Lexical Summary Ioel: Joel Original Word: Ἰωήλ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Joel. Of Hebrew origin (Yow'el); Joel, an Israelite -- Joel. see HEBREW Yow'el Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2493: ΙωηλΙωηλ, ὁ, indeclinable (יואֵל whose God is Jehovah, equivalent to a worshipper of God (others, 'Jehovah is God')), Joel, the eminent prophet who according to the opinion of very many recent writers prophesied in the reign of Uzziah (cf. B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 2493 (Ἰωήλ) designates the Old Testament prophet Joel, whose prophetic voice echoes once in the Greek New Testament at Acts 2:16. That single citation, placed upon the lips of the Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost, weaves the prophet’s ancient message into the fabric of the gospel era. Historical Setting of Joel Joel ministered to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, almost certainly in Jerusalem, during a time marked by national calamity and religious lethargy. While scholars debate the precise date, the internal evidence of his book points to a period when temple worship was active (Joel 1:13–14; Joel 2:15–17). Joel confronted a devastating locust plague and severe drought, events he interpreted as a harbinger of a far greater visitation of divine judgment known as “the Day of the LORD.” Key Themes in the Book of Joel 1. Immediate Judgment: Joel’s vivid imagery of locust armies (Joel 1:4) awakens the nation to its spiritual peril. New Testament Usage (Acts 2:16) Peter’s Pentecost sermon interprets the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as the inaugural fulfillment of Joel’s promise. He prefaces the quotation with, “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:16), signaling continuity between prophet and apostle, between covenant promise and gospel fulfillment. The citation legitimizes the Spirit-led proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection and inaugurates the missionary expansion of the church (Acts 2:17–21). Theological Significance 1. Continuity of Revelation: Joel’s prophecy underscores the unity of Scripture; promises uttered centuries earlier find realization in Christ’s redemptive work and the Spirit’s descent. Ministry Implications • Preaching: Joel provides a model for confronting contemporary crises with calls to repentance and hope grounded in God’s covenant faithfulness. Christological Connections Joel’s portrayal of covenant judgment and restoration finds its fulcrum in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The “blood and fire and columns of smoke” (Joel 2:30) echo the apocalyptic imagery Jesus employs in Matthew 24:29–31, while the outpoured Spirit testifies to His exaltation (John 7:39; Acts 2:33). Eschatology and Hope The prophet envisions a climactic conflict in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:2), ultimately resolved by divine intervention. Revelation 14 and Revelation 19 resonate with Joel’s harvest and battle motifs, affirming that God will vindicate His people and dwell in Zion forever (Joel 3:17, 21). Practical Application for Believers Today • Cultivate watchfulness for the Day of the LORD, living in holiness and expectation (1 Thessalonians 5:2–8). Summary Strong’s Greek 2493 embodies more than a personal name; it serves as a bridge between prophetic anticipation and apostolic fulfillment, inviting the church to walk in Spirit-empowered obedience as it awaits the consummation of the Day of the LORD. Forms and Transliterations Ιωηλ Ἰωήλ Ioel Ioḗl Iōēl IōḗlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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