f7g3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns in their land 1 Since Yahweh is referring to two nations, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of “land.” Alternate translation: “in their lands”
3:19 t4u9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns Egypt will become desolation 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **desolation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Egypt will become desolate”
3:19 u3v4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession for the violence of the sons of Judah 1 Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe not **violence** that the **sons of Judah** committed but violence that was committed against them. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “for the violence they committed against the sons of Judah”
3:20 e6f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Judah 1 Yahweh is using the term **Judah** by association to mean the people living in Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”
3:20 l1s8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to generation and generation 1 Like the expression in [2:2](../02/02.md), this means “for a very long time.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “for all generations to come”
3:20 u7v3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis and Jerusalem to generation and generation 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and Jerusalem will dwell to generation and generation”
3:21 d8e4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person for Yahweh {is} dwelling in Zion 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “for I am dwelling in Zion”
3:21 e1f7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations for Yahweh {is} dwelling in Zion 1 Some versions do not treat this clause as part of the direct quotation of Yahweh in 3:17–21. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
3:21 g1h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy their blood 1 Yahweh is using the term **blood** to mean the deaths of people, by association with the people may shed their blood when they die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their deaths”
3:21 r3s6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants And I will acquit their blood {that} I have not acquitted 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: “And I will avenge their blood {that} I have not avenged”

1 Reference ID Tags SupportReference Quote Occurrence Note
2 front:intro aq5w 0 # Introduction to Joel\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of Joel\n\n1. The land ruined; the day of Yahweh is coming (1:1–2:11)\n * Locusts and drought (1:1–20)\n * The day of Yahweh (2:1–11)\n1. Yahweh restores his people (2:12–32)\n * The people should turn to Yahweh, for he will pity them (2:12–27)\n * The Spirit of Yahweh, wonders, and salvation (2:28–32)\n1. Yahweh will judge the nations (3:1–21)\n * Yahweh judges the nations (3:1–16)\n * Yahweh dwells in Zion (3:17–21)\n\n### What is the Book of Joel about?\n\nThe 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).\n\nThe 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.\n\nJoel’s 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).\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThe 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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Joel?\n\nThis book contains the prophecies of an Israelite named Joel, son of Pethuel. The book does not tell when Joel prophesied.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### What is the meaning of the locust attacks in Joel 1 and 2, and of the drought in Joel 2?\n\nLocust 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.\n\nThere 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.\n\nJoel 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.\n\nTranslators should simply translate the locust attacks and drought as Joel described them and not worry about the various possible meanings.\n\n### What did Joel prophesy about the future for God’s people?\n\nJoel prophesied that God will defeat Israel’s 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### How should one translate the poetry of the Book of Joel?\n\nAll 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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3 1:intro q2ev 0 # Joel 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nJoel 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.\n\n## Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter\n\n### Locusts\n\nThis 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.\n\nIt 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\nTranslators should translate simply, presenting the scenes of locusts as Joel describes them, and not worry about the various possible meanings.\n\n## Translation Issues in This Chapter\n\n### Rhetorical Questions\n\nThe author also uses rhetorical questions that communicate surprise and alarm. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
4 1:1 qry6 a3b2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Pethuel 0 1 # General Information:\n\nGod speaks through Joel to the people of Israel using poetry. The word **Pethuel** is the name of a man.
5 1:1 er8g a3b7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy דְּבַר־יְהוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָיָ֔ה אֶל־יוֹאֵ֖ל The word of Yahweh that was 1 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” Joel is using the term **word** to mean the message that Yahweh gave, by association with the way words are used to communicate messages. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The message that Yahweh gave”
6 1:1 1:2 qwp8 a3b7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor יְהוָה֙ your fathers 1 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. Joel is not referring to the literal **fathers** of the Israelites he is addressing. He is using that term to mean their ancestors. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your ancestors”
7 1:1 1:2 m5wr c9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy פְּתוּאֵֽל in your days or in the days of 1 Joel’s father Joel is using the term **days** to mean a period of time, by association with the way days make up longer periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in your time or in the time of”
8 1:2 t74n d6e9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism הֶ⁠הָ֤יְתָה זֹּאת֙ בִּֽ⁠ימֵי⁠כֶ֔ם וְ⁠אִ֖ם בִּ⁠ימֵ֥י אֲבֹֽתֵי⁠כֶֽם Hear this, you elders, and listen, all of the dwellers of the land 1 Joel is preparing the elders to listen to what he has to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Nothing like this has ever happened before either to you or to your ancestors” See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of how Hebrew poetry consisted of paired phrases that meant basically the same thing. Decide as a translation team how you will represent this poetry in your translation throughout the book of Joel. Alternate translation: “Hear this, you elders! Yes, listen, all of the dwellers of the land!”
9 1:3 1:2 vge5 q3r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם לְ⁠ד֥וֹר אַחֵֽר Has this been in your days or in the days of your fathers? 1 You may need to fill in the words that have been left out. Alternate translation: “let their children tell the generation after them” Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “This has not happened in your days or in the days of your fathers!”
10 1:4 1:3 m68u d4e9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis הָֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה and your sons to their sons, and their sons to the generation after 1 large groups of insects like grasshoppers that fly together and eat large areas of food crops Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and let your sons recount it to their sons, and let their sons recount it to the generation after”
11 1:4 1:3 ny2z f7g5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations הַ⁠גָּזָם֙ & הָֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה & הַ⁠יָּ֑לֶק & הֶ⁠חָסִֽיל to your sons, and your sons to their sons, and their sons 1 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. Here the masculine term **sons** has a generic sense that includes both male and female children. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “to your children, and your children to their children, and their children”
12 1:5 1:3 zk2a s9t2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular Recount about it to your sons, and your sons 0 1 # General Information:\n\nGod warns the people of Israel about the coming locust army. The imperative **Recount** and the word **your** are plural here because Joel is addressing the “elders” and “dwellers” mentioned in the previous verse. So use plural forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
13 1:5 1:4 l1nq h9j4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun שִׁכּוֹרִים֙ וּ⁠בְכ֔וּ וְ⁠הֵילִ֖לוּ כָּל־שֹׁ֣תֵי יָ֑יִן The residue of the cutting locust, the swarming locust has eaten, and the residue of the swarming locust, the hopping locust has eaten, and the residue of the hopping locust, the destroying locust has eaten 1 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” Joel is not referring to specific locusts of these types. He means locusts of these types in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “The residue of the cutting locusts, swarming locusts have eaten, and the residue of the swarming locusts, hopping locusts have eaten, and the residue of the hopping locusts, destroying locusts have eaten”
14 1:6 1:4 qm8j m9p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany גוֹי֙ The residue of the cutting locust, the swarming locust has eaten, and the residue of the swarming locust, the hopping locust has eaten, and the residue of the hopping locust, the destroying locust has eaten 1 The locust swarm is like an invading army. See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of the litany form and how you might format this verse in your translation to show that Joel is using it.
15 1:6 1:4 jn1q r2s6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown שִׁנָּי⁠ו֙ שִׁנֵּ֣י The residue of the cutting locust, the swarming locust has eaten, and the residue of the swarming locust, the hopping locust has eaten, and the residue of the hopping locust, the destroying locust has eaten 1 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. The terms **cutting**, **swarming**, **hopping**, and **destroying** describe different kinds of locusts. Interpreters are no longer certain specifically what kinds of locusts these were. You may wish to use more general expressions in your translation. Alternate translation: “The residue of one kind of locust, another kind of locust has eaten, and the residue of that kind of locust, yet another kind of locust has eaten, and the residue of that kind of locust, still another kind of locust has eaten”
16 1:6 1:5 mpz6 f2g7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result שִׁנָּי⁠ו֙ שִׁנֵּ֣י אַרְיֵ֔ה וּֽ⁠מְתַלְּע֥וֹת לָבִ֖יא לֽ⁠וֹ Wake up, drunkards, and weep! And wail, all of the drinkers of wine, upon the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth 1 These two lines share similar meanings. See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of places such as this where the speaker describes a result before giving the reason for it. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “The sweet wine has been cut off from your mouth, so wail upon it, all of the drinkers of wine”
17 1:6 1:5 aj1z q7n2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַרְצִ֔⁠י it has been cut off from your mouth 1 Yahweh’s land This is a common expression that means that something is no longer available. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “it is no longer available for you to drink”
18 1:7 1:5 sxr3 v7w2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns שָׂ֤ם & חָשֹׂ֤ף חֲשָׂפָ⁠הּ֙ from your mouth 1 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. Since Joel is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **mouth**. Alternate translation: “from your mouths”
19 1:7 1:5 hi96 w4x8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive גַּפְנִ⁠י֙ & וּ⁠תְאֵנָתִ֖⁠י it has been cut off from your mouth 1 Yahweh’s vineyard and fig tree If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the locusts have cut it off from your mouth”
20 1:7 1:6 k8l9 c9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לְ⁠שַׁמָּ֔ה a nation 1 empty and without life Joel is speaking as if this locust swarm were literally a **nation**, meaning in this context an “army.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a great swarm of locusts”
21 1:10 1:6 zn6h e5f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אָבְלָ֖ה אֲדָמָ֑ה Its teeth {are} the teeth of a lion, and the fangs of a lioness {are} to it 1 Here the land is spoken of as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “the farmers are mourning” Joel is describing the locusts as if they literally had the teeth of lions and lionesses. He means that they have strong teeth that can chew even the toughest of plants. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Like a lion or lioness, these locusts have strong teeth that powerfully grind and chew”
22 1:10 1:6 j565 j7k9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole שֻׁדַּ֣ד דָּגָ֔ן and without number 1 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the locusts have destroyed all of the grain” Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and in huge numbers”
23 1:11 1:6 eeq1 j7k9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases שְׂעֹרָ֑ה For 1 a type of grass, like wheat, whose seeds can be used to make bread Joel is using the word **For** to introduce the reason for what he described in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “This has happened because”
24 1:12 1:6 pk4b q8r9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession הוֹבִ֔ישָׁה and the fangs of a lioness {are} to it 1 dried up and died Joel is using a particular possessive form here. A different kind of possessive form may be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and it has the fangs of a lioness”
25 1:12 1:6 r11a u3v7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְ⁠הַ⁠תְּאֵנָ֖ה & מּ֞וֹן & וְ⁠תַפּ֗וּחַ my land 1 different types of fruit Since Joel and the people he is addressing live in the same land, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **my**. Alternate translation: “our land”
26 1:13 1:6 uv6d z8a3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit a nation has come up against my land 0 1 # General Information:\n\nGod speaks to the priests in Israel See the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of travel descriptions marked for change in elevation. Alternate translation: “a nation has come against my land”
27 1:13 1:7 w9cv b5c9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication מִנְחָ֥ה וָ⁠נָֽסֶךְ Stripping, it has stripped it 1 regular offerings in the temple Joel is repeating the verb “strip” in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “It has stripped it completely”
28 1:14 1:7 z8ne e5f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בֵּ֖ית יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֑ם its branches make white 1 the temple in Jerusalem Joel is using the term **make white** to mean that the branches have been stripped of their bark, by association with the way the wood underneath the bark is white in color. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “its branches have been stripped of their bark”
29 1:15 1:7 q895 g1h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor thrown {it} away 0 1 # General Information:\n\nThis is what God is telling the priests to say. Joel is speaking as if the locusts had literally **thrown … away** the vegetation they had finished eating. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “spit it out”
30 1:15 1:7 u6hs g4h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠כְ⁠שֹׁ֖ד מִ⁠שַׁדַּ֥י יָבֽוֹא It has made my vine into a desolation 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **destruction**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destroy” Alternate translation: “On that day the Almighty will destroy his enemies” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **desolation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “It has made my vine desolate”
31 1:16 1:7 yv6d w9x2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns הֲ⁠ל֛וֹא נֶ֥גֶד עֵינֵ֖י⁠נוּ אֹ֣כֶל נִכְרָ֑ת מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵ֖י⁠נוּ שִׂמְחָ֥ה וָ⁠גִֽיל It has made my vine into a desolation and my fig tree into splinters 1 It is certain that destruction will come from the Almighty because these things have already happened. 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” Since Joel and the people he is addressing eat the same crops, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **my**. Alternate translation: “It has made our vines into a desolation and our fig trees into splinters”
32 1:16 1:8 r8wr a3b7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit נֶ֥גֶד עֵינֵ֖י⁠נוּ the husband of her youth 1 “from us.” This refers to all of the nation of Israel. Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **the husband of her youth**, he means the fiancé to whom a young woman was betrothed. The word **virgin** indicates that this woman was not yet married, but in this culture, engagement was tanatmount to marriage and a fiancé was considered a **husband**. You could express this relationship with your own culture’s characteristic terms if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the fiancé of her youth”
33 1:16 1:8 f1eb g7h3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵ֖י⁠נוּ שִׂמְחָ֥ה וָ⁠גִֽיל like a virgin dressed in sackcloth 1 You may need to fill in the ellipsis. Alternate translation: “joy and gladness have been cut off from the house of our God” To wear **sackcloth**, which is clothing made of rough, uncomfortable fabric, is a symbolic action that expresses grief. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “like a virgin dressed in sackcloth to express her grief”
34 1:16 1:8 ppt5 h7j2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile שִׂמְחָ֥ה וָ⁠גִֽיל like a virgin dressed in sackcloth for the husband of her youth 1 These two words mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize that there is no kind of joyful activity happening at the temple. The point of this comparison is that just as a virgin dresses in sackcloth to express her grief, so the Israelites should mourn to express their grief. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “like a virgin dressed in sackcloth to express her grief for the husband of her youth”
35 1:17 1:8 y7su j2k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns מֶגְרְפֹ֣תֵי⁠הֶ֔ם the husband of her youth 1 lumps of dirt If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **youth**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the husband she married when she was young”
36 1:18 1:8 ul6j q5r7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה Mourn 1 make a deep sound because of pain The imperative **Mourn** is feminine singular because Joel is telling the community to mourn as it would as if it were a young woman whose fiancé had died. It may be more natural in your language to use a plural imperative.
37 1:20 1:8 n9lf y6z1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive אֲפִ֣יקֵי like a virgin dressed in sackcloth 1 small streams If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “like a virgin who has dressed herself in sackcloth”
38 1:9 a3b7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The grain offering and the drink offering have been cut off 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The locusts have cut off the grain offering and the drink offering”
39 1:9 t9u2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor from the house of Yahweh 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and often in this chapter, Joel is using the word **house** to mean “temple.” Alternate translation: “from the temple of Yahweh”
40 1:10 c7d9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification the ground mourns 1 Joel is speaking of **the ground** as if it were a living thing that could **mourn** because it was bare of crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ground is bare”
41 1:10 c9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The field has been destroyed, the ground mourns, for the grain has been destroyed 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The locusts have destroyed the field, the ground mourns, for the locusts have destroyed the grain”
42 1:10 e5f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the oil is made weak 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the oil has become weak”
43 1:10 j7k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the new wine dries up 1 Joel is speaking as if the **new wine** the Israelites would have gotten from this harvest had literally dried up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the new wine disappears as if it had evaporated” or “the new wine runs out”
44 1:10 k6l2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun The field has been destroyed 1 Joel is not referring to a specific **field**. He means fields in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “The fields have been destroyed”
45 1:11 m8n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun the field 1 Joel is not referring to a specific **field**. He means fields in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “the fields”
46 1:12 g1h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive has been made weak 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “has become weak”
47 1:12 h2j8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations the sons of man 1 Here the masculine terms **sons** and **man** have a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “human beings”
48 1:12 l3m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor joy has dried up from the sons of man 1 Joel is speaking of **joy** as if it were a liquid that had literally **dried up**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people no longer feel joyful”
49 1:12 m3n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole all of the trees of the field have dried up 1 Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “trees of the field of every kind have dried up”
50 1:12 p3q7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun The vine has dried up and the fig tree has been made weak. The pomegranate tree, also the palm tree and the apple tree 1 Joel is not referring to specific **vine**, **fig tree**, **pomegranate tree**, **palm tree**, or **apple tree**. He means these trees in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “The vines have dried up and the fig trees have been made weak. The pomegranate trees, also the palm trees and the apple trees”
51 1:13 a1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns your God 1 Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **your**. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: “our God”
52 1:13 c9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Dress 1 Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **Dress**, he means “Dress in sackcloth.” You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Dress in sackcloth”
53 1:13 i9j5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction lodge in sackcloth 1 To **lodge in sackcloth** is a symbolic action that expresses deep mourning and repentance. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “spend the night wearing sackcloth to show your deep sorrow and repentance”
54 1:13 j7k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the grain offering and the drink offering have been withheld 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the locusts have withheld the grain offering and the drink offering”
55 1:13 y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns my God 1 Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **my**. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: “our God”
56 1:14 c7d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns your God 1 Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **your**. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: “our God”
57 1:14 k2l7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction Consecrate a fast 1 A **fast** is a time of going without eating. In this context, not eating would be a symbolic action that expressed sorrow for the sins that had caused Yahweh to punish the Israelites. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “Consecrate a fast to show your sorrow for your sin”
58 1:15 c7d9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Shaddai 1 The word **Shaddai** is another name for God.
59 1:15 f9g3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations Alas for the day 1 Joel is using this phrase as an exclamation to express a strong feeling. There may be an equivalent phrase in your language that you can use in your translation to convey this strong feeling. If not, you could say what Joel was feeling. Alternate translation: “Oh, what a terrible day!” or “I am very distressed about this day”
60 1:15 g1h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Alas for the day 1 Joel is using the term **day** to mean this particular time of trouble, by association with the way a day is a specific period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Alas for this time”
61 1:15 j7k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the day of Yahweh 1 Joel is using the term **day** to mean the time when Yahweh will judge and punish his enemies, by association with the way days make up specific periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time when Yahweh will judge and punish his enemies”
62 1:15 l9m3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns and as destruction it will come from Shaddai 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **destruction**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and it will come from Shaddai to destroy”
63 1:16 f1g6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis joy and gladness from the house of our God 1 Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and joy and gladness have been cut off from the house of our God”
64 1:16 k2m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet joy and gladness 1 The terms **joy** and **gladness** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “all celebration”
65 1:16 l3m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Has not food been cut off before our eyes 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Have not the locusts cut off food before our eyes”
66 1:16 l3m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy before our eyes 1 Joel is using the term **eyes** to mean sight, by association with the way eyes are used for seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from our sight”
67 1:16 s7t2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Has not food been cut off before our eyes, joy and gladness from the house of our God? 1 Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Food has been cut off before our eyes, and joy and gladness from the house of our God!”
68 1:17 n9p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the granaries have been broken down 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the granaries have broken down”
69 1:17 n9p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the grain has dried up 1 Joel is speaking of **grain** as if it had literally **dried up**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the grain has disappeared as if it had evaporated” or “the grain has run out”
70 1:18 h5j7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations How the beast groans 1 Joel is using this phrase as an exclamation to express a strong feeling. There may be an equivalent phrase in your language that you can use in your translation to convey this strong feeling. If not, you could say what Joel was feeling. Alternate translation: “Listen to the animals’ pitiful cries!” or “It makes me sad to hear the beasts groan”
71 1:18 q5r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The herds of cattle are perplexed 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The locusts have perplexed the herds of cattle”
72 1:18 q5r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the flocks of sheep are punished 1 Joel is speaking of the sheep dying from hunger as if they were literally being punished. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the flocks of sheep die from hunger, perishing as if they were being punished”
73 1:18 r9s4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun How the beast groans 1 Joel is not referring to a specific **beast**. He means beasts in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “How the beasts groan”
74 1:18 s1t3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the flocks of sheep are punished 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the locusts have punished the flocks of sheep”
75 1:19 s1t3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor and fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness 1 Joel is speaking of the locusts’ destruction as if it were literally a fire consuming the **pastures**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the locusts have eaten up the grass in the pastures of the wilderness”
76 1:19 t6u2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun and the flame has burned all of the trees of the field 1 Joel is not referring to a specific **flame** or **field**. He means flames and fields in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “and flames have burned all of the trees of the fields”
77 1:19 u7v2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor and the flame has burned all of the trees of the field 1 Joel is speaking of the locusts’ destruction as if it were literally a flame burning the **trees**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, the locusts have eaten the leaves and bark of the trees of the field”
78 1:19 y3z6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youformal To you, Yahweh, I cry 1 Joel is appealing to someone who is in authority over him, so languages that have formal and informal forms of “you” would probably use the formal form here.
79 1:20 b1c4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youformal you 1 By **you**, Joel means Yahweh, so if you used the formal form of “you” in the previous verse, use it here as well.
80 1:20 w3x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor and fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness 1 See how you translated this same expression in [1:19](../01/19.md).
81 2:intro j2gp 0 # Joel 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThis chapter continues in the poetic form with striking imagery of armies and soldiers.\n\n## Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter\n\n### Locusts\n\nThis 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.\n\n## Translation Issues in This Chapter\n\nThis chapter uses simile to a great extent as Joel tries to describe this army. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])\n\n### Metaphor\n\nThe 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
82 2:1 m7i5 e5f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit תִּקְע֨וּ שׁוֹפָ֜ר & וְ⁠הָרִ֨יעוּ֙ Blow the shofar in Zion, and shout on the mountain of my holiness 1 Joel is emphasizing the importance of calling Israel together in preparation for the destruction that is coming. Joel assumes that his listeners will know that he wants them to do the things he describes in order to sound an alarm. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Blow the shofar in Zion, and shout on the mountain of my holiness in order to sound an alarm”
83 2:2 2:1 qmb9 g1h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit י֧וֹם חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וַ⁠אֲפֵלָ֗ה tremble 1 The words “darkness” and “gloom” share similar meanings and emphasize that the darkness will be very dark. Alternate translation: “day that is full of darkness” Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **tremble**, he means to tremble in fear or awe. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “tremble in fear or tremble in awe”
84 2:2 2:1 st7t h3j7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וַ⁠אֲפֵלָ֗ה the shofar 1 total or partial darkness A **shofar** is a trumpet made from a ram’s horn. If your readers would not be familiar with what a shofar is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar thing that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a trumpet” or “a ram’s horn”
85 2:2 2:1 pcr6 n5p7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns י֤וֹם עָנָן֙ וַ⁠עֲרָפֶ֔ל on the mountain of my holiness 1 This phrase means the same thing as, and intensifies the idea of the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “day full of dark storm clouds” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “on my holy mountain”
86 2:2 2:1 h3d1 n9p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy כְּ⁠שַׁ֖חַר פָּרֻ֣שׂ עַל־הֶֽ⁠הָרִ֑ים עַ֚ם רַ֣ב וְ⁠עָצ֔וּם the day of Yahweh 1 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 how you translated the same expression in [1:15](../01/15.md).
87 2:2 ekb8 h8i3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis עַ֚ם רַ֣ב וְ⁠עָצ֔וּם a great and mighty people 1 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “a great and mighty people is coming”
88 2:3 2:2 fly5 k4m9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֙ אָ֣כְלָה אֵ֔שׁ Like the dawn being spread upon the mountains 1 A fire destroys everything as it moves, and the “army” ([Joel 2:2](../02/02.md)), whether of humans or of locusts, destroys everything as it moves. The point of this comparison is that just as the dawn spreads steadily and inexorably across the mountains, so the army of locusts spreads steadily and inexorably across the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Like the dawn spreading steadily and inexorably upon the mountains”
89 2:3 2:2 z5iu n8p3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet וְ⁠אַחֲרָ֖י⁠ו תְּלַהֵ֣ט לֶֽהָבָ֑ה darkness and gloom 1 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. The terms **darkness** and **gloom** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “deep darkness”
90 2:3 2:2 yne4 p8q2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole כְּ⁠גַן־עֵ֨דֶן הָ⁠אָ֜רֶץ Like it there has not been from antiquity, and after it there will not be again to years of generation and generation 1 The garden of Eden was a beautiful place, and the land was beautiful. Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “It is worse than anything that has happened in living memory, and nothing like it will happen again for many generations”
91 2:4 2:2 ztn5 q5r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy כְּ⁠מַרְאֵ֥ה סוּסִ֖ים מַרְאֵ֑⁠הוּ a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness 1 The head of a locust looks like a small horse head. The army is fast, and horses are fast. Joel is using the term **day** to mean a period of time, by association with the way days make up specific periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a time of darkness and gloom, a time of clouds and thick darkness”
92 2:4 2:2 fdt4 q7r2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet סוּסִ֖ים clouds and thick darkness 1 A large, strong, fast animal with four legs. The terms **clouds** and **thick darkness** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very dark clouds”
93 2:4 2:2 myc3 s1t3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּ⁠כְ⁠פָרָשִׁ֖ים כֵּ֥ן יְרוּצֽוּ⁠ן like the dawn 1 Men riding horses move quickly, and the army moves quickly. Joel is using the term **dawn** by association to mean the light that appears at dawn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like the light of dawn” or “like the morning sunlight”
94 2:5 2:2 m6fl s5t9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet יְרַקֵּד֔וּ⁠ן a great and mighty people 1 A horse jumps or leaps as it runs quickly. The terms **great** and **mighty** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a very strong people”
95 2:5 2:2 n75f u7v2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive כְּ⁠ק֣וֹל מַרְכָּב֗וֹת & כְּ⁠קוֹל֙ לַ֣הַב אֵ֔שׁ & כְּ⁠עַ֣ם עָצ֔וּם עֱר֖וּךְ מִלְחָמָֽה Like the dawn being spread upon the mountains 1 These sounds would have been very frightening to Joel’s 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” If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Like the dawn spreading upon the mountains”
96 2:7 2:2 d4kv x3m9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom חוֹמָ֑ה to years of generation and generation 1 walls around the cities This is a common expression that means “for a very long time.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “for many generations to come”
97 2:8 2:3 yt67 e3f9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וּ⁠בְעַ֥ד הַ⁠שֶּׁ֛לַח יִפֹּ֖לוּ A fire is devouring to its face, and behind it a flame is burning. To its face the land is like the garden of Eden, but behind it {is} a wilderness of desolation, and indeed {there} is no escape from it 1 they overcome the soldiers defending the city. The pronoun **it** refers to the locust swarm, described in the previous verse as a “people,” that is, an “army.” It may be more natural in your language to use plural pronouns. Alternate translation: “A fire is devouring in front of them, and behind them a flame is burning. In front of them the land is like the garden of Eden, but behind them is a wilderness of desolation, and indeed there is no escape from them”
98 2:10 2:3 iu1h n6p3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֙ רָ֣גְזָה אֶ֔רֶץ רָעֲשׁ֖וּ שָׁמָ֑יִם To its face the land is like the garden of Eden 1 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) The point of this comparison is that just as the garden of Eden was very lush, so the land of Israel ahead of the locust invasion is lush. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “To its face the land is lush, like the garden of Eden”
99 2:10 2:3 lm84 q1r4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns שֶׁ֤מֶשׁ וְ⁠יָרֵ֨חַ֙ קָדָ֔רוּ וְ⁠כוֹכָבִ֖ים אָסְפ֥וּ נָגְהָֽ⁠ {is} a wilderness of desolation 1 This exaggeration claims that there are so many locusts that people cannot see the sun, moon, or stars. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **desolation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “is a desolate wilderness”
100 2:11 2:3 mi1t r6s4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole וַֽ⁠יהוָ֗ה נָתַ֤ן קוֹל⁠וֹ֙ and indeed {there} is no escape from it 1 “Yahweh speaks loudly” to give commands. Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and indeed it is extremely difficult to escape from it”
101 2:11 2:3 tzv4 s8t2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns גָד֧וֹל & וְ⁠נוֹרָ֥א מְאֹ֖ד {there} is no escape from it 1 In this phrase both descriptions mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “greatly terrible” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **escape**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “no one can escape from it”
102 2:11 2:3 vht4 x1y5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּ⁠מִ֥י יְכִילֶֽ⁠נּוּ A fire is devouring to its face 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one will be strong enough to survive Yahweh’s judgment.” See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of how several phrases with the word **face** mean “in front of.” Alternate translation: “A fire is devouring in front of it”
103 2:12 2:3 d1i9 y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor שֻׁ֥בוּ עָדַ֖⁠י בְּ⁠כָל־לְבַבְ⁠כֶ֑ם A fire is devouring to its face, and behind it a flame is burning 1 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” Joel is speaking of the locusts’ destruction as if it were literally a fire consuming everything in front of it and leaving burned land behind. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The locusts eat up the vegetation in front of them as if they were a fire consuming it, and after they have passed, the land looks as if a flame has burned it”
104 2:13 2:4 d1sf g5h1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְ⁠קִרְע֤וּ לְבַבְ⁠כֶם֙ וְ⁠אַל־בִּגְדֵי⁠כֶ֔ם {is} its appearance 1 The heart is a metonym for what the person thinks and loves. Tearing one’s clothes is an outward act of shame or repentance. Alternate translation: “Change your way of thinking; do not just tear your garments” Since the locust swarm is described in verse 2 as a “people” or “army,” it may be more natural in your language to use a plural pronoun. Alternate translation: “is their appearance”
105 2:13 2:4 wfp5 q8r5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile וְ⁠רַב־חֶ֔סֶד Like the appearance of horses {is} its appearance 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **faithfulness**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful” or “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “always faithful to his covenant” or “always loves faithfully” The point of this comparison is that just like war horses, the locusts appear to be strong, agile, and undaunted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Like the appearance of strong, agile, undaunted war horses is their appearance”
106 2:13 2:4 e3gw s1t7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile וְ⁠נִחָ֖ם עַל and like steeds, thus they run 1 stop The point of this comparison is that just as galloping steeds seem to be almost flying because they often leave the ground as they are running, so the locusts seem to be almost flying as they bound across the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and like galloping steeds that seem almost to be flying, thus they bound across the land”
107 2:14 2:5 a2av u3v9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile יָשׁ֣וּב וְ⁠נִחָ֑ם וְ⁠הִשְׁאִ֤יר אַֽחֲרָי⁠ו֙ בְּרָכָ֔ה מִנְחָ֣ה וָ⁠נֶ֔סֶךְ לַ⁠יהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶֽם Like the sound of chariots, they leap on the tops of the hills 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Perhaps Yahweh will turn from his anger … God.” The point of this comparison is that just as chariots make a loud, rumbling noise, so the locusts make a loud noise as they move across the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Making a loud sound like that of chariots, they leap on the tops of the hills”
108 2:14 2:5 xys3 w3x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְ⁠הִשְׁאִ֤יר אַֽחֲרָי⁠ו֙ בְּרָכָ֔ה מִנְחָ֣ה וָ⁠נֶ֔סֶךְ like a mighty people arrayed {for} war 1 “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. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “like a mighty people who have arrayed themselves for war”
109 2:16 2:5 jzj1 w5x2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile מֵ⁠חֻפָּתָֽ⁠הּ like the sound of a flame of fire devouring stubble 1 rooms, usually in the parents’ houses, where brides would wait for their wedding ceremonies The point of this comparison is that just as a fire makes a crackling sound as it quickly consumes dry stubble, so the locusts make a similar sound as they quickly consume the vegetation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “making a crackling sound like a flame of fire devouring stubble”
110 2:17 2:5 fek9 y7z4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile וְ⁠אַל־תִּתֵּ֨ן נַחֲלָתְ⁠ךָ֤ לְ⁠חֶרְפָּה֙ like a mighty people arrayed {for} war 1 Alternate translation: “do not allow your inheritance to become people whom the other nations regard as worthless” The point of this comparison is that just as a mighty army gives a loud shout once it is arrayed for war, so the locusts are making a loud and terrifying noise. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “making a loud, terrifying sound as a mighty people does when it is arrayed for war”
111 2:17 2:6 kqr6 j7k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit נַחֲלָתְ⁠ךָ֤ writhe 1 Here the people of Israel are spoken of as God’s inheritance. Alternate translation: “your special people” Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **writhe**, he means to writhe in agony or fear. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “writhe in agony or writhe in fear”
112 2:17 2:6 ey9s u7v2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy לָ֚⁠מָּה יֹאמְר֣וּ בָֽ⁠עַמִּ֔ים אַיֵּ֖ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠הֶֽם gather beauty 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question 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.” Joel is using the term **beauty** to mean paleness, by association with the way pale skin was considered beautiful in that culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “become pale”
113 2:18 2:7 xeg7 a1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לְ⁠אַרְצ֑⁠וֹ and they do not pledge their paths 1 Alternate translation: “the nation of Israel” Joel is speaking of the locusts staying on their paths as if those paths were literally something they could give in pledge. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they do not part from their paths as if they were giving them in pledge”
114 2:18 2:7 im7l b9c6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile עַמּֽ⁠וֹ They run like warriors 1 Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” The point of this comparison is that the locusts rush forward irresistibly, just as warriors do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “They rush forward irresistibly like warriors”
115 2:19 2:7 lu18 d1e8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile הִנְ⁠נִ֨י like men of war, they climb the wall 1 Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to say” The point of this comparison is that just as men of war skillfully scale walls in battle, so the locusts surmount obstacles without difficulty. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “like men of war they swarm over walls without difficulty”
116 2:19 2:7 jde5 f5t1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וּ⁠שְׂבַעְתֶּ֖ם אֹת֑⁠ a man in his way 1 Alternate translation: “You will have all you need of them” In this context, **man** means “each one” and **way** refers to the direction in which a locust is traveling. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “each one in its own direction”
117 2:19 2:7 tqc6 h7j3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants חֶרְפָּ֖ה and they do not pledge their paths 1 Alternate translation: “unworthy of respect” See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: “and they do not turn from their paths”
118 2:20 2:7 khh7 s1t2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession הַ⁠צְּפוֹנִ֞י & הַ⁠קַּדְמֹנִ֔י & הָ⁠אַֽחֲר֑וֹן like men of war 1 These directions are from the perspective of people living in the land of Israel. Joel is using this possessive form to describe **men** who take part in **war**. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “warriors”
119 2:20 2:7 v9xy v8w5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun הַ⁠יָּם֙ הַ⁠קַּדְמֹנִ֔י the wall 1 the Dead Sea Joel is not referring to a specific **wall**. He means walls in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “the walls”
120 2:20 2:8 ue9y k8p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הַ⁠יָּ֣ם הָ⁠אַֽחֲר֑וֹן And a man does not crowd his brother 1 the Mediterranean Sea Here, **man** means “each one” and **brother** means “another one.” This expression describes how the locusts move in an orderly manner. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “And they do not crowd each other”
121 2:20 2:8 k6n8 l3m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הִגְדִּ֖יל לַ⁠עֲשֽׂוֹת Among the weapons they fall, and they do not break off 1 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.” This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “They bound in among the weapons without breaking ranks” or (2) Alternate translation: “Even though weapons may kill some of them, the swarm keeps coming”
122 2:21 2:8 g3z3 w2s7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַל־תִּֽירְאִ֖י אֲדָמָ֑ה they walk, a man in his road 1 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” As in the previous clause, **man** means “each one” and **road** refers to the direction of travel. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “they move, each one in its own path”
123 2:22 2:9 n9lm f3g5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile אַל־תִּֽירְאוּ֙ בַּהֲמ֣וֹת שָׂדַ֔י through the windows they enter like thieves 1 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” The point of this comparison is that just as thieves enter unexpectedly and undetected through windows, so the locusts get into homes in ways that people do not anticipate and so cannot prevent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “they get into homes in unexpected ways, just as thieves sneak in through windows”
124 2:22 2:9 t5ty s5t1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany דָשְׁא֖וּ נְא֣וֹת מִדְבָּ֑ר Upon the city they rush, on the wall they run, into the houses they climb, through the windows they enter like thieves 1 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 the discussion in the General Introduction to Joel of the litany form and how you might format this verse in your translation to show that Joel is using it.
125 2:23 2:10 xlq6 c5d9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor נָתַ֥ן & וַ⁠יּ֣וֹרֶד לָ⁠כֶ֗ם גֶּ֛שֶׁם the sun and the moon become dark 1 Alternate translation: “he will … cause much rain to fall so that you will live well” Joel is speaking as if the sun and moon had literally become dark. He means that the locust swarm is blocking their light. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the locust swarm blocks the light of the sun and moon”
126 2:23 2:10 vnx8 e3f5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification מוֹרֶ֥ה וּ⁠מַלְק֖וֹשׁ and the stars withdraw their brightness 1 the first rains of the rainy season in early December and the last rains in April and May Joel is speaking of **the stars** as if they were living things that could **withdraw their brightness**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the stars stop shining”
127 2:24 2:10 gw97 l5m7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Connecting Statement: The earth shakes to their face, the heavens tremble 0 1 # Connecting Statement:\n\nYahweh begins a long speech to the Israelites. Joel is speaking as if the locust swarm were literally causing the **earth** to shake and the **heavens** to **tremble**. He means that they make such a loud sound and cause such vibration that it seems like this is happening. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They make such a loud sound and cause such vibration that it is as if the earth is shaking and the heavens are trembling”
128 2:24 2:11 p8u1 a1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy הַ⁠יְקָבִ֖ים his word 1 large containers for liquids Joel is using the term **word** to mean Yahweh’s orders, by association with the way people use words to give orders. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his orders”
129 2:25 2:11 k6bd c7d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶת־הַ⁠שָּׁנִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר֙ אָכַ֣ל הָֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה the day of Yahweh 1 Alternate translation: “the crops that you took care of for years and that the swarming locusts have eaten” See how you translated the same expression in [1:15](../01/15.md).
130 2:25 2:11 e81a u9v4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הָֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה הַ⁠יֶּ֖לֶק וְ⁠הֶ⁠חָסִ֣יל וְ⁠הַ⁠גָּזָ֑ם For the day of Yahweh is great and very terrible, and who will endure it? 1 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](../01/04.md). Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “For the day of Yahweh is great and very terrible, and no one can endure it!”
131 2:26 2:11 jy17 w3x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠הִלַּלְתֶּ֗ם אֶת־שֵׁ֤ם יְהוָה֙ his voice 1 The name is a metonym for the person, specifically his reputation. Alternate translation: “praise Yahweh” or “praise Yahweh because everyone knows he is good” Joel is using the term **voice** to mean Yahweh’s commands, by association with the way authorities use their voices to give commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his commands”
132 2:26 2:11 x2qr y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy שֵׁ֤ם יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵי⁠כֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֥ה עִמָּ⁠כֶ֖ם לְ⁠הַפְלִ֑יא is his camp 1 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” Joel is using the term **camp** to mean Yahweh’s army, by association with the way armies stay in camps. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is his army”
133 2:28 2:12 p6xw p9q3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וְ⁠הָיָ֣ה אַֽחֲרֵי־כֵ֗ן אֶשְׁפּ֤וֹךְ “Yet even now,” the declaration of Yahweh, “return to me 1 Alternate translation: “This is what I will do after that: I” The phrase **the declaration of Yahweh** indicates that this is a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh declares, ‘Yet even now, return to me”
134 2:28 2:12 mc8b u3v8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular אֶשְׁפּ֤וֹךְ אֶת־רוּחִ⁠י֙ עַל־כָּל־בָּשָׂ֔ר return 1 Yahweh speaks of the Spirit as if he were speaking of water. “I will give my Spirit generously to all flesh” The imperative **return** is plural here because Yahweh is addressing the people of Judah. For the same reason, the imperatives and the word “your” are plural in verses 13–16, in which Joel is speaking. So use plural forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
135 2:28 2:12 ny8x x9y4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns כָּל־בָּשָׂ֔ר your heart 1 Here “flesh” represents people. Alternate translation: “all people” Since Yahweh is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **heart**. Alternate translation: “your hearts”
136 2:30 2:13 fxj8 e7f2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor דָּ֣ם וָ⁠אֵ֔שׁ וְ⁠תִֽימֲר֖וֹת עָשָֽׁן And tear your heart and not your garments 1 “blood” is symbolizing the death of people. Alternate translation: “death, fire and pillars of smoke” Joel is speaking as if people could literally tear their hearts. He is using the contrast with tearing garments, which was a literal sign of mourning, to emphasize internal repentance. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And do not only tear your garments; repent in your hearts”
137 2:31 2:13 e1db u6v9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns הַ⁠שֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙ יֵהָפֵ֣ךְ לְ⁠חֹ֔שֶׁךְ and great of kindness 1 Alternate translation: “The sun will no longer give light” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **kindness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and very kind”
138 2:31 2:13 fc5h w3x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּרֵ֖חַ לְ⁠דָ֑ם And tear your heart and not your garments, and return to Yahweh your God 1 Here the word “blood” refers to the color red. Alternate translation: “the moon will turn red like blood” Some versions end the quotation that begins in verse 12 after this sentence. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
139 2:32 2:14 w6nv j9k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְ⁠הָיָ֗ה כֹּ֧ל your God 1 Alternate translation: “This is what will happen: everyone” Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **your**. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: “our God”
140 2:32 2:14 t1vg u3v7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet כֹּ֧ל אֲשֶׁר־יִקְרָ֛א בְּ⁠שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה יִמָּלֵ֑ט He may turn and relent 1 The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will save everyone who calls on his name” The terms **turn** and **relent** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “He may indeed change his mind”
141 2:32 2:14 k5zj w1x6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion בְּ⁠הַר־צִיּ֨וֹן וּ⁠בִ⁠ירוּשָׁלִַ֜ם Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing after him, a grain offering and a drink offering for Yahweh your God 1 These refer to the same place. Alternate translation: “on Mount Zion in Jerusalem” Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “For all anyone knows, he may turn and relent and leave a blessing after him, a grain offering and a drink offering for Yahweh your God”
142 2:32 2:14 j194 w3x7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠בַ֨⁠שְּׂרִידִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה קֹרֵֽא and leave a blessing 1 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” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **blessing**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and leave something to bless you”
143 2:32 2:16 e73u g7h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism וּ⁠בַ֨⁠שְּׂרִידִ֔ים assemble the elders, gather the children and the ones sucking the breasts 1 These **survivors** are people who live through a terrible event like a war or a disaster. Joel is speaking of two things in order to mean them and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “assemble people of all ages”
144 2:16 n9p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit May the bridegroom come out from his chamber and the bride from her room 1 Joel means implicitly that while newlyweds are ordinarily excused from public duties, this is an exceptional circumstance that calls for even their attendance. Alternate translation: “Even newly married men and women should come to the assembly under these exceptional circumstances.”
145 2:17 g1h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor your inheritance 1 Joel is speaking to Yahweh of the Israelites as if they were literally something he had inherited. Joel means that the Israelites are the people Yahweh has chosen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people you have chosen”
146 2:17 i9j1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism between the porch and the altar 1 Joel is speaking of two things in order to mean them and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in the court of the priests”
147 2:17 j3k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor for the nations to rule over them 1 Joel is speaking of the locust invasion as if it were literally rule by other nations. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for them to be subject to a locust invasion”
148 2:17 k5m1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants for the nations to rule over them 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: “for the nations to use a proverb against them” or “for them to become a byword to the nations”
149 2:17 s4t9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns Why should they say 1 Here, **they** is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “Why should it be said”
150 2:17 t3u7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where {is} their God?’ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Why should the peoples ask where our God is?”
151 2:17 y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where {is} their God?’ 1 Joel is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “They should not say among the peoples, ‘Their God is not with them!’“
152 2:17 y9z4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns and do not give your inheritance to reproach 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **reproach**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and do not let other nations reproach your inheritance”
153 2:18 g5h7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy for his land 1 Joel is using the term **land** by association to mean the people living on the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for his people”
154 2:18 l9m4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Then Yahweh was jealous 1 Joel is speaking as if Yahweh were literally jealous. He means that Yahweh was concerned for his people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh was concerned”
155 2:19 a1b2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys And Yahweh answered and said to his people 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **answered** tells for what purpose Yahweh **said** this. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh replied to his people”
156 2:19 b5c1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns and I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **reproach**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and I will no longer make the nations reproach you”
157 2:19 g6h2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations Behold me, sending to you grain and new wine and oil 1 This verse begins a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh also said, ‘Behold me, sending to you grain and new wine and oil”
158 2:19 j6r3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Behold me sending 1 The expression **Behold me** doing something means “I am going to do” what is described. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “I am going to send”
159 2:19 l3m8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns with it 1 Yahweh is using the pronoun **it** to refer to what he will send to the Israelites. But since he lists **grain**, **wine**, and **oil**, it may be more natural in your language to use a plural pronoun. Alternate translation: “with them”
160 2:20 d7e3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns a land of dryness and desolation 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **dryness** and **desolation**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “a dry and desolate land”
161 2:20 g1h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification his face into the eastern sea and his back into the western sea 1 Yahweh is speaking of the locust swarm as if it were a living thing that had a **face** and a **back**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the locusts at the front of the swarm will fall into the eastern sea and die, and the locusts at the back of the swarm will fall into the western sea and die”
162 2:20 h9n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom he has been great in doing 1 This expression means “he has in some way done more than he should have done.” The implication is that the locust swarm has perhaps destroyed more crops than it ordinarily would. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “it has caused excessive destruction”
163 2:20 j1k3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the northerner 1 Yahweh is using the term **northerner** to mean the invader or locust swarm, by association with the direction from which invasions often came. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the invader” or “the locust swarm”
164 2:20 q5r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit his face into the eastern sea and his back into the western sea 1 Yahweh is speaking to the Judeans from the perspective of their own culture and location. By **eastern sea**, he means the Dead Sea, and by **western sea**, he means the Mediterranean Sea. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “his face into the Dead Sea and his back into the Mediterranean Sea”
165 2:20 w1x5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet a land of dryness and desolation 1 The terms **dryness** and **desolation** mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a completely barren land”
166 2:20 y5z1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations for he has been great in doing 1 Some versions end the quotation that begins in verse 19 before this clause. Other versions end that quotation after this clause. Some other versions do not end that quotation in this verse, so that it continues through 3:8. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
167 2:21 a9b2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture Yahweh has been great in doing 1 Joel is using the past tense to describe something that is going to happen in the future in order to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will be great in doing”
168 2:21 q7r3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe Do not fear, land! Be glad and rejoice 1 Joel is speaking to the **land** as if it were a person who could hear him. He is doing this to show in a strong way how he feels about what Yahweh will do for the land. Joel is actually speaking to the people who can hear him. If your readers might not understand this kind of figurative speech, you could translate what Joel is saying as if he were speaking directly to the Judeans. Alternate translation: “You Judeans should not be afraid because of what has happened to the land. Be glad and rejoice”
169 2:21 y9z4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet Be glad and rejoice 1 The terms **glad** and **rejoice** mean similar things. Joel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Celebrate with great joy”
170 2:21 z4m1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Yahweh has been great in doing 1 Unlike the use in the previous verse, here this expression means “he has done more good things for us than we would have imagined.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has done wonderful things”
171 2:22 c3d7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture the pastures of the wilderness have sprouted, for the tree has borne its fruit, the fig tree and the vine have yielded their strength 1 Joel is using the past tense to describe something that is going to happen in the future in order to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “the pastures of the wilderness will sprout, for the tree will bear its fruit, the fig tree and the vine will yield their strength”
172 2:22 l9m2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy their strength 1 Joel is using the term **strength** to mean the harvest, by association with the way the land has the capacity to produce crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their harvest”
173 2:22 s9t5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe Do not fear, beasts of the field 1 Joel is once again speaking to the **beasts of the field** as if they were people who could hear him. He is doing this to show his Judean listeners in a strong way how he feels about what Yahweh will do for them by restoring the pastures and the trees. If your readers might not understand this kind of figurative speech, you could translate what Joel is saying as if he were speaking directly to the Judeans. Alternate translation: “You Judeans should also not be afraid of what will happen to the beasts of the field”
174 2:22 x3y7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun the tree has borne its fruit, the fig tree and the vine have yielded their strength 1 Joel is not referring to specific **tree**, **fig tree**, or **vine**. He means these trees in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “the trees have borne their fruit, the fig trees and the vines have yielded their strength”
175 2:23 e5f1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture he has given to you the early rain for vindication and has brought down the shower to you 1 Joel is using the past tense to describe something that is going to happen in the future in order to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “he will give to you the early rain for vindication and will bring down the shower to you”
176 2:23 f2g8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns for vindication 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **vindication**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to vindicate you”
177 2:23 n5p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor sons of Zion 1 Joel is speaking as if **Zion**, meaning Jerusalem, were literally the mother of the people who lived in that city. Alternate translation: “residents of Zion” or “citizens of Jerusalem”
178 2:23 n7p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns your God 1 Since Joel and the people he is addressing worship the same God, it may be more natural in your language to say “our” instead of **your**. Languages that mark the distinction should use the inclusive form of “our.” Alternate translation: “our God”
179 2:23 s1t3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the early rain and the late rain 1 Joel is speaking from the perspective of his own culture and location. By **early rain**, he means the fall rains, and by **late rain**, he means the spring rains. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the fall rains and the spring rains”
180 2:23 u7v2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit in the first 1 Joel is speaking from the perspective of his own culture. By **in the first**, he could mean either “in the first month of the year” or “as at first.” You could say one of these explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in the first month of the year” or “as at first”
181 2:23 z9a4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun the shower 1 Joel is not referring to a specific **shower**. He means showers in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “showers”
182 2:24 t9u7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole and the vats will overflow {with} new wine and oil 1 Joel is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and the vats will be very full of new wine and oil”
183 2:25 n4p6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the years 1 Joel is using the term **years** by association to mean the crops produced in those years. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the crops”
184 2:25 q7r1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor my great army 1 Yahweh is speaking of the locust swarm as if it were literally his army. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the great swarm”
185 2:26 b2c9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo who has done with you, doing wondrously 1 It might seem that the expression **who has done with you, doing wondrously** contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “who has done wondrously with you” or “who has done wonderful things for you”
186 2:26 d3e7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication And eating, you will eat and be full 1 Yahweh is repeating the verb “eat” in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “And you will eat abundantly and be full”
187 2:26 q8r1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the name 1 Yahweh is using the term **name** to mean character or reputation, by association with the way a name represents a person’s identity. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the character” or “the reputation”
188 2:26 t8u2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person the name of Yahweh your God 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “my name. I am Yahweh your God”
189 2:26 w2x5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit and forever my people will not feel shame 1 The word translated as **forever** means “to indefinite futurity.” Alternate translation: “and for as long as anyone can imagine, my people will not feel shame”
190 2:27 j987 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit While it is not known precisely where or when Joel prophesied, he appears to have lived in the southern kingdom of Judah before the exile or in the province of Judah (Judea) after the exile. So the term **Israel** probably does not mean the northern kingdom of Israel. It seems to be a reference to the people of Judah as Israelites. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” 1
191 2:27 y8z3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit and forever my people will not feel shame 1 The word translated as **forever** means “to indefinite futurity.” Alternate translation: “and for as long as anyone can imagine, my people will not feel shame”
192 2:28 k2l3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism and your sons and your daughters will prophesy 1 Yahweh is speaking of the two major components of something in order to mean everything it includes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “all of your children will prophesy”
193 2:28 m4n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions 1 Yahweh is speaking of two things in order to mean them and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “your people of all ages will see prophetic images”
194 2:28 s3t7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy on all flesh 1 Yahweh is using the term **flesh** to mean people, by association with the way human bodies are made of flesh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on all people”
195 2:28 s3t8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he would literally pour out his Spirit like a liquid. He means that he will give his Spirit generously. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will generously give my Spirit to all people”
196 2:28 u7v2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent And it will happen after this 1 Yahweh is using this phrase to introduce a new event in the story that he goes on to describe. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event.
197 2:28 w3x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit dreams 1 Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **dreams**, he means dreams with prophetic significance. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “dreams with prophetic significance”
198 2:29 o6p7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism And even on male servants and on female servants 1 Yahweh is speaking of two things in order to mean them and everything in between. This verse continues the thought of the previous verse, in which all the people mentioned can be assumed to be free. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “Yes, on people of every gender and social status”
199 2:29 u5v9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy in those days 1 Yahweh is using the term **days** to mean a period of time, by association with the way days make up longer periods of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that time”
200 2:29 u6v4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will pour out my Spirit 1 See how you translated this in [2:28](../02/8.md).
201 2:31 j5k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis and the moon into blood 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and the moon will be turned into blood”
202 2:31 v4w6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person the great and terrible day of Yahweh 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “my great and terrible day”
203 2:31 w2x4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the great and terrible day of Yahweh 1 See how you translated the similar expression in [1:15](../01/15.md).
204 2:31 w9x2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the sun and moon would literally turn into darkness and blood. He means that they will appear as they do during eclipses. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The sun and the moon will appear as they do during eclipses”
205 2:31 y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The sun will become darkness and the moon will become blood”
206 2:32 a1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh will be saved 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will save everyone who calls on his name”
207 2:32 a6b2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem 1 The terms **Mount Zion** and **Jerusalem** mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “in the holy city of Jerusalem”
208 2:32 b7c2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person whom Yahweh {is} calling 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “whom I am calling”
209 2:32 h6j4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be escape 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **escape**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “For people who live on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem will escape”
210 2:32 j7k9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche on the name of Yahweh 1 Yahweh is using one aspect of Yahweh, his **name**, to represent all of Yahweh. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on Yahweh”
211 2:32 l7m4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis and among the survivors whom Yahweh {is} calling 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and there will be escape among the survivors whom Yahweh is calling”
212 2:32 x9y3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person the name of Yahweh 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “my name”
213 2:32 y5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the survivors 1 Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **the survivors**, he means the survivors of the exile. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the survivors of the exile”
214 2:32 z1a5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person as that Yahweh has said 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “as I have said”
215 3:intro jcn7 0 # Joel 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThere 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])\n\n## Translation Issues in This Chapter\n\n### Israel\n\nThe 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.
216 3:1 nha5 c8d4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet כִּ֗י הִנֵּ֛ה in those days and at that time 1 Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention” The expressions **in those days** and **at that time** mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two expressions together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “when that wonderful time comes”
217 3:1 zy3s k4m8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations בַּ⁠יָּמִ֥ים הָ⁠הֵ֖מָּה וּ⁠בָ⁠עֵ֣ת הַ⁠הִ֑יא For behold, in those days and at that time 1 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” This verse begins a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh also said, ‘For behold, in those days and at that time”
218 3:1 c3ys k9l5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָשִׁ֛יב אֶת־שְׁב֥וּת יְהוּדָ֖ה וִ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָֽם when I return the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem 1 Alternate translation: “When I send the exiles back to Judah and Jerusalem” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **captivity**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem”
219 3:2 3:1 xs2u p8q4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants עֵ֖מֶק יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט when I return the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem 1 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 the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: “when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem”
220 3:2 3:1 idt3 y5z7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor עַמִּ֨⁠י וְ⁠נַחֲלָתִ֤⁠י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ For behold 1 These two phrases emphasize how Yahweh views Israel as his own precious people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel, who are my inheritance” 3:1 Yahweh is using the term **behold** to focus his listeners’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Now listen”
221 3:3 3:2 z4y6 c3d4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys וַ⁠יִּתְּנ֤וּ הַ⁠יֶּ֨לֶד֙ בַּ⁠זּוֹנָ֔ה וְ⁠הַ⁠יַּלְדָּ֛ה מָכְר֥וּ בַ⁠יַּ֖יִן וַ⁠יִּשְׁתּֽוּ my people and my inheritance Israel 1 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” This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **inheritance** tells what kind of **people** the Israelites are to Yahweh. In this context, the word **inheritance** refers to a portion that someone would choose for himself. Alternate translation: “my chosen people Israel”
222 3:4 3:2 qj6v j2k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate וְ֠⁠גַם מָה־אַתֶּ֥ם לִ⁠י֙ צֹ֣ר וְ⁠צִיד֔וֹן וְ⁠כֹ֖ל גְּלִיל֣וֹת פְּלָ֑שֶׁת the Valley of Jehoshaphat 1 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.” The word **Jehoshaphat** is the name of a valley. In your translation, you could spell it the way it sounds in your language, as the ULT does, or you could use a word or phrase from your language that expresses the meaning of this name. Alternate translation: “the Valley of Yahweh-Judges”
223 3:4 3:2 xaa9 n9p6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis הַ⁠גְּמ֗וּל אַתֶּם֙ מְשַׁלְּמִ֣ים עָלָ֔⁠י and they divided up my land 1 “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.” Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and because they divided up my land”
224 3:4 3:3 ns7f b6c2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun קַ֣ל מְהֵרָ֔ה אָשִׁ֥יב גְּמֻלְ⁠כֶ֖ם בְּ⁠רֹאשְׁ⁠כֶֽם the lot 1 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) Yahweh is not referring to a specific **lot**. He means lots in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “lots”
225 3:4 3:3 wdm3 d9e2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense גְּמֻלְ⁠כֶ֖ם and they sold a girl for wine and drank 1 Alternate translation: “revenge” or “payback” Yahweh means that the people of these nations **sold a girl** into slavery in order to get money for **wine** that they could drink. If this connection would not be clear, you could use a different form of the verb **drank**. Alternate translation: “and they sold a girl for wine to drink”
226 3:7 3:4 sum8 a2b8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor הִנְ⁠נִ֣י Are you repaying a recompense to me? And if you are recompensing me 1 Alternate translation: “Pay attention” or “Listen” Yahweh is speaking as if the nations were literally repaying him for something. He is asking if they have a grudge against him that they are carrying out. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do you have some grudge against me that you are carrying out? And if you are carrying out a grudge against me”
227 3:7 3:4 dc6d b2c7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מִן־הַ֨⁠מָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁר־מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם אֹתָ֖⁠ם שָׁ֑מָּ⁠ה And indeed, what {are} you to me, Tyre, Sidon, and all of the regions of Philistia? Are you repaying a recompense to me? 1 The people of Israel will leave the places where they were slaves and come back to the land of Israel. Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “And indeed, you are nothing to me, Tyre, Sidon, and all of the regions of Philistia! There is no recompense that you need to repay to me!”
228 3:7 3:4 uh32 b5p9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ⁠הֲשִׁבֹתִ֥י גְמֻלְ⁠כֶ֖ם what {are} you to me 1 Alternate translation: “give back what you deserve” This is an expression that a person in this culture would commonly use to ask another person why he was treating him with hostility. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “what do you have against me” or “why are you treating me with hostility”
229 3:8 3:4 pww6 e7f3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet וּ⁠מָכַרְתִּ֞י אֶת־בְּנֵי⁠כֶ֣ם וְ⁠אֶת־בְּנֽוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֗ם בְּ⁠יַד֙ בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה swiftly, speedily 1 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) The terms **swiftly** and **speedily** mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very quickly”
230 3:8 3:4 t9jc w7x3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche לִ⁠שְׁבָאיִ֖ם I will turn your recompense onto your head 1 the people of the land of Sabea Yahweh is using one part of a person, his **head**, to mean the entire person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning with a more general term. Alternate translation: “I will turn your recompense onto you” or “I will pay you back”
231 3:9 3:4 d6ny z1a6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns הָעִ֨ירוּ֙ הַ⁠גִּבּוֹרִ֔ים onto your head 1 Alternate translation: “make the mighty men ready for action” Since Yahweh is referring to multiple nations, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **head**. Alternate translation: “onto your heads”
232 3:10 3:5 t93c e7f3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor כֹּ֤תּוּ אִתֵּי⁠כֶם֙ לַֽ⁠חֲרָב֔וֹת וּ⁠מַזְמְרֹֽתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם לִ⁠רְמָחִ֑ים to the sons of Javan 1 These two phrases share similar meanings. Both of them instruct the people to turn their farming tools into weapons. Here the word **sons** does not mean literal first-generation offspring but “descendants.” The phrase **the sons of Javan** refers to the Ionians, that is, the Greeks. Alternate translation: “to the Greeks”
233 3:10 3:6 ze4m c4d1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אִתֵּי⁠כֶם֙ And you sold the sons of Judah and the sons of Jerusalem 1 tools that are used to break up the soil in order to plant crops See how you translated the term **sons** in [2:23](../02/23.md). Alternate translation: “the people who lived in the province of Judah and the city of Jerusalem”
234 3:10 3:6 epv7 e4f5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וּ⁠מַזְמְרֹֽתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם Javan 1 knives that are used to cut off small branches The word **Javan** is the name of a man.
235 3:11 3:6 rp2a l4n8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result ע֣וּשׁוּ וָ⁠בֹ֧אוּ כָֽל־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֛ם מִ⁠סָּבִ֖יב וְ⁠נִקְבָּ֑צוּ שָׁ֕מָּ⁠ה in order to remove them far from their territory While this phrase seems to describe a purpose or goal, it is actually describing a result. Alternate translation: “and as a result, they were removed far from their territory” 1 These words continue the ironic call to battle that begins in [Joel 3:9](../03/09.md).
236 3:11 3:7 p5mc b3c8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns וְ⁠נִקְבָּ֑צוּ onto your head 1 The purpose of the gathering is for battle. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “gather yourselves together for battle” Since Yahweh is referring to multiple nations, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of “head.” Alternate translation: “onto your heads”
237 3:11 3:7 e3ig n8p3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo הַֽנְחַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה גִּבּוֹרֶֽי⁠ךָ where you sold them there 1 This could mean: (1) Joel is telling the people of Judah that this is what they are to “proclaim among the nations” ([Joel 3:9](../03/09.md)) or (2) Joel interrupts the words of Yahweh and prays a short prayer. It may seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “to which you sold them”
238 3:12 3:7 b1jw t7f2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Behold me rousing them 0 1 # General Information:\n\nYahweh finishes the speech he began in [Joel 2:25](../02/25.md), promising good things for the people of Israel. As in [2:19](../02/19.md), this expression means “I am going to rouse them.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “I am going to stir them up”
239 3:12 3:7 ul2y y9z5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֔ם & אֶת־כָּל־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֖ם מִ⁠סָּבִֽיב and I will turn your recompense onto your head 1 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. See how you translated the same expression in [3:4](../03/04.md).
240 3:12 3:8 pq55 d5e1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns עֵ֖מֶק יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט into the hand of the sons of Judah 1 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](../03/02.md). Since Yahweh is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **hand**. Alternate translation: “into the hands of the sons of Judah”
241 3:13 3:8 hq7f g8h1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל & מָ֣לְאָה גַּ֔ת Sabeans 1 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. The word **Sabeans** is the name of a people group.
242 3:13 3:8 iw8d l2m5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל כִּ֥י בָשַׁ֖ל קָצִ֑יר For I will sell 1 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. Yahweh is using the word **For** to introduce more specific information about what he described in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “This will happen when I sell”
243 3:13 3:8 i8r2 l3m5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche שִׁלְח֣וּ מַגָּ֔ל For I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the sons of Judah 1 “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. Yahweh is using one part of a person, the **hand**, to represent the whole person in the act of taking possession of something. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning with more general terms. Alternate translation: “For I will sell your sons and your daughters to the Judeans”
244 3:13 3:8 zx33 r5s7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations מַגָּ֔ל to a faraway nation.” For Yahweh has spoken 1 a long curved knife that people use for cutting grain The phrase **For Yahweh has spoken** indicates that this is a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “to a faraway nation,’ says Yahweh”
245 3:13 3:9 rua7 a1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בָשַׁ֖ל קָצִ֑יר Consecrate a war 1 Alternate translation: “the grain is ready to be harvested” Joel assumes that his listeners will know that by **Consecrate a war**, he means to perform the rites with which they would begin a war. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Perform the rites with which you would begin a war”
246 3:13 3:9 tz4a w7x4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular בֹּ֤אֽוּ רְדוּ֙ כִּֽי־מָ֣לְאָה גַּ֔ת Proclaim 1 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” The imperative **Proclaim** is plural here, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Joel is addressing generally all those who would be in a position to make this proclamation.
247 3:13 3:10 haw5 k9m2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown הֵשִׁ֨יקוּ֙ הַ⁠יְקָבִ֔ים כִּ֥י רַבָּ֖ה רָעָתָֽ⁠ם your plowshares 1 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. The word **plowshares** describes blades for plows, which are tools used to break up soil for planting. If your readers would not be familiar with what a plowshare is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar thing that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “your plow blades” or “your farming tools”
248 3:14 3:10 y2ge n5p8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown הֲמוֹנִ֣ים הֲמוֹנִ֔ים your pruning hooks 1 A tumult is noise caused by a large crowd. This is repeated to show that it will be very noisy from all the people. The expression **pruning hooks** describes curved blades used for trimming trees and vines. If your readers would not be familiar with what a pruning hook is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar thing that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “your curved trimming blades” or “your gardening tools”
249 3:14 3:10 r3ir v9w2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes בְּ⁠עֵ֖מֶק הֶֽ⁠חָר֑וּץ & בְּ⁠עֵ֖מֶק הֶ⁠חָרֽוּץ Let the weak say, ‘I {am} strong.’ 1 This phrase is repeated to show that the judgment will certainly happen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Let the weak say that they are strong”
250 3:14 3:10 fq2i w5x8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj בְּ⁠עֵ֖מֶק הֶֽ⁠חָר֑וּץ the weak 1 There is no known place with this name. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **judgment**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “Valley Where Yahweh Judges” Joel is using the adjective **weak** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “anyone who is weak”
251 3:16 3:11 fj29 e5f6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys Hurry and come 0 1 # General Information:\n\nYahweh begins speaking in verse 17. This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **Hurry** tells in what way the nations should **come**. Alternate translation: “Come quickly”
252 3:16 3:12 fe1r a7b3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וַ⁠יהוָ֞ה מִ⁠צִּיּ֣וֹן יִשְׁאָ֗ג וּ⁠מִ⁠ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ יִתֵּ֣ן קוֹל֔⁠וֹ Let the nations rouse themselves 1 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” Most versions treat verses 12 and 13 as a direct quotation of Yahweh, but some do not. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
253 3:16 3:12 yr8u l9m3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate וַ⁠יהוָ֞ה & יִשְׁאָ֗ג the Valley of Jehoshaphat 1 This could mean: (1) “Yahweh will roar like a lion” or (2) “Yahweh will roar like thunder.” See how you translated this name in [3:2](../03/02.md).
254 3:16 3:12 lf34 m4n1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וְ⁠רָעֲשׁ֖וּ שָׁמַ֣יִם וָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ I will sit to judge 1 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 Yahweh’s 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) To **sit to judge** means to sit down as a symbolic action that represents taking an official position of authority to make judgments. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “I will take my place as judge”
255 3:16 3:13 vd5q g9h2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠רָעֲשׁ֖וּ Stretch out the sickle, for the harvest has ripened 1 This word is the past form of the word translated “tremble” in [Joel 2:10](../02/10.md). Yahweh is speaking as if he literally wanted the “warriors” mentioned in 3:11 to harvest grain. He means that he wants them to gather the nations for judgment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Gather the nations for judgement, just as harvesters sickle grain and gather it”
256 3:16 3:13 lr5v j4k7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וַֽ⁠יהוָה֙ מַֽחֲסֶ֣ה לְ⁠עַמּ֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠מָע֖וֹז לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Come, go down, for the winepress is full 1 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) Yahweh is speaking as if he literally wanted those “warriors” to harvest grapes. He means once again that he wants them to gather the nations for judgment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, gather the nations for judgment, just as harvesters go down into vineyards when there are enough grapes to fill a winepress”
257 3:17 3:13 isx1 m3n7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns וִֽ⁠ידַעְתֶּ֗ם for their wickedness is great 1 Alternate translation: “When I do these things, you will know” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **wickedness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for they are very wicked”
258 3:18 3:13 y22f w5x6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וְ⁠הָיָה֩ בַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠ה֜וּא & הֶ⁠הָרִ֣ים Stretch out the sickle 1 “This is what will happen on that day: the mountains” Translate “It will come about” as in [Joel 2:28](../02/28.md). Yahweh is using the first thing someone would to in order to use a sickle, **Strech** it out, to mean the entire act of using it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Use the sickle”
259 3:18 3:13 m6v9 y1z6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular יִטְּפ֧וּ הֶ⁠הָרִ֣ים עָסִ֗יס Stretch out 1 “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” The imperative **Stretch out** is plural here, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. This imperative seems to be addressing the “warriors” mentioned in [3:9](../03/09.md).
260 3:18 3:13 yj7w y7z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun וְ⁠הַ⁠גְּבָעוֹת֙ תֵּלַ֣כְנָה חָלָ֔ב Stretch out the sickle 1 “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” Yahweh is not referring to a specific **sickle**. He means the sickles that his “warriors” of verse 11 symbolically have. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “Use your sickles”
261 3:18 3:14 l5yu f1g5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication וְ⁠כָל־אֲפִיקֵ֥י יְהוּדָ֖ה יֵ֣לְכוּ מָ֑יִם Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision 1 Alternate translation: “water will flow through all the brooks of Judah” Joel is repeating the word **multitudes** in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Vast multitudes in the valley of decision”
262 3:18 3:14 k6qq p1q6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠הִשְׁקָ֖ה אֶת־נַ֥חַל הַ⁠שִּׁטִּֽים in the valley of decision 1 Alternate translation: “will send water to the Valley of Shittim” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **decision**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in the valley where I will decide their fate”
263 3:18 3:14 f69l s5t1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis הַ⁠שִּׁטִּֽים Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision 1 This is the name of a place on the east side of the Jordan River. It means “Acacia Trees.” Joel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Multitudes, multitudes are in the valley of decision”
264 3:19 3:15 la92 j9k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לִ⁠שְׁמָמָ֣ה תִֽהְיֶ֔ה See how you translated the same expression in [2:10](../02/10.md). 1 Alternate translation: “Everyone will leave Egypt and no one will live there”
265 3:19 3:15 au36 l1m6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וֶ⁠אֱד֕וֹם לְ⁠מִדְבַּ֥ר שְׁמָמָ֖ה תִּֽהְיֶ֑ה The sun and the moon become dark, and the stars withdraw their brightness 1 Alternate translation: “Everyone will leave Edom and it will look like no people have ever lived there” These are the same phrases as in [2:10](../02/10.md), where Joel used them to describe the locust swarm blocking the light of the sun, moon, and stars. Here, in Joel’s description of the final judgment, these phrases could have a literal meaning, describing how the creation will disintegrate at the end of history. However, this could also be symbolic of earthly rulers and nations losing their power. Alternate translation: “All earthly powers fade before the power of Yahweh”
266 3:19 3:16 c2r8 n2p9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor מֵֽ⁠חֲמַס֙ בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה and the heavens and the earth will shake 1 Alternate translation: “because of the violent things Egypt and Edom did to the people of Judah” Joel is speaking as if the **heavens** and the **earth** would literally shake. This could have a literal meaning and be a description of how the creation will disintegrate at the end of history. However, it could also be symbolic of how powers on earth and in heaven will give way before the power of Yahweh. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state one of these meanings plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, powers on earth and in heaven will give way before the power of Yahweh”
267 3:19 3:16 t6ay n8p3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אֲשֶׁר־שָׁפְכ֥וּ דָם־נָקִ֖יא בְּ⁠אַרְצָֽ⁠ם Yahweh will roar from Zion 1 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” Joel is speaking as if Yahweh would literally **roar** like a lion. He means that Yahweh will powerfully proclaim his judgments. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will powerfully proclaim his judgments from Zion, just as a lion roars powerfully”
268 3:20 3:16 gi4z q5r9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וִ⁠יהוּדָ֖ה לְ⁠עוֹלָ֣ם תֵּשֵׁ֑ב But Yahweh {will be} a shelter for his people and a stronghold for the sons of Israel 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will live in Judah forever” Joel is speaking as if Yahweh will literally be a **shelter** and a **stronghold**. He means that Yahweh will protect his people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh will protect his people, yes, he will guard the sons of Israel”
269 3:20 3:16 f72t s2t7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וִ⁠ירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם לְ⁠ד֥וֹר וָ⁠דֽוֹר the sons of Israel 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “generation after generation, people will live in Jerusalem” See how you translated the term **sons** in [2:23](../02/23.md). Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
270 3:21 3:17 dj9s r8s2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠נִקֵּ֖יתִי דָּמָ֣⁠ם לֹֽא־נִקֵּ֑יתִי the mountain of my holiness 1 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” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “my holy mountain”
271 3:18 a3b5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy a spring 1 Yahweh is using the term **spring** by association to mean the water that comes from a spring. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “water from a spring”
272 3:18 c9d5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations And it will be on that day 1 Some versions do not treat this verse as part of the direct quotation of Yahweh in 3:17–21. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
273 3:18 n5p7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate the Valley of Shittim 1 The word **Shittim** is the name of a valley. In your translation, you could spell it the way it sounds in your language, as the ULT does, or you could use a word or phrase from your language that expresses the meaning of this name. Alternate translation: “the Valley of the Acacias”
274 3:18 q6r1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go and a spring will go forth 1 In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of **go**. Alternate translation: “and a spring will come out”
275 3:18 u6v1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the mountains will drip sweet wine, and the hills will flow {with} milk 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the **mountains** and **hills** would literally produce **wine** and **milk**. He means that the land will be very productive. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the grapevines on the mountains will produce grapes for wine abundantly, and the pastures on the hills will nourish cattle that will produce much milk”
276 3:18 v4w7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor from the house of Yahweh 1 See how you translated the same expression in [1:9](../01/09.md). Alternate translation: “from the temple of Yahweh”
277 3:18 y7z1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy on that day 1 Yahweh is using the term **day** to mean a specific time, by association with the way a day is a specific period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that time”
278 3:19 c9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy shed innocent blood 1 Yahweh is using the term **blood** to mean the lives of people, by association with the way people’s blood may be shed when they are killed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “killed innocent people”
279 3:19 f7g3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns in their land 1 Since Yahweh is referring to two nations, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of “land.” Alternate translation: “in their lands”
280 3:19 t4u9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns Egypt will become desolation 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **desolation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Egypt will become desolate”
281 3:19 u3v4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession for the violence of the sons of Judah 1 Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe not **violence** that the **sons of Judah** committed but violence that was committed against them. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “for the violence they committed against the sons of Judah”
282 3:20 e6f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Judah 1 Yahweh is using the term **Judah** by association to mean the people living in Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”
283 3:20 l1s8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom to generation and generation 1 Like the expression in [2:2](../02/02.md), this means “for a very long time.” Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “for all generations to come”
284 3:20 u7v3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis and Jerusalem to generation and generation 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and Jerusalem will dwell to generation and generation”
285 3:21 d8e4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person for Yahweh {is} dwelling in Zion 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “for I am dwelling in Zion”
286 3:21 e1f7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations for Yahweh {is} dwelling in Zion 1 Some versions do not treat this clause as part of the direct quotation of Yahweh in 3:17–21. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the quotation boundaries that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the same boundaries as the ULT.
287 3:21 g1h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy their blood 1 Yahweh is using the term **blood** to mean the deaths of people, by association with the people may shed their blood when they die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their deaths”
288 3:21 r3s6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants And I will acquit their blood {that} I have not acquitted 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of an alternate reading for this phrase. Alternate translation: “And I will avenge their blood {that} I have not avenged”