Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.

JOEL 2:21KJV
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Joel 2:21 (KJV)

What does Joel 2:21 mean?

Joel 2:21 encourages the land itself not to be afraid, but instead to be glad and rejoice, because the LORD is about to do great and wonderful things. The verse uses vivid language to promise hope and restoration after a time of hardship or disaster.

In this verse, the prophet Joel is speaking to the land of Israel, personifying it as if it could feel fear or joy. The context is a time of crisis—likely after a devastating locust plague and drought. Joel reassures the people by addressing the land, signaling that God’s intervention will bring renewal and blessing, reversing the earlier devastation.

The Hebrew behind Joel 2:21

  • "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare’): This word means to be afraid or to stand in awe. Here, it is a call for the land not to be anxious about the future, hinting at a change from fear to confidence.
  • "Land" (אֲדָמָה, adamah): This refers to the soil or ground itself, not just the people. Addressing the land highlights how God’s promise of restoration is meant for all creation, not just humans.
  • "Glad" (גִּיל, gil) and "Rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach): These words both express joy, but "gil" often carries the idea of exulting or celebrating, while "samach" is more general happiness. The pairing emphasizes complete and overflowing joy.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring that it is Israel’s covenant God who will act.
  • "Do" (עָשָׂה, asah) and "Things" (גָּדַל, gadal): "Asah" means to act or accomplish, while "gadal" means to make great or to do something mighty. Together, they stress that what God is about to do will be extraordinary and unmistakable.

Why Joel 2:21 matters

  • Joel 2:21 clears up the idea that God’s promises of restoration are only for people; the verse shows that God’s care extends to the land and all creation.
  • The verse highlights a turning point in the book, shifting from judgment and disaster to hope and renewal, which is key to understanding Joel’s message.
  • By personifying the land, Joel 2:21 helps readers see the deep connection between people, their environment, and God’s actions in history.

Where else these words appear

“glad” Hebrew H1523 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
  • Psalms 89:16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
  • Isaiah 35:1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

“things” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
  • Isaiah 10:15 Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.

“rejoice” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
  • Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.