Old Testament

Joel 1:11

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the prophet Joel addresses farmers and vineyard workers, urging them to feel shame and sorrow over the devastation of their crops.

Author: Joel the prophet
Written: Date debated (around 835 or 500 BC)
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: The kingdom of Judah

CBTClear Bible Translation

Be ashamed, you farmers; wail, you who tend the vineyards, for the wheat and the barley, because the harvest of the field is ruined.

KJVKing James Version

Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the prophet Joel addresses farmers and vineyard workers, urging them to feel shame and sorrow over the devastation of their crops. The wheat and barley, essential staples for food and sustenance, have been destroyed, leading to a significant loss for the community. This destruction is likely a result of a locust plague or some other calamity, symbolizing not just agricultural loss but also a spiritual and communal crisis. The call to wail indicates the depth of grief and the urgency of the situation. The farmers' shame reflects their inability to provide for their families and the community, highlighting the interconnectedness of agricultural success and societal well-being. This verse serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of natural disasters on human livelihoods, urging a collective response to seek restoration and healing. Explore related repentance.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Joel 1:11 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize the consequences of our actions and the importance of caring for our resources. In times of loss, we should come together as a community to support one another and seek solutions. It reminds us to be mindful of our responsibilities and the impact of our choices on others.

Curated for this public verse page. Joel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Joel 1:11 mean?

Joel 1:11 expresses the sorrow and shame of farmers and vineyard workers over the destruction of their crops, specifically wheat and barley. This loss signifies not only agricultural failure but also a broader communal crisis, highlighting the importance of these staples for survival.

What is the significance of shame in Joel 1:11?

The shame mentioned in Joel 1:11 reflects the farmers' inability to provide for their families and community due to crop failure. It emphasizes the emotional and social impact of agricultural loss on the livelihoods of those dependent on the harvest.

What does 'wail' mean in Joel 1:11?

In Joel 1:11, 'wail' signifies a deep expression of grief and sorrow. It indicates the seriousness of the situation as the community faces the consequences of crop destruction, urging them to acknowledge their loss.

How does Joel 1:11 relate to community impact?

Joel 1:11 highlights the interconnectedness of agricultural success and community well-being. The loss of wheat and barley affects not just individual farmers but the entire community, emphasizing the need for collective support in times of crisis.

Book Summary

The Book of Joel

Joel 1: The Locust Plague and Call to Mourning

Joel delivers the word of the LORD and calls the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to listen. He asks whether such a disaster has ever happened and commands them to tell it to future generations. He describes successive waves of locusts that strip the land bare until nothing remains. Vineyards and fig trees are ruined, and the bark is stripped from the trees.

Joel tells the drunkards to wake up and weep because the new wine is cut off. He describes a powerful nation coming against the land, strong and without number, devouring everything like a lion. The grain, wine, and oil fail, and the fields are wasted. Farmers are ashamed, and joy dries up among the people. Joel calls the priests to put on sackcloth and mourn because the offerings are cut off from the house of the LORD. He commands them to sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders, and cry out to the LORD. He announces that the day of the LORD is near and describes it as destruction from the Almighty. Crops fail, storehouses lie empty, animals groan for lack of pasture, and even the beasts cry to the LORD as fire consumes the land. Joel 2: The Day of the LORD and the Promise of the Spirit Joel commands that a trumpet be blown in Zion because the day of the LORD is near. He describes it as a day of darkness and gloom. A great and powerful army spreads over the land. Before them the land is like Eden, but behind them it is a desolate wilderness. They run like horsemen, climb walls, and enter houses without breaking ranks. The earth quakes, the heavens tremble, and the sun and moon grow dark. Joel declares that the LORD gives His voice before His army, and the day of the LORD is great and very terrible. The LORD calls the people to return to Him with all their heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. He commands them to rend their hearts and not their garments. The priests are to weep between the porch and the altar and ask the LORD to spare His people and not make them a reproach.

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