Joel 1:18
Joel 1:18 in Multiple Translations
How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering.
How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.
How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.
What sounds of pain come from the beasts! the herds of cattle are at a loss because there is no grass for them; even the flocks of sheep are no longer to be seen.
The farm animals moan with hunger. The herds of cattle wander everywhere because they can't find grass to eat; the flocks of sheep are suffering.
How did the beasts mourne! the herdes of cattel pine away, because they haue no pasture, and the flockes of sheepe are destroyed.
How have cattle sighed! Perplexed have been droves of oxen, For there is no pasture for them, Also droves of sheep have been desolated.
How the animals groan! The herds of livestock are perplexed, because they have no pasture. Yes, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.
How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yes, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.
Why did the beast groan, why did the herds of cattle low? because there is no pasture for them: yea, and the flocks of sheep are perished.
Our cattle groan, searching for a pasture with some grass to eat, and the sheep bleat because they are suffering.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joel 1:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joel 1:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה
בְהֵמָ֗ה
נָבֹ֨כוּ֙
עֶדְרֵ֣י
בָקָ֔ר
כִּ֛י
אֵ֥ין
מִרְעֶ֖ה
לָ/הֶ֑ם
גַּם
עֶדְרֵ֥י
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
נֶאְשָֽׁמוּ
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה
ʼânach
H584
to sigh
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
בְהֵמָ֗ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
N-fs
נָבֹ֨כוּ֙
bûwk
H943
to perplex
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
עֶדְרֵ֣י
ʻêder
H5739
flock
N-mp
בָקָ֔ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
N-cs
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
מִרְעֶ֖ה
mirʻeh
H4829
pasture
N-ms
לָ/הֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
עֶדְרֵ֥י
ʻêder
H5739
flock
N-mp
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
נֶאְשָֽׁמוּ
ʼâsham
H816
be guilty
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joel 1:18
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה
ʼânach
H584
"to sigh"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
To sigh means to groan or mourn in pain or grief, like an animal moaning, and is used to express deep emotional distress in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Niphal) sigh, groan (in pain or grief), gasp 1a) moan (of cattle)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: groan, mourn, sigh. See also: Exodus 2:23; Lamentations 1:11; Proverbs 29:2.
בְהֵמָ֗ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
נָבֹ֨כוּ֙
bûwk
H943
"to perplex"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To perplex or confuse, as seen in the Bible when people are entangled in difficult situations. This word involves being mixed up or disordered. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to perplex, confuse, be confused 1a) (Niphal) to be confused, be in confusion
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: be entangled, (perplexed). See also: Exodus 14:3; Esther 3:15; Joel 1:18.
עֶדְרֵ֣י
ʻêder
H5739
"flock"
N-mp
A flock refers to a group of animals, like sheep or cattle, that are herded together. In the Bible, it can also mean a herd or a drove of animals. This term is used to describe various scenes in the Bible.
Definition: 1) flock, herd 1a) flock 1b) herds, flocks and herds
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: drove, flock, herd. See also: Genesis 29:2; Isaiah 17:2; Psalms 78:52.
בָקָ֔ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מִרְעֶ֖ה
mirʻeh
H4829
"pasture"
N-ms
Pasture refers to a place where animals graze, like a feeding ground. It can also describe the act of grazing itself. In the Bible, pasture is often used to describe the care of sheep by a shepherd.
Definition: pasture, pasturage
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: feeding place, pasture. See also: Genesis 47:4; Isaiah 32:14; Nahum 2:12.
לָ/הֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
עֶדְרֵ֥י
ʻêder
H5739
"flock"
N-mp
A flock refers to a group of animals, like sheep or cattle, that are herded together. In the Bible, it can also mean a herd or a drove of animals. This term is used to describe various scenes in the Bible.
Definition: 1) flock, herd 1a) flock 1b) herds, flocks and herds
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: drove, flock, herd. See also: Genesis 29:2; Isaiah 17:2; Psalms 78:52.
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
נֶאְשָֽׁמוּ
ʼâsham
H816
"be guilty"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To be guilty means to have done something wrong and deserve punishment, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:8-10.
Definition: 1) to offend, be guilty, trespass 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do wrong, offend, trespass, commit an offense, do injury 1a2) to be or become guilty 1a3) to be held guilty 1a4) to be incriminated 1b) (Niphal) to suffer punishment 1c) (Hiphil) to declare guilty 2) (TWOT) to be desolate, acknowledge offense
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] certainly, be(-come, made) desolate, destroy, [idiom] greatly, be(-come, found, hold) guilty, offend (acknowledge offence), trespass. See also: Leviticus 4:13; Psalms 34:23; Psalms 5:11.
Study Notes — Joel 1:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joel 1:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joel 1:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joel 1:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joel 1:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Joel 1:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joel 1:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joel 1:18
- Cambridge Bible on Joel 1:18
- Barnes' Notes on Joel 1:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Joel 1:18
- Sermons on Joel 1:18
Context — A Call to Repentance
16Has not the food been cut off before our very eyes— joy and gladness from the house of our God?
17The seeds lie shriveled beneath the clods; the storehouses are in ruins; the granaries are broken down, for the grain has withered away.
18How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering.
19To You, O LORD, I call, for fire has consumed the open pastures and flames have scorched all the trees of the field. 20Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 12:4 | How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field be withered? Because of the evil of its residents, the animals and birds have been swept away, for the people have said, “He cannot see what our end will be.” |
| 2 | Hosea 4:3 | Therefore the land mourns, and all who dwell in it will waste away with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air; even the fish of the sea disappear. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 14:5–6 | Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass. Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture.” |
| 4 | Romans 8:22 | We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. |
| 5 | Joel 1:20 | Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 18:5 | Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock.” |
Joel 1:18 Summary
In Joel 1:18, the prophet describes the devastating impact of a famine on the land, where the cattle are groaning and the herds are wandering in confusion because they have no pasture. This scene helps us understand the severity of God's judgment, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15-18. The suffering of the flocks of sheep serves as a reminder of the spiritual condition of God's people, who are also suffering due to their disobedience and distance from God (Psalm 23:1-4). As we reflect on this verse, we are called to turn to God in repentance and to care for the natural world, recognizing our responsibility to be good stewards of the earth (Genesis 1:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cattle groaning and herds wandering in confusion in Joel 1:18?
The groaning of the cattle and the confusion of the herds in Joel 1:18 signifies the devastating impact of the famine on the livestock, highlighting the severity of the judgment of God, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15-18, where God warns of the consequences of disobedience, including the loss of livestock and crops.
How does the suffering of the flocks of sheep in Joel 1:18 relate to the spiritual condition of God's people?
The suffering of the flocks of sheep in Joel 1:18 serves as a metaphor for the spiritual condition of God's people, who are also suffering due to their disobedience and distance from God, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4, where the Lord is the Shepherd who guides and cares for His people.
What is the role of the prophet Joel in declaring the suffering of the cattle and herds in Joel 1:18?
The prophet Joel is declaring the suffering of the cattle and herds in Joel 1:18 as a call to repentance, warning the people of the judgment of God and the need to turn back to Him, as seen in Jonah 3:1-10, where the prophet Jonah calls the people of Nineveh to repentance.
How does the description of the cattle and herds in Joel 1:18 relate to the broader theme of creation's groaning in Romans 8:22?
The description of the cattle and herds in Joel 1:18 relates to the broader theme of creation's groaning in Romans 8:22, where the Apostle Paul writes that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth, waiting for the redemption of our bodies, highlighting the interconnectedness of God's creation and the impact of sin on the natural world.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can identify with the groaning of the cattle and the confusion of the herds in my own life, and how can I turn to God in those moments?
- How does the image of the flocks of sheep suffering in Joel 1:18 challenge my understanding of God's care and provision for His people?
- In what ways can I, like the prophet Joel, declare the truth of God's judgment and call others to repentance, while also offering hope and comfort in the midst of suffering?
- What are some practical ways in which I can care for and steward the natural world, recognizing the interconnectedness of God's creation and our responsibility to be good stewards of the earth?
Gill's Exposition on Joel 1:18
How do the beasts groan?.... For want of fodder, all green grass and herbs being eaten up by the locusts; or devoured, or trampled upon, and destroyed, by the Chaldeans; and also for want of water to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joel 1:18
How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joel 1:18
How do the beasts groan? so great was the penury and want of sustenance, that the beasts in the field, pinched with hunger, groaned, made dismal noise for fodder and water; the word beasts is general, and contains all sorts. The herds of cattle; the greater cattle, which go wandering about, and range over all places, yet can find no pasturage. The flocks of sheep; which, led by shepherds, might likely be supposed better secured; yet their shepherds find no pasture, and the sheep pine away and starve. These things are mentioned, either as convincing men of their stupidity, who were less sensible of present miseries than brute beasts were, or to provoke them to lay to heart the pressing calamities, or as arguments that lie would pity and relieve innocent brutes, though he punished sinful brutes.
Trapp's Commentary on Joel 1:18
Joe 1:18 How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.Ver. 18. How do the beasts groan] The wild beasts groan in their kind. The herds of cattle] Home and tame beasts, as oxen, &c., are perplexed] as not knowing what to do; it is the same word with that, Esther 3:15. God had "hid his face" (withdrawn his hand), "and they were troubled; he taketh away their breath" (for lack of pasture), "they die and return to their dust," as David telleth us in his psalm, Psalms 104:29. Epiphanius’ s physiologer reporteth of the bird called Charadius, that being brought where a sick man lieth, if he look upon the sick with a fixed and unremoved eye there is hopes of recovery, but if he look another way the disease is deadly. Sure it is, that if God look in mercy upon man and beast they are cared and catered for, Psalms 36:7; Psalms 104:27; Psalms 145:15-16, &c. and the contrary. Yea, the flocks of sheep, &c., which yet can bite upon the bare, live with a little, and get pasture where the larger creatures cannot come.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joel 1:18
(18) How do the beasts groan.—All creation is represented as sharing in the dread perplexity; the beasts are involved in it, as also in Nineveh the animals were united in the proclamation of the general fast by the king’s decree, when he had heard of the preaching of Jonah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joel 1:18
Verse 18. How do the beasts groan!] I really think that the neighing of horses, or braying of asses, is wonderfully expressed by the sound of the original: מה נאנחה בהמה mah NEENCHAH behemah, how do the horses neigh! how do the asses bray! בהמה behemah is a collective name for all domestic cattle, and those used in husbandry. Cattle are perplexed] They are looking everywhere, and wandering about to find some grass, and know not which way to run.
Cambridge Bible on Joel 1:18
18. The distress of the cattle through lack of pasture (cf. Jeremiah 14:5-6). are perplexed] wandering hither and thither in quest of food[33]. [33] LXX. for ξδπΰπηδαδξδ express ξַ ?δΞπַּ ?πִּ ?ηָ ?δαָ ?δֵ ?ξָּ ?δ, “what shall we lay up (Deuteronomy 14:28) in them?” connecting the words with Joe 1:17. But such a clause would be a very weak addition to λιδεαιωγβο.yea (or even) the flocks of sheep, &c.] even the sheep, which do not require such moist or rich pasture as kine, suffer with them. are made desolate] are held guilty, or (R.V. marg.) suffer punishment. βsham, to be guilty, is sometimes used in the sense of to be held guilty, to bear the consequences of guilt, i.e. to suffer punishment (comp. Hosea 13:16; Isaiah 24:6); and here the term is applied improperly, by a poetical figure, to cattle. The rendering are made desolate is due to the fact that the Jews understood ΰωׁ ?ν in the sense of ωׁ ?ξν. Merx and Wellh., however, perhaps rightly, read πָ ?ωַׁ ?ξּ ?εּ, ‘are made desolate’ (Lamentations 4:5), or ‘stand aghast’ (Jeremiah 4:9).
Barnes' Notes on Joel 1:18
How do the beasts groan! - There is something very pitiable in the cry of the brute creation, even because they are innocent, yet bear man’s guilt. Their groaning seems to the prophet to be beyond expression.
Whedon's Commentary on Joel 1:18
18. Even the irrational animal world cries out in agony. How do the beasts groan! — Or, sob. Everyone knows that the cattle do not sob, but in a style like that of Joel such highly poetic personification is perfectly permissible.
Sermons on Joel 1:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Getting to Know the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | This sermon focuses on the importance of getting to know the Holy Spirit as described in John 14:16. It emphasizes the ministry of the Holy Spirit, including comfort, sonship, and |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 11:11 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the current state of the world and the need for God's intervention. He expresses concern over the increasing wickedness and rebellion a |
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When Defeat Becomes Doctrine by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker passionately addresses the pursuit of self and how it aligns with the heart of Christ. He questions whether the pursuit of self can truly be considered |
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Joy Out of Travail by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a deep appreciation for the things of God. He highlights how easily humans can take God's blessings for granted and |
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Intellectual Climate and New Theology by Francis Schaeffer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of an impenetrable mystery that lies behind all creation, both human and divine. He emphasizes the inexhaustible energy that exis |
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The Anatomy of Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the predictions he made about the consequences of communism in Russia. He acknowledges that his warnings of devastation, violence, and dest |
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The Israel of God - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine heart relationship with God. He uses the analogy of a tree that appears to be real but is hollow on the in |