King James Version

What Does Joel 2:19 Mean?

Joel 2:19 in the King James Version says “Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be sati...” — study this verse from Joel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Joel 2:19 · KJV

Context

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:

20

But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things. hath: Heb. hath magnified to do

21

Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things. will: Heb. hath magnified to do

Read Joel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil—God's response to repentant prayer is immediate and generous. The triple promise of dagan (דָּגָן, grain/corn), tirosh (תִּירוֹשׁ, new wine), and yitshar (יִצְהָר, fresh oil) represents comprehensive agricultural restoration. These three staples formed the basis of ancient Israel's economy and diet, providing bread, drink, and cooking fuel. Their restoration reverses the devastation described in 1:10: "The field is wasted... for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth." What the locusts destroyed, God now restores.

And ye shall be satisfied therewith (Hebrew usevaatem oto)—the verb sava (שָׂבַע) means to be satisfied, filled, satiated. This isn't mere subsistence but abundance producing contentment. Deuteronomy 8:10 commands: "When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God." Satisfaction should lead to worship, not complacency. The phrase fulfills covenant blessing promises: "Ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely" (Leviticus 26:5).

And I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen—the word cherpah (חֶרְפָּה, reproach/disgrace) describes the shame Israel experienced when judgment made them objects of mockery. Pagan nations questioned God's power: "Where is their God?" (2:17). Divine restoration vindicates both God's people and God's name. This anticipates Romans 10:11: "Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Christ's work removes eternal reproach, securing believers' final vindication when "the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" (Isaiah 40:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Grain, wine, and oil were the Mediterranean triad sustaining ancient Near Eastern economies. Grain provided bread (the staff of life), wine served as both beverage and celebration drink, and oil fueled lamps and cooking. Their abundance signaled covenant blessing (Deuteronomy 7:13, 11:14); their failure indicated curse (Deuteronomy 28:51, Hosea 2:8-9). Joel's promise reverses curse, restoring blessing. The concern about reproach among nations reflects ancient Near Eastern honor/shame culture where military defeat or natural disaster indicated divine weakness or abandonment. God's restoration demonstrates His power and covenant faithfulness, silencing pagan mockery.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's provision of physical necessities (grain, wine, oil) demonstrate His care for both spiritual and material needs?
  2. What does it mean to be "satisfied" with God's provision in a consumer culture that constantly manufactures discontent?
  3. How should believers respond when God removes reproach and vindicates His name through restored blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיַּ֨עַן1 of 19

“will answer”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 19

“Yea the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר3 of 19

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְעַמּ֗וֹ4 of 19

“unto his people”

H5971

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

הִנְנִ֨י5 of 19
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

שֹׁלֵ֤חַ6 of 19

“Behold I will send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לָכֶם֙7 of 19
H0
אֶת8 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּגָן֙9 of 19

“you corn”

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

וְהַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ10 of 19

“and wine”

H8492

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

וְהַיִּצְהָ֔ר11 of 19

“and oil”

H3323

oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing

וּשְׂבַעְתֶּ֖ם12 of 19

“and ye shall be satisfied”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

אֹת֑וֹ13 of 19
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וְלֹא14 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶתֵּ֨ן15 of 19

“therewith and I will no more make”

H5414

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

אֶתְכֶ֥ם16 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

ע֛וֹד17 of 19
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

חֶרְפָּ֖ה18 of 19

“you a reproach”

H2781

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

בַּגּוֹיִֽם׃19 of 19

“among the heathen”

H1471

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

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 2:19 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 2:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 34:29Ezekiel 36:15Jeremiah 31:12Isaiah 62:8-9Joel 2:24Amos 9:13-14

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