King James Version

What Does Joel 1:11 Mean?

Joel 1:11 in the King James Version says “Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the fi...” — study this verse from Joel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joel 1:11 · KJV

Context

9

The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from the house of the LORD; the priests, the LORD'S ministers, mourn.

10

The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth.

11

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.

12

The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.

13

Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God.

Read Joel 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers" commands farmers to lament. The Hebrew bosh (ashamed) indicates confusion, disappointment, and recognition of failure. Farmers who worked diligently now face total crop failure—not due to laziness but divine judgment. "For the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished" lists staple grains destroyed. Wheat and barley provided bread—the staff of life. Their loss meant famine. This teaches that human labor, however diligent, cannot succeed apart from God's blessing (Psalm 127:1-2). The Reformed doctrine of providence affirms God's active governance over all events, including weather, harvests, and economic outcomes. Success isn't automatic reward for effort—it's gift from God who causes growth (1 Corinthians 3:7).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient agriculture depended entirely on rainfall, soil fertility, and absence of pests—all beyond human control. A locust plague could devastate years of labor in hours. The covenant explicitly linked agricultural prosperity to obedience (Leviticus 26:3-5, Deuteronomy 28:1-14) and failure to disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-24). This wasn't mechanical cause-effect but covenantal relationship—God blesses faithfulness, withdraws blessing from rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that success depends on God's blessing, not just hard work, combat both pride and despair?
  2. In what ways do modern people presume control over outcomes that ultimately depend on divine providence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הֹבִ֣ישׁוּ1 of 12
H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

אִכָּרִ֗ים2 of 12

“O ye husbandmen”

H406

a farmer

הֵילִ֙ילוּ֙3 of 12

“howl”

H3213

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

כֹּֽרְמִ֔ים4 of 12

“O ye vinedressers”

H3755

a vinedresser

עַל5 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חִטָּ֖ה6 of 12

“for the wheat”

H2406

wheat, whether the grain or the plant

וְעַל7 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׂעֹרָ֑ה8 of 12

“and for the barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

כִּ֥י9 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָבַ֖ד10 of 12

“is perished”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

קְצִ֥יר11 of 12

“because the harvest”

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

שָׂדֶֽה׃12 of 12

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joel 1:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joel 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 14:3-4Isaiah 17:11Jeremiah 9:12Amos 5:16Romans 5:5

Test Your Knowledge

Joel 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJoel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Joel 1 with CommentaryAll Joel ChaptersComplete Joel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes