Joel 1:12

KJV

The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, [even] all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.

KJV (with Strong's)

The vine {H1612} is dried up {H3001}, and the fig tree {H8384} languisheth {H535}; the pomegranate {H7416} tree, the palm tree {H8558} also, and the apple tree {H8598}, even all the trees {H6086} of the field {H7704}, are withered {H3001}: because joy {H8342} is withered away {H3001} from the sons {H1121} of men {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The vines have withered, the fig trees wilted, also the pomegranate, date-palm and apple tree - all the trees in the fields have withered, and the people's joy has withered away.

Berean Standard Bible

The grapevine is dried up, and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, palm, and apple— all the trees of the orchard—are withered. Surely the joy of mankind has dried up.

American Standard Version

The vine is withered, and the fig-tree languisheth; the pomegranate-tree, the palm-tree also, and the apple-tree, even all the trees of the field are withered: for joy is withered away from the sons of men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 1:12 vividly portrays a scene of widespread agricultural devastation, where all the primary fruit-bearing trees—the vine, fig, pomegranate, palm, and apple—are described as withered and languishing. This physical blight is presented as the direct cause and poignant symbol of a deeper spiritual and emotional crisis: the withering of joy from the lives of humanity. The verse encapsulates the profound impact of divine judgment, manifested through ecological disaster, on the well-being and spirit of the people, highlighting the intrinsic link between God's provision, the land's fruitfulness, and human gladness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 1:12 is situated within the opening chapter of the book of Joel, which is a prophetic lament over an unprecedented locust plague and subsequent drought that has ravaged the land of Judah. The prophet employs vivid, almost apocalyptic imagery to describe the totality of the destruction, beginning with a call to the elders and inhabitants to witness this unparalleled disaster ([Joel 1:2-4](/joel/1-2-4 "Joel 1:2-4 - The Unprecedented Locust Plague")). Following the description of the locusts' consumption of every green thing, Joel 1:12 specifically details the fate of the fruit trees, which were vital for sustenance, trade, and celebration. This verse serves as a climactic statement of the agricultural ruin, immediately preceding Joel's call for national lamentation, fasting, and repentance in the temple, urging the priests and the people to mourn the loss of offerings and the desolation of the land ([Joel 1:13-14](/joel/1-13-14 "Joel 1:13-14 - Call to Lamentation and Repentance")). The sequence moves from natural disaster to its spiritual and emotional consequences, culminating in a plea for divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, agriculture was the bedrock of society, economy, and culture. The land, promised by God, was seen as a direct indicator of divine blessing or judgment. Fruit trees like the vine (for wine), fig (for food and cakes), pomegranate, palm (for dates and shade), and apple (a general term for various orchard fruits) were not merely food sources but held significant symbolic value, representing prosperity, fertility, and joy. Wine, in particular, was central to festivals and celebrations, symbolizing gladness and abundance. A thriving harvest was a sign of God's favor, while widespread crop failure, as depicted in Joel 1, was understood as a severe act of divine judgment, often linked to the people's covenant disobedience. The "sons of men" refers to the general populace, emphasizing that this calamity affects everyone, from the highest to the lowest, and impacts their very capacity for joy, which was often expressed communally during harvest festivals. The imagery evokes a society stripped of its customary means of livelihood and celebration, leaving it in a state of profound despair.
* **Key Themes:** Joel 1:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joel and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is the theme of **Divine Judgment and its Consequences**, where natural disasters serve as a tangible manifestation of God's displeasure and a call to repentance. The verse vividly illustrates **Widespread Desolation and Loss**, emphasizing the totality of the destruction ("all the trees of the field, are withered"), which signifies a complete collapse of the agricultural system and, by extension, the economic and social fabric. Crucially, it highlights the **Loss of Joy**, directly linking the physical desolation of the land to the emotional and spiritual state of the people. This connection underscores the biblical understanding that true gladness often flows from God's provision and blessing. The absence of fruit means the absence of harvest festivals, which were primary occasions for communal rejoicing and thanksgiving. Furthermore, the verse implicitly points to **Human Dependence on God's Provision**, demonstrating that when God's blessings are withdrawn, humanity's well-being and capacity for joy are severely impacted, prompting a realization of their utter reliance on the Creator, a theme echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vine (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** From an unused root meaning "to bend," this word specifically refers to the grape vine, known for its twining growth. In biblical culture, the vine and its fruit (grapes for wine) were potent symbols of prosperity, blessing, and joy. Its "drying up" signifies a profound loss of sustenance and the cessation of celebratory practices, as wine was integral to feasts and offerings.
* **Dried up/Withered (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be ashamed, confused, or disappointed," but also "to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)." Its repeated use in Joel 1:12 for both the trees and joy ("is withered away") creates a powerful, intentional parallel. It conveys not just physical desiccation but also a sense of shame, disappointment, and utter failure—a spiritual and emotional barrenness mirroring the physical one.
* **Joy (Hebrew, _sâsôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be cheerful," this word denotes deep gladness, mirth, or rejoicing, often associated with harvest festivals, religious celebrations, and the general well-being of the community. The "withering away" of joy indicates a profound spiritual and emotional void, far beyond mere disappointment, suggesting that the very capacity for gladness has been extinguished due to the overwhelming calamity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the dire agricultural situation. The vine, a primary source of wine and a symbol of Israel's prosperity, is "dried up," signifying a complete cessation of its fruitfulness. The fig tree, another staple, "languisheth," indicating a state of weakness, sickness, and impending death, unable to bear its customary sweet fruit. This sets a tone of widespread agricultural failure.
* **"the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, [even] all the trees of the field, are withered:":** This expands the scope of the devastation to include other significant fruit-bearing trees—pomegranate, palm, and apple (a general term for orchard fruits). The phrase "[even] all the trees of the field" emphasizes the totality and comprehensiveness of the blight. No tree, no source of fruit, is spared, underscoring the severity of the judgment and the complete loss of the land's bounty. The repetition of "withered" reinforces the pervasive dryness and decay.
* **"because joy is withered away from the sons of men.":** This concluding clause reveals the profound spiritual and emotional consequence of the agricultural ruin. The physical desolation of the land directly leads to the "withering away" of joy from the people. In a culture where harvests were occasions for great celebration and thanksgiving to God, the absence of fruit means the absence of these customary expressions of gladness. This highlights that true joy, in this context, was intrinsically linked to God's blessing and provision, and its withdrawal leaves humanity in a state of deep sorrow and spiritual barrenness.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 1:12 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of a desolate landscape where once-fruitful trees are now "dried up," "languishing," and "withered." This evokes a strong sense of loss and despair. **Parallelism** is evident in the repeated use of the verb "withered" (Hebrew, _yâbêsh_) for both the physical trees and the abstract concept of "joy." This creates a striking and poignant connection, demonstrating that the external desolation directly mirrors and causes an internal, spiritual barrenness. The phrase "all the trees of the field" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the completeness and overwhelming nature of the destruction, leaving no hope for a partial harvest. Finally, the statement that "joy is withered away from the sons of men" uses **Personification** and **Metaphor**, attributing the physical characteristic of "withering" (typically applied to plants) to an abstract emotion, thereby intensifying the sense of profound emotional and spiritual desiccation experienced by the people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 1:12 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that God's provision is intrinsically linked to human flourishing and joy, and conversely, that the withdrawal of His blessings can lead to profound sorrow and spiritual barrenness. The desolation of the land serves as a tangible sign of divine judgment, a consequence of the people's spiritual state. This verse underscores humanity's absolute dependence on God for sustenance and well-being, reminding us that true and lasting joy is not merely a product of material abundance but ultimately flows from God's hand. When the sources of earthly gladness are removed, it exposes the deeper spiritual need for a joy rooted in God Himself, independent of circumstances.

* [Deuteronomy 28:38-40](/deuteronomy/28-38-40 "Deuteronomy 28:38-40 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Habakkuk 3:17-18](/habakkuk/3-17-18 "Habakkuk 3:17-18 - Joy in the Lord Despite Circumstances")
* [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - Jesus, the True Vine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 1:12 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that our joy can be deeply affected by our circumstances, especially when those circumstances involve loss, scarcity, or the withdrawal of expected blessings. The "withering" of the trees and, consequently, of joy, prompts us to examine the foundations of our own gladness. Do we primarily derive our joy from external provisions, material comforts, or the "fruit of the field" in our lives? Or is our joy rooted in something more enduring, something that transcends the changing seasons of life? This verse challenges us to consider that periods of hardship, barrenness, or loss might be divine invitations to re-evaluate our spiritual priorities and to seek God's face. Like ancient Israel, we are called to recognize our dependence on God and to understand that true, abiding joy is ultimately a gift from Him, cultivated through a right relationship with Him, even when earthly provisions seem to wither. It encourages us to cultivate a spiritual resilience that allows us to find joy in the Lord even when the "fig tree does not blossom" or "there is no fruit on the vines."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "vines" and "fig trees" in my life that I rely on for joy, and what would happen if they withered?**
* **How does my joy fluctuate with my circumstances, and what does this reveal about its source?**
* **In what ways might God be using periods of "withering" or scarcity in my life to draw me closer to Him?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more resilient joy that is rooted in God's presence rather than in external provisions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the specific trees mentioned in Joel 1:12?**

Answer: The trees mentioned—vine, fig, pomegranate, palm, and apple—were not just common trees but were highly significant in ancient Israelite culture and economy. The vine and fig tree were staples, providing grapes for wine (a symbol of joy and celebration) and figs for food. Pomegranates, palms (dates), and apples (a general term for orchard fruits) also contributed significantly to the diet and economy. Their collective "withering" signifies a complete and devastating loss of agricultural produce, impacting food supply, trade, and the cultural practices of celebration and feasting. It emphasizes the totality of the judgment and the profound impact on daily life and the capacity for joy.

**How does the "withering" of joy relate to the physical desolation?**

Answer: The text deliberately links the physical desolation of the land to the emotional and spiritual state of the people. In ancient Israel, harvest festivals were primary occasions for communal rejoicing and thanksgiving to God. Without the fruit of the vine and other trees, there was no harvest, no wine for celebration, and no reason for the customary gladness. The "withering" of joy is a direct consequence and a powerful metaphor: just as the plants dry up and die, so too does the capacity for gladness and mirth within the "sons of men." This highlights that while joy can be a spiritual fruit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), it is also deeply intertwined with God's tangible blessings and provision in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 1:12, with its lament over withered joy due to a barren land, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament curse brought desolation and the loss of gladness, Christ came to restore true joy and fruitfulness. Jesus declared Himself the "[true vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")," inviting believers to "[abide in Him](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abiding in Christ")" so that they might "[bear much fruit](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Bearing Much Fruit")" and experience a "[fullness of joy](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Fullness of Joy")" that the world cannot give or take away. The withered joy of Joel's day points to humanity's deeper spiritual barrenness apart from God. Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, addresses the root cause of this barrenness—sin—and offers reconciliation, becoming the ultimate source of life and spiritual fruitfulness. The joy that "withered away from the sons of men" in Joel is ultimately restored and surpassed in the New Covenant, where joy is a "[fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit")" and a defining characteristic of God's "[kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")". Even in suffering, believers can "[rejoice in hope](/romans/12-12 "Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in Hope")" because their ultimate provision and gladness are found not in earthly harvests, but in the resurrected Christ, who endured the cross "[for the joy set before Him](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")" and now offers an eternal, unfading joy to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 16:10

And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in [their] presses; I have made [their vintage] shouting to cease.

Isaiah 24:11

[There is] a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

Joel 1:16

Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, [yea], joy and gladness from the house of our God?

Song Of Solomon 2:3

¶ As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so [is] my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit [was] sweet to my taste.

Joel 1:10

The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth.

Hosea 9:1

¶ Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as [other] people: for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfloor.

Hosea 9:2

The floor and the winepress shall not feed them, and the new wine shall fail in her.