Joel 3:1

KJV

¶ For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,

KJV (with Strong's)

For, behold, in those days {H3117}, and in that time {H6256}, when I shall bring again {H7725}{H7725} the captivity {H7622} of Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389},

Complete Jewish Bible

"For then, at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Y'hudah and Yerushalayim,

Berean Standard Bible

“Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore Judah and Jerusalem from captivity,

American Standard Version

For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring back the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 3:1 marks a profound transition in the prophetic book, shifting the focus from the immediate, localized judgments and calls for repentance described in earlier chapters to a grand, future, and globally significant divine intervention. This pivotal verse introduces God's solemn declaration concerning a specific future era when He will decisively act to reverse the fortunes of His people, Judah and Jerusalem, restoring them from a state of captivity or desolation to their rightful place of prosperity and blessing. It sets the stage for a comprehensive eschatological vision encompassing both divine judgment upon the nations and ultimate salvation for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 3:1 serves as a crucial hinge in the prophecy, moving from the immediate crisis of the locust plague and subsequent call to national repentance in [Joel 1](/joel/1 "Joel 1 - The Locust Plague and Call to Repentance") and [Joel 2:1-27](/joel/2-1-27 "Joel 2:1-27 - Day of the Lord and Call to Repentance") to a sweeping eschatological vision. Immediately preceding this verse, [Joel 2:28-32](/joel/2-28-32 "Joel 2:28-32 - The Outpouring of the Spirit") promises the outpouring of God's Spirit and signs preceding the great and dreadful "Day of the Lord." Joel 3:1 then picks up this future orientation, specifying the "days" and "time" when God's ultimate plan for His people and the nations will unfold. The subsequent verses in [Joel 3](/joel/3 "Joel 3 - Judgment on the Nations and Restoration of Israel") detail God's judgment on the nations for their mistreatment of Israel, followed by the glorious restoration and blessing of Judah and Jerusalem, culminating in God's dwelling among His people forever.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise dating of Joel is debated, the prophecy consistently addresses Judah and Jerusalem, implying a post-exilic or pre-exilic context where the memory or threat of national subjugation and exile was potent. The concept of "captivity" (Hebrew: *shĕbûṯ*) was deeply embedded in Israelite consciousness, often referring to literal deportation, as experienced during the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. However, it also carried a broader connotation of national distress, desolation, or a reversal of fortunes. For God to "bring again the captivity" or "restore the fortunes" was a powerful promise of divine intervention, echoing the covenant promises of blessing and restoration after periods of judgment (e.g., [Deuteronomy 30:1-5](/deuteronomy/30-1-5 "Deuteronomy 30:1-5 - Restoration after Exile")). Culturally, the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem meant not just a physical return to the land, but a re-establishment of their national identity, religious purity, and covenant relationship with Yahweh, often accompanied by material prosperity and security.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Joel and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, emphasizing that God Himself ("I shall bring again") is the active agent in history, orchestrating the destiny of nations and fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel despite their failures. Secondly, it highlights **Eschatological Hope and Restoration**, pointing to a future era when God will fully vindicate His people and reverse their misfortunes, a hope that transcends immediate historical circumstances and looks to a comprehensive, ultimate renewal. This theme is echoed in other prophetic visions of restoration, such as in [Jeremiah 29:14](/jeremiah/29-14 "Jeremiah 29:14 - God's Promise to Restore from Captivity") and [Ezekiel 36:24](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24 - God Gathers Israel from the Nations"). Lastly, it introduces the theme of **Divine Justice**, as the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem is intrinsically linked to God's impending judgment upon the nations who oppressed His chosen people, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the "Day of the Lord."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** While literally referring to a 24-hour period, *yôwm* here, especially when coupled with "in that time," signifies a specific, often extended, and significant period in the future. In prophetic contexts, "those days" or "that time" often denotes an eschatological era, a divinely appointed season when God's ultimate purposes will be brought to pass. It points to a decisive moment in salvation history, distinct from the immediate present.
* **bring again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root means "to turn back," "return," or "restore." In this context, it is used transitively, meaning God will cause the captivity to return or be reversed. It implies a comprehensive reversal of fortune, not merely a physical return from exile but a restoration to a former or even greater state of prosperity, well-being, and covenant favor. The verb emphasizes God's active, intentional, and powerful role in this reversal.
* **captivity (Hebrew, _shᵉbûwth'_):** This term refers to "exile" or "prisoners." However, it is often used idiomatically in the Old Testament to mean "a former state of prosperity" or "fortunes." Thus, "bring again the captivity" (or "restore the captivity") is best understood as "restore the fortunes" or "reverse the state of desolation." It encompasses not just physical release from bondage but a holistic restoration—spiritual, social, economic, and national—to a state of blessing and flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ For, behold,"**: This introductory phrase serves as a powerful attention-grabber. "For" (Hebrew: *kî*) links this declaration to the preceding promises of the Spirit's outpouring and the Day of the Lord, indicating that what follows is a consequence or further elaboration of those events. "Behold" (Hebrew: *hinnēh*) draws the reader's attention to a profound, certain, and divinely ordained future event, signaling its immense importance and certainty.
* **"in those days, and in that time,"**: This temporal marker points to a specific, future period that is yet to unfold. It is not an immediate historical event but a divinely appointed era, often associated with the eschatological "Day of the Lord" mentioned previously in [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord"). The repetition of "days" and "time" emphasizes the certainty and distinctiveness of this future epoch.
* **"when I shall bring again the captivity"**: This is the central promise of the verse. The "I" refers unequivocally to Yahweh, emphasizing His sole agency and sovereign power in this act of restoration. As explored in the Key Word Analysis, "bring again the captivity" is an idiom signifying a complete reversal of fortunes, a comprehensive restoration from a state of desolation, exile, or distress to one of blessing and prosperity. It is a divine initiative, not dependent on human effort alone.
* **"of Judah and Jerusalem,"**: These names specify the recipients of God's promised restoration. Judah represents the southern kingdom, the remnant of Israel, and Jerusalem is its capital, the spiritual and political heart of the nation, the city of David and the temple. This highlights the particularity of God's covenant faithfulness to His chosen people and the central place of His holy city in His redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 3:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The opening "For, **behold**," acts as an **Exclamation** and a **Call to Attention**, immediately signaling the profound importance and certainty of the divine declaration that follows. The phrase "in those days, and in that time" utilizes **Temporal Framing** to set the prophecy firmly in a future, eschatological context, creating a sense of anticipation and divine timing. Most significantly, the expression "bring again the captivity" is a well-known Hebrew **Idiom** (שוב שְׁבוּת, *shuv shĕbûṯ*), which, while literally meaning to "return the captivity," is consistently understood in prophetic literature to mean "restore the fortunes" or "reverse the state of desolation." This idiom encompasses a holistic restoration—physical, spiritual, and national—and serves as a powerful **Symbol** of God's comprehensive redemptive work. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the detailed descriptions of judgment and restoration that follow in [Joel 3:2-21](/joel/3-2-21 "Joel 3:2-21 - Judgment on the Nations and Restoration of Israel").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 3:1 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His ultimate sovereignty over history. It assures us that despite periods of judgment, suffering, or apparent abandonment, God remains committed to His people and His redemptive plan. The promise to "bring again the captivity" speaks to God's power to reverse any state of desolation, whether national, communal, or personal. This is not merely a political or geographical restoration but a deep, spiritual renewal that signifies God's active presence and blessing. The verse firmly grounds future hope in God's character and His unchangeable purposes, providing a bedrock of assurance for all who trust in Him. It reminds believers that God's ultimate justice will prevail, His promises will be fulfilled, and His kingdom will be established in its fullness.

* [Jeremiah 29:14](/jeremiah/29-14 "Jeremiah 29:14 - God's Promise to Restore from Captivity")
* [Ezekiel 36:24](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24 - God Gathers Israel from the Nations")
* [Zephaniah 3:20](/zephaniah/3-20 "Zephaniah 3:20 - God Restores His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 3:1 offers immense comfort and a robust framework for understanding God's activity in the world, both in ancient Israel and in our contemporary lives. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign control over all circumstances, even when our own "captivity" (whether literal, spiritual, emotional, or societal) seems overwhelming. This verse reminds us that God has a perfect timetable ("in those days, and in that time") for His redemptive work, and His promises of restoration are sure. For believers, this means holding onto hope amidst trials, knowing that God is actively working to reverse desolation and bring about His ultimate good. It encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties to the grand narrative of God's kingdom, where justice will ultimately prevail, and all things will be made new. Our response should be one of patient endurance, faithful expectation, and active participation in God's ongoing work of restoration in the world around us, even as we await His final, glorious return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "captivities" or areas of desolation in your life or in the world do you long for God to "bring again" or restore?**
* **How does the promise of God's sovereign timing ("in those days, and in that time") impact your patience and trust in His plan?**
* **In what ways can you participate in God's work of restoration and justice in your community today, even as you await His ultimate fulfillment?**

### FAQ
**What does "bring again the captivity" (KJV) or "restore the fortunes" (NIV/ESV) truly mean in Joel 3:1?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase is *shuv shĕbûṯ* (שׁוּב שְׁבוּת), which is an idiom that literally means "to return the captivity" but is widely understood in biblical scholarship to signify "to restore the fortunes" or "to reverse the state of desolation." It goes beyond a mere physical return from exile, encompassing a comprehensive and holistic restoration of a people or nation to a state of well-being, prosperity, and covenant blessing. This includes spiritual renewal, social flourishing, economic stability, and national vindication. In Joel 3:1, it points to God's powerful and decisive act to reverse the suffering and oppression experienced by Judah and Jerusalem, bringing them into a glorious future state of blessing and security under His rule. This idiom is found in many prophetic books, such as [Deuteronomy 30:3](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3 - God Will Restore You from Captivity") and [Jeremiah 30:3](/jeremiah/30-3 "Jeremiah 30:3 - God Will Restore the Fortunes of Israel").

**Is the prophecy of Joel 3:1 about the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem already fulfilled?**

Answer: While there have been historical instances of the Jewish people returning from exile (e.g., the Babylonian captivity), the language and context of [Joel 3](/joel/3 "Joel 3 - Judgment on the Nations and Restoration of Israel") point to an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment that extends beyond any single historical event. The "days" and "time" described are linked to the "great and dreadful Day of the Lord" ([Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord")), a period of global judgment and cosmic signs culminating in God's direct intervention. While some aspects may find partial fulfillment in historical returns or the establishment of modern Israel, the comprehensive nature of the restoration (including judgment on all nations, God dwelling in Zion, and perpetual blessing) suggests a future, complete fulfillment that aligns with the consummation of God's redemptive plan, often associated with the second coming of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 3:1, with its promise of God bringing again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks to a physical and national restoration for Israel, the New Testament reveals that true "captivity" for humanity is not merely physical exile but spiritual bondage to sin and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")). Jesus, as the ultimate Redeemer, came to "proclaim liberty to the captives" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Proclaims Liberty to the Captives")), setting free those enslaved by sin ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")). The "restoration of fortunes" that Joel prophesied is realized spiritually in the new covenant, where believers from every nation are brought into God's family, forming the spiritual Israel, the church ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28-29 "Galatians 3:28-29 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). Furthermore, the promise of God dwelling in Zion ([Joel 3:21](/joel/3-21 "Joel 3:21 - God Dwells in Zion")) is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is Emmanuel, "God with us," and in the New Jerusalem, where God's tabernacle is with humanity forever ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling Place is with Man")). Thus, Joel 3:1 points forward to the comprehensive, eternal restoration initiated by Christ's first coming and consummated at His glorious return, when all things will be made new, and God's people will dwell in perfect freedom and blessing in His presence.

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

Zephaniah 3:19

Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.

Zephaniah 3:20

At that time will I bring you [again], even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 30:3

For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.

Ezekiel 39:25

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;

Amos 9:14

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

Psalms 85:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

Jeremiah 29:14

And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.