Joel 2:25
Joel 2:25 in Multiple Translations
I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts— the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust — My great army that I sent against you.
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the canker-worm, and the caterpillar, and the palmer-worm, my great army which I sent among you.
I will give back to you the years which were food for the locust, the plant-worm, the field-fly, and the worm, my great army which I sent among you.
“I will give back to you what you lost over the years to the swarming, hopping, destroying, and cutting locusts, this great army that I sent against you.
And I will render you the yeeres that the grashopper hath eaten, the canker worme and the caterpiller and the palmer worme, my great hoste which I sent among you.
And I have recompensed to you the years That consume did the locust, the cankerworm, And the caterpillar, and the palmer-worm, My great force that I did send against you.
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the great locust, the grasshopper, and the caterpillar, my great army, which I sent among you.
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the canker-worm, and the caterpillar, and the palmer-worm, my great army which I sent among you.
And I will restore to you the ears which the locust, and the bruchus, and the mildew, and the palmerworm have eaten; my great host which I sent upon you.
Yahweh said, “I will repay you for everything that was destroyed by those great swarms of locusts that I sent to attack you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joel 2:25
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 2:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שִׁלַּמְתִּ֤י
לָ/כֶם֙
אֶת
הַ/שָּׁנִ֔ים
אֲשֶׁר֙
אָכַ֣ל
הָֽ/אַרְבֶּ֔ה
הַ/יֶּ֖לֶק
וְ/הֶ/חָסִ֣יל
וְ/הַ/גָּזָ֑ם
חֵילִ/י֙
הַ/גָּד֔וֹל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
שִׁלַּ֖חְתִּי
בָּ/כֶֽם
וְ/שִׁלַּמְתִּ֤י
shâlam
H7999
to complete
Conj | V-Piel-1cs
לָ/כֶם֙
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/שָּׁנִ֔ים
shâneh
H8141
year
Art | N-fp
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָכַ֣ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הָֽ/אַרְבֶּ֔ה
ʼarbeh
H697
locust
Art | N-ms
הַ/יֶּ֖לֶק
yeleq
H3218
locust
Art | N-ms
וְ/הֶ/חָסִ֣יל
châçîyl
H2625
locust
Conj | Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/גָּזָ֑ם
gâzâm
H1501
locust
Conj | Art | N-ms
חֵילִ/י֙
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms | Suff
הַ/גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שִׁלַּ֖חְתִּי
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
בָּ/כֶֽם
Prep | Suff
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 2:25
וְ/שִׁלַּמְתִּ֤י
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
Conj | V-Piel-1cs
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
לָ/כֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/שָּׁנִ֔ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Art | N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָכַ֣ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
הָֽ/אַרְבֶּ֔ה
ʼarbeh
H697
"locust"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for locust, which rapidly multiplies, is also used figuratively to describe sudden disappearance or insignificance, as seen in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a kind of locust, locust swarm (coll) 2) (CLBL) 2a) sudden disappearance (fig.) 2b) insignificance (fig.) 2c) activity (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: grasshopper, locust. See also: Exodus 10:4; 2 Chronicles 6:28; Psalms 78:46.
הַ/יֶּ֖לֶק
yeleq
H3218
"locust"
Art | N-ms
The locust, a devouring insect, is described by this Hebrew word, which refers specifically to the young locust or caterpillar stage, known for eating and destroying crops.
Definition: 1) young locust (early stage of development) 1a) caterpillar (as devouring)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: cankerworm, caterpillar. See also: Psalms 105:34; Joel 1:4; Jeremiah 51:14.
וְ/הֶ/חָסִ֣יל
châçîyl
H2625
"locust"
Conj | Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a locust, a type of insect that ravages crops, as seen in Exodus 10:4. It is often translated as caterpillar in the KJV. This pest is a significant threat to food supplies.
Definition: locust
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: caterpillar. See also: 1 Kings 8:37; Isaiah 33:4; Psalms 78:46.
וְ/הַ/גָּזָ֑ם
gâzâm
H1501
"locust"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A kind of locust is referred to by this word, also translated as palmer-worm in the KJV. It appears in the Bible as a type of insect.
Definition: locusts
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: palmer-worm. See also: Joel 1:4; Joel 2:25; Amos 4:9.
חֵילִ/י֙
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms | Suff
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
הַ/גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שִׁלַּ֖חְתִּי
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
בָּ/כֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Joel 2:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joel 2:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joel 2:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joel 2:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joel 2:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Joel 2:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joel 2:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joel 2:25
- Cambridge Bible on Joel 2:25
- Barnes' Notes on Joel 2:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Joel 2:25
- Sermons on Joel 2:25
Context — Restoration Promised
23Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication. He sends you showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.
24The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
25I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts— the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust — My great army that I sent against you.
26You will have plenty to eat, until you are satisfied. You will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you. My people will never again be put to shame. 27Then you will know that I am present in Israel and that I am the LORD your God, and there is no other. My people will never again be put to shame.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 10:6 | I will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them, and they will be as though I had not rejected them. For I am the LORD their God, and I will answer them. |
| 2 | Joel 1:4–7 | What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten. Wake up, you drunkards, and weep; wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth. For a nation has invaded My land, powerful and without number; its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and its fangs are the fangs of a lioness. It has laid waste My grapevine and splintered My fig tree. It has stripped off the bark and thrown it away; the branches have turned white. |
| 3 | Joel 2:2–11 | a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come. Before them a fire devours, and behind them a flame scorches. The land before them is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them, it is like a desert wasteland— surely nothing will escape them. Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like swift steeds. With a sound like that of chariots they bound over the mountaintops, like the crackling of fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army deployed for battle. Nations writhe in horror before them; every face turns pale. They charge like mighty men; they scale the walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course. They do not jostle one another; each proceeds in his path. They burst through the defenses, never breaking ranks. They storm the city; they run along the wall; they climb into houses, entering through windows like thieves. Before them the earth quakes; the heavens tremble. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars lose their brightness. The LORD raises His voice in the presence of His army. Indeed, His camp is very large, for mighty are those who obey His command. For the Day of the LORD is great and very dreadful. Who can endure it? |
Joel 2:25 Summary
Joel 2:25 is a promise from God that He will restore what has been lost or taken away, just like He promised to repay His people for the years eaten by locusts. This verse reminds us that God is a God of restoration and provision, who wants to bless His people and provide for their needs (as seen in Matthew 6:25-34). We can trust God to make up for lost time and to give us plenty, just like He promised in Joel 2:26. By trusting in God's faithfulness, we can have hope and confidence in His provision for our lives, just like the Psalmist in Psalm 23:1-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of locusts mentioned in Joel 2:25?
The verse mentions the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust, which were all part of God's great army sent against His people, as seen in Joel 2:25, similar to the plagues in Exodus 10:1-20.
Why did God send locusts against His people?
The Bible doesn't explicitly state why God sent locusts in Joel 2:25, but it can be inferred that it was a form of judgment, similar to the judgments seen in Isaiah 5:1-7, where God's people are held accountable for their actions.
Will God restore what the locusts have eaten?
Yes, according to Joel 2:25, God promises to repay His people for the years eaten by locusts, demonstrating His faithfulness and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, where God provides for those who trust in Him.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse showcases God's character as a God of justice, who sends judgment, but also as a God of restoration and provision, as seen in Joel 2:25 and other verses like Jeremiah 29:11, where God's plans are to prosper His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like locusts have eaten away at my resources, and how can I trust God to restore them?
- How can I apply the promise of Joel 2:25 to my own life, trusting God to repay me for losses or hardships?
- In what ways can I praise God, like the people in Joel 2:26, for His provision and restoration in my life?
- What does this verse teach me about God's power and control over creation, and how can I apply that to my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Joel 2:25
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten,.... Or "I will recompense to you the years" (m); give you fruitful ones, as a full compensation for those in which the locust ate up
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joel 2:25
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joel 2:25
I will restore; make up to you, or compensate: the lean years of Egypt did eat up the fat, but with you now the fat years shall feed and enrich the lean ones. The years: by this it appears that this dreadful famine by these insects was longer than of one year’ s continuance, and perhaps countenanceth the Jewish conjecture of four because four sorts of insects are mentioned. These in the late years devoured the fruit of the earth, but now God will restore the fruits. The locust, & c.; all recounted , with little variation of the order wherein named. My great army: see . Which I sent: there was somewhat extraordinary in these armies of insects by which the people then living and afflicted by them might see they were sent immediately from Heaven, though history do not report it to us.
Trapp's Commentary on Joel 2:25
Joe 2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.Ver. 25. And I will restore to you the years, &c.] I will so make up your former losses, that there shall remain no sign nor sense thereof. See a like promise Zechariah 10:6, "They shall be as though I had not cast them off," See also Isaiah 60:10. My great army] sc. the locusts, see above, Joe 2:2; Joe 2:5; Joe 2:11. God is Lord of Hosts, and (as the Rabbis well observe) he hath the upper and lower troops, as his horse and foot ready prest.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joel 2:25
(25) I will restore to you the years—i.e., the years which would have been necessary in the ordinary course of nature for the land to recover from the ravages of the “great army.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joel 2:25
Verse 25. I will restore - the years] It has already been remarked that the locusts not only destroyed the produce of that year, but so completely ate up all buds, and barked the trees, that they did not recover for some years. Here God promises that he would either prevent or remedy that evil; for he would restore the years that the locusts, cankerworm, caterpillar, and palmerworm had eaten.
Cambridge Bible on Joel 2:25
25. Abundance in place of the deprivations of Joe 1:4. And I] The discourse of the prophet passing imperceptibly, as often, into that of Jehovah: cf. e.g. Isaiah 3:4; Isaiah 13:11; Isaiah 56:7; Isaiah 60:7; Isaiah 60:21. the years] The expression shews that the visitation of locusts, spoken of in ch. 1, was not confined to a single year. the locust …, the cankerworm, the caterpillar, and the palmerworm] the swarmer …, the lapper, the finisher, and the shearer: see on Joe 1:4. Army, as Joe 2:11.
Barnes' Notes on Joel 2:25
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten - The order in which these destroyers are named not being the same as before, it is plain that the stress is not on the order, but on
Whedon's Commentary on Joel 2:25
25. By means of the bountiful harvest promised in Joe 2:24 Jehovah will restore to the people the loss they have suffered through the locusts.
Sermons on Joel 2:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Word for the Down-Hearted by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who are feeling discouraged and downhearted. God speaks to His people, urging them to listen to Him amidst the various voices they have |
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Revival - Part 1 by L.E. Maxwell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a sense of wonder and awe towards God. He explains that when people lose this sense of wonder, they are in need of |
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Failure & Brokenness by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preparing for a year-end conference in Ajmer, India. He expresses his concern about being in high demand and the pressure to de |
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Audio Sermon: Backsliding by William MacDonald | This sermon delves into the theme of backsliding, exploring the consequences and the way back to God's grace. It emphasizes the importance of confession, forsaking sin, and seeking |
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Beyond Obedience by Christine Lamicela | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following God's calling and not holding back others from fulfilling their purpose. The story of Noah and his obedience to G |
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Letting Go of Condemnation and Judging by Albert Zehr | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of the hearts of believers and their longing for God to move in their lives. He shares a personal experience of listening to a tap |
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Revival Is the Answer by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses 25 to 27 of the Book of Joel, where God promises to restore the years that the locusts have eaten. The sermon emphasizes the deva |