Book of Joel — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: 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.

The book of Joel is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 3 chapters. It was written by Joel approximately c. 835 BC (or 400s BC). The central theme running throughout Joel is jehovah's day — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

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:

  1. 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?
  2. 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)?
  3. How does the 'day of Jehovah' in Joel compare with what Revelation describes about the great tribulation and Armageddon?
  4. What does Joel's prophecy about the nations being judged in the 'Valley of the Decision' (3:14) teach about Jehovah's coming judgment?
  5. 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?

How to Study Joel with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 3 chapters of Joel in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, 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.

Consider reading Joel as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

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 — Journey through 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 just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Minor Prophets in 30 Days — Explore all 12 Minor Prophets — from Hosea to Malachi — in a powerful 30-day journey. (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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