Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

JOEL 2:23KJV
Know the Bible

Joel 2:23 (KJV)

What does Joel 2:23 mean?

Joel 2:23 tells the people of Zion to be glad and rejoice in the LORD because God has given them rain in just the right measure, promising both the early and later rains, especially in the first month. This verse assures the people that God is restoring what was lost and providing for their needs after a time of hardship.

In the book of Joel, the prophet speaks to the people of Judah (Zion) after a devastating locust plague and drought. Here, Joel encourages them with the promise that God will send the necessary rains—both the "former" (autumn) and "latter" (spring) rains—so their crops can grow again. The mention of rain in the "first month" refers to the timing of the agricultural calendar, signaling a return to normal and abundant life.

The Hebrew behind Joel 2:23

  • The word for "moderately" is צְדָקָה (tsedaqah), which usually means "righteousness" or "justice." Here, it suggests that God sends the rain in a right and fair way, not too much or too little, but exactly as needed.
  • The word for "former rain" is מוֹרֶה (moreh), which refers to the autumn rain that softens the ground for planting. This rain is crucial for starting the growing season.
  • The word for "latter rain" is מַלְקוֹשׁ (malkosh), which means the spring rain that helps crops mature before harvest. Mentioning both types of rain highlights God’s complete provision.
  • The word for "children" is בֵּן (ben), meaning "sons" or "children," showing that the message is directed to the people of Zion as a whole, emphasizing their relationship to God.

Why Joel 2:23 matters

  • Joel 2:23 clarifies that God’s restoration is not just spiritual but also practical, meeting the people’s everyday needs for food and survival.
  • The use of "righteousness" for "moderately" emphasizes that God’s actions are always fair and perfectly timed, not random or careless.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Joel of God reversing disaster and bringing hope, showing that God’s care covers every part of life, from worship to the weather.

Where else these words appear

“rain” Hebrew H4175 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 84:6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

“rain” Hebrew H4456 · used in 8 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:14 That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
  • Proverbs 16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
  • Jeremiah 5:24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

“rain” Hebrew H1653 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 7:12 And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.
  • Ezra 10:13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.
  • Jeremiah 5:24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

“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.