King James Version

What Does Joel 1:12 Mean?

Joel 1:12 in the King James Version says “The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even a... — study this verse from Joel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joel 1:12 · KJV


Context

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.

14

Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, solemn: or, day of restraint


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"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" catalogs comprehensive agricultural devastation. Every fruit tree fails. The final clause is devastating: "because joy is withered away from the sons of men." The Hebrew chabash (withered/dried up) used for trees now describes human joy—when God withdraws blessings, joy disappears. This teaches that true joy depends on God's favor, not circumstances. Fallen humanity seeks joy in creation (food, drink, pleasure) rather than Creator. When God removes these secondary goods, He exposes the bankruptcy of idolatry—created things cannot satisfy. Only God Himself brings lasting joy (Psalm 16:11, John 15:11).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The listed trees—vine, fig, pomegranate, palm, apple—were Israel's primary fruit sources, each with symbolic significance. The vine represented Israel (Psalm 80:8-16, Isaiah 5:1-7), the fig tree peace and prosperity (1 Kings 4:25), the pomegranate and palm abundance. Their collective failure symbolized comprehensive covenant curse. This imagery would have been viscerally powerful to an agricultural society whose survival depended on these crops.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you seek joy—in God Himself or in gifts He provides?
  2. How does loss of temporal blessings reveal whether your faith rests in God or His benefits?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
הַגֶּ֣פֶן1 of 18

The vine

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

הֹבִ֥ישׁ2 of 18

are withered

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

וְהַתְּאֵנָ֖ה3 of 18

and the fig tree

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

אֻמְלָ֑לָה4 of 18

languisheth

H535

to droop; by implication to be sick, to mourn

רִמּ֞וֹן5 of 18

the pomegranate

H7416

a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)

גַּם6 of 18
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

תָּמָ֣ר7 of 18

tree the palm tree

H8558

a palm tree

וְתַפּ֗וּחַ8 of 18

also and the apple tree

H8598

an apple (from its fragrance), i.e., the fruit or the tree (probably including others of the pome order, as the quince, the orange, etc.)

כָּל9 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲצֵ֤י10 of 18

even all the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

הַשָּׂדֶה֙11 of 18

of the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

הֹבִ֥ישׁ12 of 18

are withered

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

כִּֽי13 of 18
H3588

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

הֹבִ֥ישׁ14 of 18

are withered

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

שָׂשׂ֖וֹן15 of 18

because joy

H8342

cheerfulness; specifically, welcome

מִן16 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

בְּנֵ֥י17 of 18

from the sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָֽם׃18 of 18

of men

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)


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 1:12 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 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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