Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

JOEL 2:17KJV
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Joel 2:17 (KJV)

What does Joel 2:17 mean?

Joel 2:17 describes the priests, who serve the LORD, weeping and praying in the temple, asking God to spare His people from disgrace and from being dominated by other nations. The verse shows a plea for mercy, so that other peoples will not mock Israel by questioning where their God is.

In this verse, Joel is calling on the spiritual leaders—the priests and ministers—to stand in the space between the temple’s porch and altar and cry out to God on behalf of the people. The situation is desperate: Israel faces disaster, and the leaders are urged to beg God not to let His people become a laughingstock among other nations, who might doubt God’s presence and power if Israel falls.

The Hebrew behind Joel 2:17

  • "Priests" (כֹּהֲנִים, kohanim) and "ministers" (שָׁרֵתִים, sharatim) both refer to those who serve in the temple, highlighting the responsibility of spiritual leaders to intercede for the people.
  • "Weep" (בָּכָה, bakah) means to cry or mourn deeply, showing the seriousness and heartfelt nature of their prayer.
  • "Heritage" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) refers to Israel as God’s special possession, emphasizing the relationship between God and His people.
  • "Reproach" (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah) means shame or disgrace, underlining the fear that Israel’s downfall would bring dishonor not just to themselves, but also to God’s reputation among other nations.

Why Joel 2:17 matters

  • Joel 2:17 clears up the idea that prayer and repentance are not just private acts, but sometimes require public, communal leadership and deep emotion from those responsible for others.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s reputation is tied to the fate of His people; their suffering or shame reflects on Him in the eyes of other nations.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that even in the face of judgment, God invites sincere, humble intercession and is moved by heartfelt pleas for mercy.

Where else these words appear

“Spare” Hebrew H2347 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 45:20 Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.
  • Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
  • Ezekiel 8:18 Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.

“porch” Hebrew H197 · used in 29 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:12 Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,
  • Ezekiel 40:39 And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.

“reproach” Hebrew H2781 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 30:23 And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach:
  • Psalms 71:13 Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
  • Jeremiah 31:19 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

“over” Hebrew H4910 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 1:18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
  • Job 25:2 Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places.
  • Isaiah 3:4 And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.