Joel 3 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

In this chapter, Yahweh declares that he will judge the nations

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than its usual text because it is poetry.

Textual Issues in This Chapter

In 3:1, Jewish scribes instructed synagogue readers to say “restore the fortunes” when they got to the phrase in this verse that the ULT translates as “return the captivity.” That suggests that the original reading may have been “restore the fortunes.” Some modern versions follow that reading. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

In 3:21, the traditional Hebrew text reads “I will acquit their blood … I have not acquitted.” The ULT follows that reading. Some ancient versions suggest that the original reading may have been “I will avenge their blood … I have not avenged.” Some modern versions follow that reading. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.