Old Testament
Joel 2:18
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, God expresses His deep concern and love for His people and their land.
- Author
- Joel the prophet
- Written
- Date debated (around 835 or 500 BC)
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The kingdom of Judah
Then the LORD will be jealous for his land and will pity his people.
Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His deep concern and love for His people and their land. The term 'jealous' indicates that God desires a close relationship with His people and is protective of them. This jealousy is not selfish but stems from His commitment to their well-being. The promise of pity shows that God is compassionate and will respond to their suffering. This verse comes after a call for repentance and signifies that God is ready to restore and bless His people once they turn back to Him. It highlights the idea that God cares deeply about the state of His creation and is willing to intervene on behalf of those who are faithful to Him. The message is one of hope, indicating that despite their past failures, God is ready to forgive and renew His relationship with them, demonstrating His unwavering love and mercy. Explore related restoration.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joel 2:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize God's deep love and concern for us. It reminds us that no matter our past mistakes, God is always ready to forgive and restore us if we turn back to Him. We should seek to cultivate a close relationship with God, trusting in His compassion and mercy.
Curated for this public verse page. Joel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joel 2:18 mean?
Joel 2:18 expresses God's deep concern and love for His people and their land, indicating that He is protective and compassionate towards them. It signifies that after a call for repentance, God is ready to restore and bless those who turn back to Him.
What is the meaning of 'jealous' in Joel 2:18?
In Joel 2:18, 'jealous' refers to God's desire for a close relationship with His people, showing His protective nature. This jealousy is not selfish but reflects His commitment to their well-being and His longing for their faithfulness.
How does Joel 2:18 relate to God's mercy?
Joel 2:18 illustrates God's mercy by showing that despite past failures, He is willing to forgive and renew His relationship with His people. It emphasizes His compassionate response to their suffering and His desire to bless them.
What themes are present in Joel 2:18?
Key themes in Joel 2:18 include God's jealousy, divine compassion, restoration, repentance, and hope. The verse highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people and His readiness to intervene on their behalf.

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.
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