King James Version

What Does Joel 1:19 Mean?

Joel 1:19 in the King James Version says “O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the...” — study this verse from Joel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field. pastures: or, habitations”

Joel 1:19 · KJV

Context

17

The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered. seed: Heb. grains

18

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

19

O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field. pastures: or, habitations

20

The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness (eleikha YHWH eqra ki esh akhlah ne'ot midbar)—Joel turns from description to prayer. 'Fire' likely refers to locust devastation appearing like scorched earth (Joel 2:3), though drought-induced brushfires may also be in view.

And the flame hath burned all the trees of the field (ve-lehavah lihata kol-atsei ha-sadeh)—Total destruction extends beyond cultivated fields to wild trees. The imagery anticipates Joel 2:3's description: 'A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth.' This dual use of 'fire' (esh) and 'flame' (lehavah) creates poetic intensity. Yet Joel's response is prayer, not despair—modeling proper response to divine judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The wilderness (midbar) refers to marginal grazing lands beyond cultivated zones. Even these refuges were devastated. Ancient Israel's land use included settled agriculture, terraced hillsides, and wilderness pastures. Total ecological devastation meant no economic fallback—communities faced starvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joel's turning to prayer ('to thee will I cry') model faithful response to catastrophic circumstances?
  2. What 'fires' (whether literal disasters or metaphorical trials) have 'devoured' what you depended on?
  3. How does comprehensive loss drive us to prayer in ways prosperity never does?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אֵלֶ֥יךָ1 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 13

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶקְרָ֑א3 of 13

“to thee will I cry”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

כִּ֣י4 of 13
H3588

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

אֵ֗שׁ5 of 13

“for the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

אָֽכְלָה֙6 of 13

“hath devoured”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

נְא֣וֹת7 of 13

“the pastures”

H4999

a home; figuratively, a pasture

מִדְבָּ֔ר8 of 13

“of the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וְלֶ֣הָבָ֔ה9 of 13

“and the flame”

H3852

flame

לִהֲטָ֖ה10 of 13

“hath burned”

H3857

properly, to lick, i.e., (by implication) to blaze

כָּל11 of 13
H3605

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

עֲצֵ֥י12 of 13

“all the trees”

H6086

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

הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃13 of 13

“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 1:19 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 1:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 9:10Psalms 50:15Amos 7:4Micah 7:7Joel 2:3Psalms 91:15

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