Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Let the priests, who minister before the LORD, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, LORD. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” New Living Translation Let the priests, who minister in the LORD’s presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar. Let them pray, “Spare your people, LORD! Don’t let your special possession become an object of mockery. Don’t let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say, ‘Has the God of Israel left them?’” English Standard Version Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep and say, “Spare your people, O LORD, and make not your heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Berean Standard Bible Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Berean Literal Bible Between the porch and the altar, let the priests weep, those ministering to YHWH, and let them say, “Have pity, O YHWH, on Your people, and do not give Your heritage to reproach for the ruling over them by the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” King James Bible 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? New King James Version Let the priests, who minister to the LORD, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, “Spare Your people, O LORD, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ” New American Standard Bible Let the priests, the LORD’S ministers, Weep between the porch and the altar, And let them say, “Spare Your people, LORD, And do not make Your inheritance a disgrace, With the nations jeering at them. Why should those among the peoples say, ‘Where is their God?’” NASB 1995 Let the priests, the LORD’S ministers, Weep between the porch and the altar, And let them say, “Spare Your people, O LORD, And do not make Your inheritance a reproach, A byword among the nations. Why should they among the peoples say, ‘Where is their God?’” NASB 1977 Let the priests, the LORD’s ministers, Weep between the porch and the altar, And let them say, “Spare Thy people, O LORD, And do not make Thine inheritance a reproach, A byword among the nations. Why should they among the peoples say, ‘Where is their God?’” Legacy Standard Bible Let the priests, the ministers of Yahweh, Weep between the porch and the altar, And let them say, “Pity Your people, O Yahweh, And do not make Your inheritance a reproach, A byword among the nations. Why should they among the peoples say, ‘Where is their God?’” Amplified Bible Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, Weep between the porch and the altar, And let them say, “Have compassion and spare Your people, O LORD, And do not make Your inheritance (Israel) an object of ridicule, Or a [humiliating] byword among the [Gentile] nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Berean Annotated Bible Let the priests who minister before the LORD {YHWH} weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God {Elohehem}? Christian Standard Bible Let the priests, the LORD’s ministers, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Have pity on your people, LORD, and do not make your inheritance a disgrace, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, ‘Where is their God? ’ ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Let the priests, the LORD’s ministers, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say:” Have pity on Your people, LORD, and do not make Your inheritance a disgrace, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, Where is their God?’” American Standard Version Let the priests, the ministers of Jehovah, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Jehovah, and give not thy heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the peoples, Where is their God? Contemporary English Version Tell my servants, the priests, to cry inside the temple and to offer this prayer near the altar: "Save your people, LORD God! Don't let foreign nations make jokes about us. Don't let them laugh and ask, 'Where is your God?'" English Revised Version 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 nations should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the peoples, Where is their God? GOD'S WORD® Translation The priests who serve the LORD cry between the altar and the entrance to the temple. They say, "Spare your people, O LORD. Don't let the people who belong to you become a disgrace. Don't let the nations ridicule them. Why should people ask, 'Where is their God?'" Good News Translation The priests, serving the LORD between the altar and the entrance of the Temple, must weep and pray: "Have pity on your people, LORD. Do not let other nations despise us and mock us by saying, 'Where is your God?'" International Standard Version As they serve between the porch and the altar, let the priests and ministers of the LORD weep and pray: 'Spare your people, LORD, and do not make your heritage a disgrace so that nations ridicule them. Why should they say among the people, "Where is their God?"'" NET Bible Let the priests, those who serve the LORD, weep from the vestibule all the way back to the altar. Let them say, "Have pity, O LORD, on your people; please do not turn over your inheritance to be mocked, to become a proverb among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, "Where is their God?" New Heart English Bible Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, "Spare your people, LORD, and do not give your heritage to mockery, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'" Webster's Bible Translation 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 thy heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: why should they say among the people, Where is their God? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLet the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” World English Bible Let the priests, the ministers of Yahweh, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, “Spare your people, Yahweh, and don’t give your heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionLet the priests weep between the porch and the altar, servants of YHWH, "" And let them say: “Have pity, O YHWH, on Your people, "" And do not give Your inheritance to reproach, "" To the ruling over them of nations, "" Why do they say among peoples, Where [is] their God?” Berean Literal Bible Between the porch and the altar, let the priests weep, those ministering to YHWH, and let them say, “Have pity, O YHWH, on Your people, and do not give Your heritage to reproach for the ruling over them by the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Young's Literal Translation Between the porch and the altar weep let the priests, ministrants of Jehovah, And let them say: 'Have pity, O Jehovah, on Thy people, And give not Thy inheritance to reproach, To the ruling over them of nations, Why do they say among peoples, Where is their God?' Smith's Literal Translation Between the porch and to the altar the priests serving Jehovah shall weep, and they shall say, Spare, O Jehovah, thy people, and thou wilt not give thine inheritance to reproach for the nations to rule over them: wherefore shall they say among the peoples, Where is their God? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBetween the porch and the altar the priests the Lord's ministers shall weep, and shall say: Spare, O Lord, spare thy people: and give not thy inheritance to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them. Why should they say among the nations: Where is their God? Catholic Public Domain Version Between the vestibule and the altar, the priests, the ministers of the Lord, will weep, and they will say: “Spare, O Lord, spare your people. And do not bequeath your inheritance into disgrace, so that the nations would rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ” New American Bible Between the porch and the altar let the priests weep, let the ministers of the LORD weep and say: “Spare your people, LORD! do not let your heritage become a disgrace, a byword among the nations! Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ” New Revised Standard Version Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep. Let them say, “Spare your people, O LORD, and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLet 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 thy heritage to reproach, that the Gentiles should rule over them, lest the Gentiles say, Where is their God? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Between the porch and the altar the Priests the Ministers of LORD JEHOVAH shall weep and they shall say: ’have pity LORD JEHOVAH on your people and do not give your inheritance to disgrace and to the authority of the Gentiles, lest the Gentiles say, ’where is their God?’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Let 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 Thy heritage to reproach, That the nations should make them a byword: Wherefore should they say among the peoples: Where is their God?' Brenton Septuagint Translation Between the porch and the altar let the priests that minister to the Lord weep, and say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them, lest they should say among the heathen, Where is their God? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Return with All Your Heart…16Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the aged, gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber. 17Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Cross References Let the priests who minister before the LORD 2 Chronicles 29:11 Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.” Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. weep between the portico and the altar, Ezekiel 8:16 So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the east in worship of the sun. Matthew 23:35 And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Ezra 10:1 While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and falling facedown before the house of God, a very large assembly of Israelites—men, women, and children—gathered around him, and the people wept bitterly as well. saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, Numbers 14:19 Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people, in keeping with the greatness of Your loving devotion, just as You have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.” Exodus 32:12 Why should the Egyptians declare, ‘He brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and wipe them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce anger and relent from doing harm to Your people. 1 Kings 8:50 May You forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all the transgressions they have committed against You, and may You grant them compassion in the eyes of their captors to show them mercy. and do not make Your heritage a reproach, Deuteronomy 9:26 And I prayed to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, do not destroy Your people, Your inheritance, whom You redeemed through Your greatness and brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Psalm 79:4 We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to those around us. Jeremiah 14:21 For the sake of Your name do not despise us; do not disgrace Your glorious throne. Remember Your covenant with us; do not break it. an object of scorn among the nations. Psalm 44:14 You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples. Deuteronomy 28:37 You will become an object of horror, scorn, and ridicule among all the nations to which the LORD will drive you. 1 Kings 9:7 then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and I will banish from My presence this temple I have sanctified for My Name. Then Israel will become an object of scorn and ridicule among all peoples. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Psalm 79:10 Why should the nations ask, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations Your vengeance for the bloodshed of Your servants. Psalm 115:2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Treasury of Scripture Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare your people, O LORD, and give not your heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: why should they say among the people, Where is their God? the priests. Joel 1:9,13 The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from the house of the LORD; the priests, the LORD'S ministers, mourn… between. 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 8:16 And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east. and let. Hosea 14:2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Spare. Exodus 32:11-13 And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? … Exodus 34:9 And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance. Deuteronomy 9:16-29 And I looked, and, behold, ye had sinned against the LORD your God, and had made you a molten calf: ye had turned aside quickly out of the way which the LORD had commanded you… and give. Psalm 44:10-14 Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves… Psalm 74:10,18-23 O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever? … Psalm 79:4 We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us. that. Nehemiah 9:36 Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: Isaiah 63:17-19 O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance… rule over them. Jump to Previous Altar Byword Heathen Heritage LORD'S Ministers Nations Peoples Porch Priests Reproach Rule Spare Weep WhereforeJump to Next Altar Byword Heathen Heritage LORD'S Ministers Nations Peoples Porch Priests Reproach Rule Spare Weep WhereforeJoel 2 1. He shows unto Zion the terribleness of God's judgment.12. He exhorts to repentance; 15. prescribes a fast; 18. promises a blessing thereon. 21. He comforts Zion with present, 28. and future blessings. Let the priests who minister before the LORD The priests in ancient Israel held a significant role as mediators between God and the people. They were responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the temple. This phrase emphasizes the importance of spiritual leaders in interceding for the nation. The priests' role is reminiscent of the Levitical priesthood established in the Mosaic Law, highlighting their duty to lead the people in repentance and prayer. weep between the portico and the altar saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD and do not make Your heritage a reproach an object of scorn among the nations Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Persons / Places / Events 1. PriestsReligious leaders in Israel responsible for performing sacrifices and interceding for the people. In this verse, they are called to weep and intercede for the nation. 2. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is being petitioned by the priests to spare His people. 3. Portico and Altar The portico refers to the entrance of the temple, and the altar is where sacrifices were made. This location signifies a place of intercession and sacrifice. 4. Inheritance Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen people, who are at risk of becoming a disgrace among the nations. 5. Nations The surrounding peoples who might mock Israel if God does not intervene, questioning the presence and power of Israel's God. Teaching Points The Role of IntercessionPriests are called to stand in the gap for the people, highlighting the importance of intercessory prayer in the life of believers today. The Significance of Repentance The call to weep and plead for God's mercy underscores the necessity of genuine repentance in seeking God's favor. God's Reputation Among the Nations The concern for God's name and reputation should motivate believers to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His character. The Power of Corporate Prayer The collective cry of the priests demonstrates the power of united prayer in bringing about divine intervention. God's Faithfulness to His People Despite the threat of disgrace, the plea for God to spare His people is rooted in His covenant faithfulness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joel 2:17?2. How can we "weep between the portico and the altar" in our lives? 3. What does "spare Your people, O LORD" teach about God's mercy and compassion? 4. How does Joel 2:17 connect with intercessory prayer in other Scriptures? 5. Why is it important to avoid being a "byword among the nations"? 6. How can church leaders today embody the call to "weep" for their congregation? 7. What is the significance of priests weeping in Joel 2:17 for modern believers? 8. How does Joel 2:17 reflect God's expectations for spiritual leaders? 9. Why does Joel 2:17 emphasize the importance of intercession for the people? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joel 2? 11. 2 Kings 17:28 - How historically credible is the claim that a single Israelite priest could effectively instruct the new inhabitants in proper worship? 12. 2 Chronicles 29:20-24 - Does the concept of animal sacrifice resolving sin stand up to scientific or moral scrutiny in a modern context? 13. In Leviticus 1:9, why is a 'pleasing aroma' significant to an omnipotent, immaterial God? 14. In Judges 17:7-13, how credible is the Levite's priestly status, given the requirements found elsewhere in the Old Testament regarding priestly lineage? What Does Joel 2:17 Mean Let the priests who minister before the LORD• Joel summons the spiritual leaders—the priests—to step forward first. Because God appointed them as mediators (Exodus 28:1; Malachi 2:7), they model repentance for everyone else. • Their immediate response teaches that sin in the nation is first a spiritual issue; revival begins at the altar, not in the halls of government (2 Chronicles 7:14). • The verse underscores the continuing call for every believer to function as a “royal priesthood” today (1 Peter 2:9), interceding for family, church, and nation. weep between the portico and the altar • The location matters. The portico (or porch) marked the temple entrance; the altar stood before the Holy Place. To stand between them placed the priests in the very heart of worship, visually demonstrating brokenness before God (Lamentations 2:17-19). • Tears show genuine contrition (Psalm 51:17). This is not a performance but heart-deep grief over sin’s dishonor to the Lord and its damage to His people (James 4:8-9). • Public weeping also reminds the congregation that God takes holiness seriously (Acts 5:11). saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD” • The prayer begins with mercy, not merit. Israel appeals to God’s covenant love—His hesed—rather than to any righteousness of their own (Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 103:8-10). • “Spare” shows faith in God’s willingness to relent when His people truly repent (Jonah 4:2; Isaiah 30:18). • Even after locust devastation, the plea assumes He can still reverse the damage (Joel 2:25). Hope always accompanies repentance. and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. • Israel is God’s “heritage,” His treasured possession (Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:6). The priests remind God of His own declaration, anchoring their request in His revealed purposes. • A “reproach” means open humiliation. When God’s people suffer disgrace for their sin, His name is dragged through the mud (Ezekiel 36:22-23). • By praying this, the priests place God’s reputation above their comfort, aligning with other intercessors like Moses (Numbers 14:13-16) and Hezekiah (Isaiah 37:20). Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” • The ultimate concern is God’s glory. Pagan nations mocking Israel question the very existence and power of the LORD (Psalm 42:3; Psalm 115:2). • The priests argue from God’s own honor: if judgment continues, enemies will misread it as divine impotence. Vindicating His name by restoring His people displays His sovereignty to the world (Micah 7:10). • This petition anticipates Christ’s teaching that we pray, “Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). God’s reputation and our restoration are inseparable. summary Joel 2:17 calls spiritual leaders to visible, heartfelt repentance that prioritizes God’s glory. Standing in the temple’s very center, they plead for mercy on the basis of God’s covenant love and His own reputation among the nations. Their example invites every believer today to intercede boldly, knowing that when God revives His people, the watching world sees unmistakably where their God is—enthroned, merciful, and mighty to save. (17) That the heathen should rule over them.--All mention of the locusts is dropped. The lesser calamity is swallowed up in the apprehension of the greater.Hebrew Let the priestsהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest who minister מְשָׁרְתֵ֖י (mə·šā·rə·ṯê) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to before the LORD יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel weep יִבְכּוּ֙ (yiḇ·kū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan between בֵּ֤ין (bên) Preposition Strong's 996: An interval, space between the porch הָאוּלָם֙ (hā·’ū·lām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 197: A vestibule and the altar, וְלַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ (wə·lam·miz·bê·aḥ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4196: An altar saying, וְֽיֹאמְר֞וּ (wə·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “Spare ח֧וּסָה (ḥū·sāh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 2347: To pity, look upon with compassion Your people, עַמֶּ֗ךָ (‘am·me·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock O LORD, יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and do not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 408: Not make תִּתֵּ֨ן (tit·tên) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set Your heritage נַחֲלָתְךָ֤ (na·ḥă·lā·ṯə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion a reproach, לְחֶרְפָּה֙ (lə·ḥer·pāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2781: Contumely, disgrace, the pudenda an object of scorn לִמְשָׁל־ (lim·šāl-) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4910: To rule, have dominion, reign among the nations. גּוֹיִ֔ם (gō·w·yim) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts Why לָ֚מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what should they say יֹאמְר֣וּ (yō·mə·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say among the peoples, בָֽעַמִּ֔ים (ḇā·‘am·mîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock ‘Where אַיֵּ֖ה (’ay·yêh) Interrogative Strong's 346: Where? is their God?’” אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃ (’ĕ·lō·hê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Links Joel 2:17 NIVJoel 2:17 NLT Joel 2:17 ESV Joel 2:17 NASB Joel 2:17 KJV Joel 2:17 BibleApps.com Joel 2:17 Biblia Paralela Joel 2:17 Chinese Bible Joel 2:17 French Bible Joel 2:17 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Joel 2:17 Let the priests the ministers of Yahweh (Jl Joe.) |
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