Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

JOEL 2:19KJV
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Joel 2:19 (KJV)

What does Joel 2:19 mean?

Joel 2:19 promises that the LORD will respond to His people by providing them with grain, wine, and oil so that they will have enough and will no longer be shamed among other nations. This verse is a declaration of God's intention to restore and bless His people after a time of hardship.

In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel through the prophet Joel, addressing their prayers and repentance after a devastating locust plague. The LORD assures them that He will send essential food—grain (corn), wine, and oil—signifying a return of prosperity and normal life. The promise that they will no longer be a "reproach among the heathen" means their suffering and humiliation before other nations will end, restoring their dignity.

The Hebrew behind Joel 2:19

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel and His authority to restore them.
  • "Corn" (דָּגָן, dagan): This word refers to grain, the staple food, highlighting God's provision of basic needs.
  • "Wine" (תִּירוֹשׁ, tirosh) and "Oil" (יִצְהָר, yitshar): These were key agricultural products in ancient Israel, symbolizing abundance and well-being. Their mention alongside grain shows a full restoration of blessings, not just survival.
  • "Reproach" (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah): This word means shame or disgrace. The promise that Israel will no longer be a reproach among the nations underscores the reversal of their previous humiliation.

Why Joel 2:19 matters

  • Joel 2:19 clarifies that God's restoration is not just spiritual but also practical, involving real, physical needs like food and dignity.
  • The verse marks a turning point in Joel, shifting from warnings of judgment to promises of mercy and blessing, showing God's responsiveness to repentance.
  • Understanding the specific items—grain, wine, and oil—helps readers see how complete the restoration is, addressing every aspect of daily life in ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“oil” Hebrew H3323 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 18:12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.
  • 2 Kings 18:32 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us.
  • Nehemiah 13:12 Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

“wine” Hebrew H8492 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • 2 Chronicles 31:5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.
  • Isaiah 65:8 Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.

“corn” Hebrew H1715 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.
  • Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

“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.