Joel 3:20
What does Joel 3:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Joel 3:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Joel 3:20 means
Against the backdrop of others’ desolation, God promises permanence: “Judah shall abide for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.” This looks beyond temporary reprieves to an enduring state secured by God’s covenant fidelity. The language stretches past any single era, hinting at the ultimate kingdom where God’s people dwell secure under His rule. Political fortunes have risen and fallen, but this word anchors hope in the Lord’s unchanging commitment. The city once trampled will be established; the people once scattered will be settled. The forever of God’s promise grounds the courage and worship of His redeemed.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But Judah shall abide for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But Judah shall abide for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Judah will be peopled for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Judah to the age doth dwell, And Jerusalem to generation and generation.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Judea shall be inhabited for ever, and Jerusalem to generation and generation.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But Judah shall abide for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
Context
Having contrasted Judah’s blessing with Egypt and Edom’s ruin, Joel now states the positive permanence of God’s people. This sets up the final note of the book: God will cleanse bloodguilt and dwell in Zion. The abiding of Judah in verse 20 flows from the cleansing and presence described in verse 21, which explains how such permanence is possible.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 37:25
And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, they, and their children, and their children’s children, for ever: and David my servant shall be their prince for ever.
- Isaiah 33:20
Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tent that shall not be removed, the stakes whereof shall never be plucked up, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.
- Amos 9:15
And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be plucked up out of their land which I have given them, saith Jehovah thy God.
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