And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

JOEL 2:13KJV
Know the Bible

Joel 2:13 (KJV)

What does Joel 2:13 mean?

Joel 2:13 urges people to show true repentance by changing their hearts, not just their outward behavior, and to return to God because He is compassionate, patient, and full of kindness, willing to turn away from bringing disaster. The verse highlights that God values genuine inner change over empty rituals.

The prophet Joel is speaking to the people of Judah during a time of crisis, calling them to return to the LORD (the God of Israel) with sincerity. Tearing garments was a common sign of grief or repentance in ancient Israel, but Joel insists that God wants a "rending" of the heart—an honest turning back to Him. The verse also emphasizes God’s character: He is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in steadfast love, and He may relent from sending judgment if people truly repent.

The Hebrew behind Joel 2:13

  • "rend" (קָרַע, qāraʿ): This word means to tear or rip apart. In this verse, it is used metaphorically for breaking open one’s heart, not just clothes, showing that God wants deep, inner change.
  • "heart" (לֵבָב, lēvāv): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of one’s thoughts, emotions, and will. Joel’s call to "rend your heart" means a real, inward transformation, not just an outward show.
  • "turn" (שׁוּב, shuv): This verb means to return or turn back. It is often used in the Hebrew Bible for repentance, describing a person’s decision to change direction and come back to God.
  • "kindness" (חֶסֶד, ḥesed): This word refers to steadfast love or covenant loyalty. Joel highlights that God’s kindness is not just a feeling, but a committed, faithful love that endures even when people fail.

Why Joel 2:13 matters

  • Joel 2:13 clears up the misunderstanding that God is satisfied with outward religious actions; instead, God desires sincere inner repentance.
  • The verse reveals that God’s willingness to forgive is rooted in His gracious and merciful character, not in people’s ability to perform rituals.
  • Joel 2:13 connects to the wider passage by showing that God’s judgment is not His final word—He is always ready to show mercy to those who truly return to Him.

Where else these words appear

“gracious” Hebrew H2587 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 22:27 For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.
  • Nehemiah 9:31 Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
  • Psalms 112:4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

“merciful” Hebrew H7349 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
  • Nehemiah 9:31 Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
  • Psalms 111:4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

“slow” Hebrew H750 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
  • Psalms 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

“rend” Hebrew H7167 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 37:29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
  • 1 Kings 11:11 Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:19 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes.