Old Testament
Joel 1:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Be ashamed, you farmers; wail, you who tend the vineyards, for the wheat and the barley, because the harvest of the field is ruined.
Compare translations
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.
What Joel 1:11 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joel 1:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joel 1:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joel
- Author
- Joel the prophet
- Written
- Date debated (around 835 or 500 BC)
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The kingdom of Judah
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.