Joel 3:8
New International Version
I will sell your sons and daughters to the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, a nation far away.” The LORD has spoken.

New Living Translation
I will sell your sons and daughters to the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the people of Arabia, a nation far away. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

English Standard Version
I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a nation far away, for the LORD has spoken.”

Berean Standard Bible
I will sell your sons and daughters into the hands of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans—to a distant nation.” Indeed, the LORD has spoken.

King James Bible
And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

New King James Version
I will sell your sons and your daughters Into the hand of the people of Judah, And they will sell them to the Sabeans, To a people far off; For the LORD has spoken.”

New American Standard Bible
I will also sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the sons of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a distant nation,” for the LORD has spoken.

NASB 1995
“Also I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the sons of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a distant nation,” for the LORD has spoken.

NASB 1977
“Also I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the sons of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a distant nation,” for the LORD has spoken.

Legacy Standard Bible
Also I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the sons of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a distant nation,” for Yahweh has spoken.

Amplified Bible
Also I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a distant nation,” for the LORD has spoken.

Christian Standard Bible
I will sell your sons and daughters to the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a distant nation, for the LORD has spoken.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will sell your sons and daughters into the hands of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a distant nation, for the LORD has spoken.

American Standard Version
and I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the men of Sheba, to a nation far off: for Jehovah hath spoken it.

Contemporary English Version
I'll hand over your sons and daughters to the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, who live far away. I, the LORD, have spoken!

English Revised Version
and I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the men of Sheba, to a nation far off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will sell your sons and daughters to the people of Judah. They will sell them to the people of Sheba, a nation that is far away." The LORD has spoken.

Good News Translation
I will let your sons and daughters be sold to the people of Judah; they will sell them to the far-off Sabeans. I, the LORD, have spoken.

International Standard Version
and I will sell your sons and daughters into the control of the people of Judah. And they will sell them to the people of Sheba, a country far away." Indeed, the LORD has spoken."

Majority Standard Bible
I will sell your sons and daughters into the hands of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans?to a distant nation.? Indeed, the LORD has spoken.

NET Bible
I will sell your sons and daughters to the people of Judah. They will sell them to the Sabeans, a nation far away. Indeed, the LORD has spoken!

New Heart English Bible
and I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hands of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the men of Sheba, to a faraway nation, for the LORD has spoken it."

Webster's Bible Translation
And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

World English Bible
and I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hands of the children of Judah, and they will sell them to the men of Sheba, to a faraway nation, for Yahweh has spoken it.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And have sold your sons and your daughters "" Into the hand of the sons of Judah, "" And they have sold them to Sabeans, "" To a nation far off, for YHWH has spoken.”

Young's Literal Translation
And have sold your sons and your daughters Into the hand of the sons of Judah, And they have sold them to Shabeans, Unto a nation far off, for Jehovah hath spoken.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I sold your sons and your daughters into the hand of the sons of Judah, and they sold them to the Sabeans to a nation far off: for Jehovah spake.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I will sell your sons, and your daughters by the hands of the children of Juda, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, a nation far off, for the Lord hath spoken it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hands of the sons of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, a distant nation, for the Lord has spoken.

New American Bible
I will sell your sons and daughters to the Judahites who will sell them to the Sabeans, a distant nation. The LORD has spoken!

New Revised Standard Version
I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a nation far away; for the LORD has spoken.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I will deliver your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off; for the LORD had spoken it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I shall deliver your children and your daughters into the hand of the children of Yehuda and they shall sell them to Sheba, the distant people, for LORD JEHOVAH has spoken
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the men of Sheba, to a nation far off; for the LORD hath spoken.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hands of the children of Juda, and they shall sell them into captivity to a far distant nation: for the Lord has spoken it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD Judges the Nations
7Behold, I will rouse them from the places to which you sold them; I will return your recompense upon your heads. 8I will sell your sons and daughters into the hands of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans— to a distant nation.” Indeed, the LORD has spoken. 9Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war; rouse the mighty men; let all the men of war advance and attack!…

Cross References
Isaiah 14:2
The nations will escort Israel and bring it to its homeland. Then the house of Israel will possess the nations as menservants and maidservants in the LORD’s land. They will make captives of their captors and rule over their oppressors.

Deuteronomy 28:68
The LORD will return you to Egypt in ships by a route that I said you should never see again. There you will sell yourselves to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one will buy you.”

Ezekiel 27:13
Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your merchandise.

Amos 9:14
I will restore My people Israel from captivity; they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit.

Zechariah 14:21
Indeed, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD of Hosts, and all who sacrifice will come and take some pots and cook in them. And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of Hosts.

Revelation 18:13
of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves.

Jeremiah 30:16
Nevertheless, all who devour you will be devoured, and all your adversaries—every one of them—will go off into exile. Those who plundered you will be plundered, and all who raided you will be raided.

Isaiah 60:14
The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Obadiah 1:17
But on Mount Zion there will be deliverance, and it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will reclaim their possession.

Isaiah 45:14
This is what the LORD says: “The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, along with the Sabeans, men of stature, will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you; they will come over in chains and bow down to you. They will confess to you: ‘God is indeed with you, and there is no other; there is no other God.’”

Isaiah 49:22-23
This is what the Lord GOD says: “Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations, and raise My banner to the peoples. They will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders. / Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”

Revelation 13:10
“If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints.

Isaiah 61:5
Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers.

Isaiah 66:20
And they will bring all your brothers from all the nations as a gift to the LORD on horses and chariots and wagons, on mules and camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the LORD, “just as the Israelites bring an offering in a clean vessel to the house of the LORD.”

1 Kings 9:21
their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day.


Treasury of Scripture

And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off: for the LORD has spoken it.

I will.

Deuteronomy 32:30
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

Judges 2:14
And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

Judges 4:2,9
And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles…

your sons.

Isaiah 14:1,2
For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob…

Isaiah 60:14
The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Sabeans.

Job 1:15
And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Ezekiel 23:42
And a voice of a multitude being at ease was with her: and with the men of the common sort were brought Sabeans from the wilderness, which put bracelets upon their hands, and beautiful crowns upon their heads.

far off.

Jeremiah 6:20
To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

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Children Daughters Distant Far Faraway Hand Hands Judah Nation Price Sabeans Sabe'ans Sell Sheba Sold
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Joel 3
1. God's judgments against the enemies of his people.
9. God will be known in his judgment.
18. His blessing upon the church.














I will sell your sons and daughters into the hands of the people of Judah
This phrase reflects a reversal of fortunes, where those who once oppressed God's people will themselves face subjugation. Historically, the people of Judah had experienced invasions and exile, notably by the Babylonians. This prophecy indicates a future time when Judah will have the upper hand. The selling of sons and daughters into slavery was a common practice in ancient times, often as a result of war or debt. This phrase underscores the justice of God, who will repay the nations for their treatment of His people. It also echoes the principle of divine retribution found in other scriptures, such as Obadiah 1:15, which states, "As you have done, it will be done to you."

and they will sell them to the Sabeans—to a distant nation.
The Sabeans were a people known for their trading prowess, likely located in the region of modern-day Yemen. This reference to a "distant nation" emphasizes the complete removal and dispersion of those who opposed God's people, symbolizing total defeat and humiliation. The Sabeans' involvement highlights the far-reaching consequences of divine judgment, extending beyond immediate neighbors to distant lands. This also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of ancient trade routes and the widespread impact of God's actions. The mention of a distant nation can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to restore and vindicate His people, as seen in other prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Indeed, the LORD has spoken.
This phrase serves as a divine seal of authenticity and certainty. When the LORD speaks, it is a guarantee that His words will come to pass. This assurance is a common theme throughout the Bible, where God's declarations are irrevocable and trustworthy. The phrase underscores the authority and sovereignty of God over all nations and events. It also serves as a reminder to the faithful that God's justice will ultimately prevail, providing hope and encouragement in times of oppression and uncertainty. This echoes the sentiment found in Isaiah 55:11, where God's word is described as accomplishing what He desires and achieving the purpose for which it was sent.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The People of Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, representing God's chosen people who are often depicted as recipients of God's promises and judgments.

2. The Sabeans
A people from a distant land, possibly located in the region of modern-day Yemen, known for their wealth and trade.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate authority and judge over the nations.

4. Sons and Daughters
Refers to the children of the nations that have opposed God and His people, symbolizing the consequences of their actions.

5. The Event of Judgment
This verse is part of a larger prophecy concerning the judgment of nations that have mistreated Israel.
Teaching Points
Divine Justice
God's justice is comprehensive and extends to all nations. He holds everyone accountable for their actions, especially those who harm His people.

Sovereignty of God
This passage underscores God's sovereignty over history and nations. Believers can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic.

Consequences of Sin
The verse serves as a reminder that sin has consequences, not only for individuals but also for nations. It calls for repentance and alignment with God's will.

Hope for the Oppressed
For those who have suffered injustice, this verse offers hope that God will ultimately vindicate and restore them.

Call to Faithfulness
Believers are encouraged to remain faithful, knowing that God sees and will act justly on behalf of His people.(8) I will sell your sons. . . .--The Philistines came under the power of Uzziah and Hezekiah, who may have sold them to the Sabeans on the Persian Gulf, by whom they would have been passed on to India. The Philistines were also sold in great numbers by the Grecian conquerors in the time of the Maccabees.

Verse 8. - And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off. The Hebrew expression does not mean "to sell by the hand of," as it is erroneously rendered by some; but "to sell into the hand," that is, to deliver over into the power of the children of Judah. The Sabeans were the inhabitants of Sheba, in Arabia Felix, a people actively engaged in trade, and related to the Pales-tinians in the south, as the Grecians in the north. They were a people as far off (or more so) in an easterly direction as the Greeks of Ionia in a westerly; and so Kimchi, "They were far off from their land more than the Javanites." "As the Tyrians sold Jewish prisoners to the maritime people of the far West, so the Jews should sell Tyrians to traders of the far East." The LXX., mistaking שבאים for the plural of שְׁבִי, translate the clause, "They shall sell them into captivity to a far-distant nation." If we are not to understand these predictions, with Hengstenberg, as an application of the general truth that God shall gather again the dispersed of Judah and the captives of Israel, we may find their fulfilment in such events as the following: the defeat of the Philistines by Uzziah, "when he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines;" their defeat also by Hezekiah, when "he smote the Philistines even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchman to the fenced city;" and the temporary subjection of portions of Palestinian and Phoenician territory to the Jews in Maccabean times, together with the siege and destruction of their cities, as narrated by the Jewish historian Josephus and in the First Book of Maccabees. We learn also from Diodorus that thirteen thousand captive Tyrians were sold into slavery after the victory of Alexander the Great.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I will sell
וּמָכַרְתִּ֞י (ū·mā·ḵar·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 4376: To sell

your sons
בְּנֵיכֶ֣ם (bə·nê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1121: A son

and daughters
בְּנֽוֹתֵיכֶ֗ם (bə·nō·w·ṯê·ḵem)
Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1323: A daughter

into the hands
בְּיַד֙ (bə·yaḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

of the people
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Judah,
יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

and they will sell
וּמְכָר֥וּם (ū·mə·ḵā·rūm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4376: To sell

them to the Sabeans,
לִשְׁבָאיִ֖ם (liš·ḇā·yim)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 7615: Sabeans -- a Shebaite

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

a distant
רָח֑וֹק (rā·ḥō·wq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7350: Remote, of place, time, precious

nation.”
גּ֣וֹי (gō·w)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

Indeed,
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has spoken.
דִּבֵּֽר׃ (dib·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue


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OT Prophets: Joel 3:8 And I will sell your sons (Jl Joe.)
Joel 3:7
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