Joel 3:1
What does Joel 3:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Joel 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Joel 3:1 means
Joel opens the scene of final judgment with a time marker: when the Lord reverses the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, He will also address the wrongs done to them. Restoration and reckoning arrive together. God’s promise to “bring back the captivity” means He has not forgotten His covenant people; their distress will not be the last word. The future He announces is not vague optimism but a concrete, God-initiated turning. The same hand that gathers His scattered people will also weigh the nations. This verse assures the faithful that God’s purposes include both healing for His people and justice for those who violated them and His land.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring back the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,
KJV
King James Version · 1611For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring back the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For in those days and in that time, when I let the fate of Judah and Jerusalem be changed,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For lo, in those days, and in that time, When I turn back <FI>to<Fi> the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For behold in those days, and in that time when I shall bring back the captivity of Juda, and Jerusalem:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall turn again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,
Context
This opening verse connects the chapter to the restoration promised previously and sets the timing for the judgment that follows. It prepares the reader to see judgment on the nations as the counterpart to Judah’s renewal. What comes next explains the charges that bring the nations to court and identifies the arena in which God will judge. Understanding verse 1 as a hinge helps us read the rest as a coordinated plan: God saves His people and holds their oppressors accountable in the same “days” and “time.”
v.1This passage
v.2I will gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will execute judgment upon them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations: and they have parted my land,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 39:25
Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Now will I bring back the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for my holy name.
- Jeremiah 16:15
but, As Jehovah liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries whither he had driven them. And I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.
- Amos 9:14
And I will bring back the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
- Jeremiah 30:18
Thus saith Jehovah: Behold, I will turn again the captivity of Jacob’s tents, and have compassion on his dwelling-places; and the city shall be builded upon its own hill, and the palace shall be inhabited after its own manner.
- Jeremiah 23:3
And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
- Joel 2:29
and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit.
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