Joel 2:14
What does Joel 2:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Joel 2:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Joel 2:14 means
This verse presents a glimmer of hope, suggesting that sincere repentance might move God to relent from the impending judgment and instead leave a blessing. The question, "Who knoweth whether he will not turn and repent?" implies that while God is just in His judgment, His mercy offers a possibility of restoration. This blessing would manifest as provision for offerings, indicating restored fellowship with God and a renewed ability to worship Him with acceptable sacrifices, signifying a complete reversal of their current plight.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Who knoweth whether he will not turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, even a meal-offering and a drink-offering unto Jehovah your God?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who knoweth whether he will not turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, even a meal-offering and a drink-offering unto Jehovah your God?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949May it not be that he will again let his purpose be changed and let a blessing come after him, even a meal offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who knoweth--He doth turn back, Yea--He hath repented, And He hath left behind Him a blessing, A present and libation of Jehovah your God?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who knoweth but he will return, and forgive, and leave a blessing behind him, sacrifice and libation to the Lord your God?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Who knoweth? He might return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, an oblation and a drink-offering for Jehovah yourGod?
Context
Following the detailed call to sincere repentance and the revelation of God's merciful character, this verse offers the potential positive outcome of such a return to God. It provides a hopeful prospect that God might indeed turn from judgment and restore blessings, thereby motivating the people to heed the call for repentance and prepare for collective action in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Amos 5:15
Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish justice in the gate: it may be that Jehovah, the God of hosts, will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.
- Jeremiah 26:3
It may be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way; that I may repent me of the evil which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.
- Isaiah 65:8
Thus saith Jehovah, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants’ sake, that I may not destroy them all.
- 2 Timothy 2:25
in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,
- Joel 1:16
Is not the food cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the house of our God?
- 2 Corinthians 9:5
I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your aforepromised bounty, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Joel 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Joel 2.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Fasting
Fasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline involving abstinence from food for a period, often coupled with prayer and repentance.
Topic
Bible Verses About Being Filled with the Spirit
The Bible encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit, a divine empowerment for Christian life and witness
Topic
Bible Verses About The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence, power, and wisdom, guiding believers into truth, empowering them for service, and transforming their lives