Joel 2:13

KJV

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

KJV (with Strong's)

And rend {H7167} your heart {H3824}, and not your garments {H899}, and turn {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}: for he is gracious {H2587} and merciful {H7349}, slow {H750} to anger {H639}, and of great {H7227} kindness {H2617}, and repenteth {H5162} him of the evil {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tear your heart, not your garments; and turn to ADONAI your God. For he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in grace, and willing to change his mind about disaster.

Berean Standard Bible

So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.

American Standard Version

and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Jehovah your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 2:13 is a profound call to authentic repentance, urging the people of Judah to move beyond superficial displays of sorrow to a deep, internal transformation of the heart. It emphasizes that God desires genuine contrition and a sincere turning away from sin, motivated by His inherent character as a God who is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness, and willing to relent from impending judgment when His people truly seek Him. This verse serves as a pivotal invitation to return to the LORD, grounded in the assurance of His compassionate nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 2:13 is situated within a dramatic prophetic oracle delivered by Joel concerning the "Day of the LORD." The preceding verses (Joel 2:1-11) vividly describe a devastating locust plague, portrayed as a precursor to or a manifestation of this great and terrible day, characterized by darkness, desolation, and an invading army. Joel 2:12 immediately precedes our verse, issuing a direct divine appeal: "Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning." Joel 2:13 then specifies the nature of this turning, contrasting outward ritual with inward sincerity, and provides the theological basis for such a response by detailing God's character. The subsequent verses (Joel 2:14-17) outline the potential for God's relenting and call for a solemn assembly of national repentance, leading into promises of restoration if the people obey.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immediate historical backdrop is a severe locust plague and drought that has ravaged the land of Judah, causing widespread famine and despair (as described in [Joel 1](/joel/1 "Joel 1 - The Locust Plague and Call to Lament")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, rending garments was a common and highly visible expression of intense grief, mourning, or distress, often accompanied by wailing, fasting, and wearing sackcloth. Examples include [Jacob tearing his clothes](/genesis/37-34 "Genesis 37:34 - Jacob Mourns Joseph") at the news of Joseph's supposed death, or [David's reaction to Saul's death](/2_samuel/1-11 "2 Samuel 1:11 - David's Grief for Saul"). Joel's prophecy, however, critiques the potential for these outward rituals to become mere performance, devoid of genuine internal change. He calls for a repentance that transcends cultural custom, demanding a heart-level transformation that aligns with the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people in the land of Judah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major themes central to the book of Joel and broader Old Testament theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Authentic Repentance**, emphasizing that God desires internal sincerity over external ritual. The call to "rend your heart, and not your garments" directly challenges superficial religiosity, a theme also echoed by other prophets like [Isaiah](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God's Displeasure with Empty Rituals") and [Amos](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Desires Justice, Not Just Sacrifices"). Secondly, it beautifully articulates the **Compassionate Character of God**. The description of the LORD as "gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness" is a foundational theological declaration, first revealed to [Moses in Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses") and frequently reiterated throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious"). This portrayal provides the ultimate motivation and hope for repentance, assuring the people that God is willing to relent from judgment. Lastly, the verse touches upon the theme of **Divine Relenting and Restoration**, implying that God's actions are often contingent on humanity's response, and He is eager to turn from "evil" (calamity or judgment) when His people genuinely return to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rend (Hebrew, _qâraʻ'_):** From H7167, meaning "to tear" or "to rend," literally or figuratively. In this context, it is used metaphorically to contrast with the literal tearing of garments, emphasizing an internal, spiritual tearing open of one's innermost being in genuine brokenness and humility before God. It signifies a radical, painful, and necessary breaking of pride and self-reliance.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** From H3824, referring to the innermost organ, signifying the seat of intellect, emotion, and will. Joel uses it to denote the true locus of repentance—not merely outward actions, but a profound internal transformation of one's core being, where true sorrow for sin and a desire for change reside.
* **gracious (Hebrew, _channûwn'_):** From H2587, meaning "gracious." This attribute describes God's inherent disposition to show favor and compassion, even to those who do not deserve it. It is a fundamental aspect of His character that provides the basis for hope and the motivation for sincere repentance, assuring the supplicant that God is disposed to forgive and restore.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And rend your heart, and not your garments":** This imperative opens the verse with a powerful contrast. While rending garments was a traditional outward sign of grief and repentance in ancient Israel, Joel declares it insufficient if unaccompanied by a deep, internal brokenness. The "heart" (lêbâb) represents the core of one's being—the mind, will, and emotions. The command is to tear open this inner self, exposing its sin and vulnerability, rather than merely performing a visible, yet potentially hollow, ritual.
* **"and turn unto the LORD your God":** This clause reveals the purpose of the internal rending: a genuine turning (_shûwb_, H7725) or repentance back to Yahweh. This "turning" is not just a change of mind but a reorientation of one's entire life, priorities, and allegiance from sin and self to the covenant God. The possessive "your God" underscores the intimate relationship that the people of Israel have with Him, emphasizing that their return is to the One who has already bound Himself to them.
* **"for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil":** This final, extensive clause provides the theological foundation and motivation for the call to repentance. It describes God's character as inherently compassionate and patient. He is "gracious" (channûwn) and "merciful" (rachûwm), demonstrating unmerited favor and deep compassion. He is "slow to anger" (ʼârêk ʼaph, literally "long of nose/nostril," signifying patience) and "of great kindness" (rab chêçêd, abundant in covenant loyalty and steadfast love). The phrase "and repenteth him of the evil" (nâcham him of the raʻ) signifies God's willingness to change His course of action regarding impending judgment or calamity when His people genuinely turn to Him. It does not imply a change in God's perfect character, but a change in His interaction with humanity based on their response to His call.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 2:13 effectively employs **Antithesis** by contrasting "rend your heart" with "and not your garments," highlighting the difference between internal sincerity and external ritual. This creates a powerful rhetorical impact, underscoring the prophet's central message. The phrase "slow to anger" is a vivid **Idiom**, literally translating to "long of nostrils," which in Hebrew thought signifies patience and forbearance, as a person's anger was often associated with rapid breathing through the nostrils. The entire description of God's attributes ("gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness") functions as a **Theological Credo** or **Litany**, a well-established formula in the Old Testament that serves to remind the audience of Yahweh's unchanging, compassionate character, providing a strong basis for hope and an invitation to repentance. Finally, the use of "heart" as the seat of true repentance is a powerful instance of **Metonymy**, where the physical organ represents the entire inner person—intellect, emotion, and will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 2:13 stands as a timeless theological statement on the nature of true repentance and the unwavering character of God. It asserts that God's primary desire is not for outward religious performance, but for a transformed heart that genuinely grieves over sin and turns back to Him in faith. This profound truth is rooted in the revelation of God's attributes: His grace, mercy, patience, and abundant kindness. These qualities assure humanity that repentance is never in vain, as God is always willing to relent from deserved judgment and extend forgiveness and restoration to those who sincerely seek Him. This verse serves as a foundational text for understanding divine compassion and the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship, where human obedience and repentance evoke God's redemptive response.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - The Sacrifice of a Broken Spirit")
* [Jonah 4:2](/jonah/4-2 "Jonah 4:2 - Jonah's Complaint about God's Mercy")
* [Nehemiah 9:17](/nehemiah/9-17 "Nehemiah 9:17 - The Levites' Prayer of Confession")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 2:13 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a powerful challenge to examine the depth and authenticity of our faith and repentance. In a world often preoccupied with external appearances and superficial displays, this verse calls us to cultivate a radical sincerity in our relationship with God. It pushes us beyond mere religious rituals—whether attending services, reciting prayers, or engaging in acts of service—to a place of genuine heart-level transformation. True repentance is not just saying "sorry" but involves a profound sorrow for sin that leads to a turning away from it and a turning towards God. This verse reminds us that God's character is one of boundless mercy and patience, always ready to forgive and restore those who genuinely humble themselves and seek Him. Our motivation for repentance is not fear of punishment alone, but the profound assurance of God's gracious and compassionate nature, which invites us into a deeper, more intimate walk with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be offering outward religious performance without true inward transformation?**
* **How does understanding God's character as "gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness" motivate my repentance and pursuit of Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a "rended heart"—a heart that is truly broken over sin and deeply committed to turning to God?**

### FAQ

**What does "rend your heart, and not your garments" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful call for genuine, internal repentance over mere outward religious ritual. Rending garments was a common ancient Near Eastern practice to express deep grief or distress, as seen when [Jacob tore his clothes upon hearing of Joseph's supposed death](/genesis/37-34 "Genesis 37:34 - Jacob Mourns Joseph"). However, Joel insists that such external displays are insufficient if the heart—the seat of one's will, emotions, and intellect—remains unchanged. True repentance involves a "tearing open" of one's inner being, a profound sorrow for sin, and a sincere turning to God, as echoed in [Psalm 51:17, which speaks of a broken and contrite heart as God's desired sacrifice](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - The Sacrifice of a Broken Spirit"). It's a call for authenticity and depth in one's spiritual life.

**How does God "repent" of evil? Does this mean God changes His mind or character?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "repenteth him" (H5162, _nâcham_) in this context refers to God relenting or changing His course of action regarding an impending judgment or calamity ("evil," H7451, _raʻ_). It does not imply a change in God's perfect, unchanging character or His eternal decrees. Rather, it signifies that God, in His sovereignty and mercy, responds to human repentance. When humanity turns from sin, God, in His compassion, may choose to withhold or alter the judgment He had declared. This demonstrates His relational nature and His desire for humanity's restoration rather than their destruction, consistent with His attributes as "gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness," as also seen in [Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - God Relents from Judgment on Nineveh") where God "repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 2:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the very attributes of God described in the verse and makes true heart-repentance possible. The call to "rend your heart, and not your garments" foreshadows the New Covenant emphasis on internal transformation over external law or ritual, as taught by Jesus in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees"). He declared that true righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, moving beyond outward conformity to the law to address the heart's intentions (e.g., [Matthew 5:21-28](/matthew/5-21-28 "Matthew 5:21-28 - Jesus on Anger and Lust")). Furthermore, the gracious and merciful character of God, "slow to anger, and of great kindness," is perfectly revealed in Jesus, who came not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save the World")). His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God's ultimate act of kindness and mercy, providing the means for humanity to truly "turn unto the LORD their God" through faith in Him ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Be Converted")). Through Christ, the "evil" of sin and its consequences are atoned for, allowing God to "repent him of the evil" (i.e., withhold judgment) for all who believe, offering forgiveness and eternal life instead ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, Joel's ancient call to repentance is fully realized in the gospel, inviting all to a heart-rending turning to the gracious Savior.

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

Psalms 86:15

But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Psalms 34:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Exodus 34:6

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Exodus 34:7

Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Matthew 5:3

¶ Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.