King James Version
What Does Joel 1:8 Mean?
“Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.”
Context
6
For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.
7
He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white. barked: Heb. laid my fig tree for a barking
8
Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **For the husband of her youth.**—The land is addressed as a virgin betrothed, but not yet married, and forfeiting her marriage by unworthy conduct. Such was the relation of Israel to the Lord: He was faithful, but Israel unfaithful. Now let her mourn the penalty.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:8 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 1:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge