Joel study section
Joel word studies
A handful of Hebrew words carry the theology of Joel. Tap the speaker next to any word to hear it pronounced.
Key words
יוֹם יְהוָה (yom YHWH) — “The Day of the LORD”
Usage: Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14
Meaning: “The day of the LORD,” a decisive time of God’s intervention in judgment and salvation, both near and ultimate.
Theological Significance: The day of the LORD runs through the prophets and into the New Testament, where it points to the coming of Christ, both in salvation and in final judgment (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). Joel warns all to be ready for that great and awesome day.
שׁוּב (shuv) — “To Return, Repent”
Usage: Joel 2:12-13
Meaning: To turn, return, or repent. “Return to me with all your heart” is the book’s central appeal.
Theological Significance: Shuv names the wholehearted turning to God that the gospel also demands, met by a God who is “gracious and merciful.” It is the repentance to which Christ calls all, promising forgiveness to those who turn (Acts 3:19).
רוּחַ (ruach) — “Spirit”
Usage: Joel 2:28-29
Meaning: Spirit, breath, wind. God promises to pour out His ruach “on all flesh.”
Theological Significance: The outpoured Spirit is the great gift of the new covenant, fulfilled at Pentecost through the risen Christ, given to all His people regardless of age, sex, or status (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:16-18).
קָרָא (qara) — “To Call”
Usage: Joel 2:32
Meaning: To call, call out, cry to. “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
Theological Significance: This calling on the LORD’s name for salvation is applied in the New Testament to faith in Jesus, “for there is no distinction... the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him” (Joel 2:32; Romans 10:12-13).
נִחַם (nicham) — “To Relent, Have Compassion”
Usage: Joel 2:13-14
Meaning: To relent, be moved to pity, change course out of compassion. God “relents over disaster” toward the repentant.
Theological Significance: God’s readiness to relent toward those who turn to Him reveals His merciful heart, fully displayed in Christ, who came not to condemn but to save all who come to Him (Joel 2:13; John 3:17).
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