King James Version

What Does Joel 2:17 Mean?

Joel 2:17 in the King James Version says “Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O ...” — study this verse from Joel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? rule over: or, use a byword against”

Joel 2:17 · KJV

Context

15

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

16

Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

17

Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? rule over: or, use a byword against

18

Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

19

Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

Read Joel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?" This verse describes priestly intercession at a specific location—between the porch (temple entrance) and the altar (where sacrifices were offered), the most sacred space in the temple complex (2 Chronicles 4:9, Matthew 23:35). Priests standing there functioned as mediators between God and people. Their prayer "Spare thy people" uses the Hebrew chuws (have compassion, pity)—pleading for mercy. The concern isn't merely national survival but God's reputation: "give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them." If God's people fall to pagans, unbelievers will mock God, saying "Where is their God?" This argument appeals to God's glory and honor. The Reformed understanding of God's jealousy for His name affirms that God acts to vindicate His glory (Ezekiel 20:9, 14, 22, 39:25; Isaiah 48:11).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Priestly intercession was central to Israel's worship. The high priest entered the Most Holy Place annually on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the nation (Leviticus 16). This passage describes extraordinary corporate prayer in crisis. The argument that pagan victory would dishonor God's name reflects ancient Near Eastern theology—victories proved which gods were stronger. God's concern for His reputation drove intervention on Israel's behalf repeatedly (Exodus 32:11-14, Numbers 14:13-19, Psalm 79:9-10, 115:1-2). Ultimately, God vindicated His name through Christ, whose resurrection demonstrated God's power and faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does priestly intercession in the Old Testament point toward Christ's ongoing intercession for believers (Hebrews 7:25)?
  2. What does it mean to pray based on God's glory and reputation rather than merely personal needs?
  3. How should concern for God's honor among unbelievers shape Christian life and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
בֵּ֤ין1 of 24
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הָאוּלָם֙2 of 24

“between the porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

וְלַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ3 of 24

“and the altar”

H4196

an altar

יִבְכּוּ֙4 of 24

“weep”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים5 of 24

“Let the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

מְשָׁרְתֵ֖י6 of 24

“the ministers”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

יְהוָ֣ה7 of 24

“O LORD”

H3068

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

יֹאמְר֣וּ8 of 24

“and let them say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ח֧וּסָה9 of 24

“Spare”

H2347

properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate

יְהוָ֣ה10 of 24

“O LORD”

H3068

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

עַל11 of 24
H5921

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

בָֽעַמִּ֔ים12 of 24

“among the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְאַל13 of 24
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּתֵּ֨ן14 of 24

“and give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

נַחֲלָתְךָ֤15 of 24

“not thine heritage”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

לְחֶרְפָּה֙16 of 24

“to reproach”

H2781

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

לִמְשָׁל17 of 24

“should rule over”

H4910

to rule

בָּ֣ם18 of 24
H0
גּוֹיִ֔ם19 of 24

“that the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

לָ֚מָּה20 of 24
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יֹאמְר֣וּ21 of 24

“and let them say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בָֽעַמִּ֔ים22 of 24

“among the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אַיֵּ֖ה23 of 24
H346

where?

אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃24 of 24

“Where is their God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 2:17 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 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 115:2Psalms 79:10Ezekiel 8:16Matthew 23:35Hosea 14:2Joel 1:9

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