Book of Joel — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 3 · Written by: Joel · Approximate date: c. 835 BC (or 400s BC) · Theme: Jehovah's Day
Summary of the Book of Joel
Joel uses a devastating locust plague as a call to repentance, warning of the coming day of Jehovah and promising that Jehovah would pour out his spirit on his servants — a prophecy fulfilled at Pentecost 33 CE.
Why the Book of Joel Matters Today
Joel's prophecy that Jehovah would 'pour out my spirit on every sort of flesh' (Joel 2:28–29) was directly applied by Peter at Pentecost 33 CE (Acts 2:14–21) as fulfilled in the anointing of the Christian congregation. For Witnesses today understanding the role of the anointed remnant, Joel is foundational. The book also describes 'the day of Jehovah' — a major prophetic theme that ties directly to the Witness understanding of Armageddon and final judgment. Joel's call to 'rend your hearts and not your garments' (Joel 2:13) remains the standard for what genuine repentance looks like.
Key Verses in Joel
- Joel 2:13
- Joel 2:28–29
Notable Passages in Joel
Joel 2:13
The call to 'rend your hearts and not your garments' emphasizes that Jehovah desires genuine inward repentance rather than outward religious performance.
Joel 2:28–29
Jehovah's promise to 'pour out my spirit on every sort of flesh' was fulfilled at Pentecost 33 CE and marks the beginning of the last-days anointed congregation.
Joel 2:32
The declaration that 'everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved' points to the universal scope of salvation available to all who seek Jehovah.
Study Questions for Joel
As you read the book of Joel, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- How did Joel use the locust plague as a call to genuine repentance, and what does 'rend your hearts, not your garments' (2:13) mean for worship today?
- What does Joel's prophecy about Jehovah pouring out his spirit (2:28–29) teach, especially as fulfilled at Pentecost 33 CE (Acts 2:1–21)?
- How does the 'day of Jehovah' in Joel compare with what Revelation describes about the great tribulation and Armageddon?
- What does Joel's prophecy about the nations being judged in the 'Valley of the Decision' (3:14) teach about Jehovah's coming judgment?
- What does Joel's promise of restoration (2:18–27; 3:17–18) teach about the blessings Jehovah has in store for those who return to him?
Frequently Asked Questions About Joel
- Who wrote the book of Joel?
- Joel the prophet, son of Pethuel, wrote the book bearing his name, completing it around 820 BCE during the early reign of King Joash of Judah.
- When was the book of Joel written?
- Joel was written approximately 820 BCE in the southern kingdom of Judah, possibly in response to a devastating locust plague used as a symbol of coming judgment.
- What is the main theme of Joel?
- Joel calls for genuine repentance in light of the coming 'day of Jehovah,' and promises the outpouring of Jehovah's spirit on his servants — fulfilled at Pentecost 33 CE.
How to Study Joel with JW Study
Track your progress through all 3 chapters of Joel in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Joel
The book of Joel is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Read all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
- Minor Prophets in 30 Days — Read all 12 Minor Prophets, from Hosea to Malachi, in a focused 30-day plan. (30 days, 67 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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