### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ἰωήλ (Iōḗl), Strong's number `{{G2493}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name יוֹאֵל (Yo'el). The Hebrew name is a theophoric compound, meaning "Yahweh is God" or "Yahweh is (my) God." It combines יהוה (Yahweh), the personal name of God, with אֵל (El), a common Semitic term for "God." As a proper noun, Ἰωήλ primarily denotes individuals, and its semantic range in Greek is limited to this function, carrying the inherent theological meaning of its Hebrew etymology. It serves as a declarative statement about the nature and identity of the God of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ἰωήλ appears in the Septuagint (LXX) as the Greek rendering for numerous individuals named Joel in the Hebrew Bible. The most prominent figure bearing this name is the prophet Joel, whose book is part of the Twelve Minor Prophets. While the book of Joel provides little biographical information about the prophet himself, his message is profoundly significant.
The Book of Joel opens with a vivid description of a devastating locust plague and severe drought, interpreted as a harbinger of the "Day of the Lord" ([[Joel 1:1-20]]). This calamity serves as a powerful call to national repentance and lamentation ([[Joel 2:12-17]]). Following the people's repentance, the prophecy shifts to promises of restoration, both agricultural and spiritual. Crucially, Joel prophesies the outpouring of God's Spirit upon all flesh ([[Joel 2:28-29]]), a prophecy explicitly quoted by Peter on the Day of Pentecost as fulfilled through the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ ([[Acts 2:16-21]]).
Beyond the prophet, other notable individuals named Joel in the Old Testament (and thus appearing as Ἰωήλ in the LXX) include:
* Joel, the firstborn son of Samuel ([[1 Samuel 8:2]]).
* Joel, a Reubenite chief ([[1 Chronicles 5:4]], [[1 Chronicles 5:8]]).
* Joel, a Levite chief and musician ([[1 Chronicles 6:33]], [[1 Chronicles 15:7]]).
* Various others mentioned in the genealogies and registers of Chronicles and Ezra.
In each instance, the name Ἰωήλ identifies a specific individual, but the theological weight of its meaning ("Yahweh is God") would have resonated with the Israelite understanding of divine sovereignty and covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Ἰωήλ is inherently linked to several core biblical concepts and related terms:
* **Theophoric Names:** It belongs to a class of Hebrew names that incorporate divine elements, such as יהוה (Yahweh) or אֵל (El). Other examples include Elijah ("My God is Yahweh"), Isaiah ("Yahweh is Salvation"), and Daniel ("God is my Judge"). This practice underscores the pervasive presence of God in Israelite life and identity.
* **יהוה (Yahweh):** The covenant name of God, central to Israelite theology. The inclusion of "Yah" in Joel's name affirms the unique relationship between God and His people.
* **אֵל (El):** A general term for God, often used in conjunction with other terms to describe specific attributes (e.g., El Shaddai, El Elyon). Its presence in Joel's name reinforces the universal power and divine nature of Yahweh.
* **Prophecy:** As the name of a major prophet, Ἰωήλ is inextricably linked to the concept of divine revelation, the prophetic office, and the communication of God's will to humanity.
* **The Day of the Lord:** A key eschatological theme in the book of Joel, referring to a future time of divine judgment and salvation.
* **Outpouring of the Spirit:** Joel's prophecy in [[Joel 2:28-29]] is foundational for understanding the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant, particularly as fulfilled at Pentecost.
### Theological Significance
The name Ἰωήλ itself carries profound theological weight: "Yahweh is God." This declaration serves as a constant affirmation of monotheism and the exclusive sovereignty of Yahweh over all creation and human history. For a prophet bearing this name, it underscores the source and authority of his message – it is from Yahweh, who alone is God.
The prophet Joel's contribution to biblical theology is immense:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The locust plague and drought are presented as direct acts of God, demonstrating His control over nature and history, and His use of natural phenomena as instruments of judgment. This reinforces the "Yahweh is God" theme, showing His active involvement in the world.
2. **Call to Repentance:** Joel emphasizes genuine, heart-felt repentance over mere outward rituals ([[Joel 2:13]]). This highlights God's desire for a restored relationship with His people and His willingness to relent from judgment.
3. **Eschatological Hope:** Despite the dire warnings of judgment, Joel's prophecy culminates in a glorious vision of restoration and the outpouring of God's Spirit. This promise is a cornerstone of New Testament pneumatology, indicating God's ultimate plan for universal salvation and intimate communion with humanity. The fulfillment of Joel's prophecy in [[Acts 2]] demonstrates the continuity of God's plan across the Old and New Covenants.
4. **The Day of the Lord:** Joel's detailed portrayal of this day as both a time of terrifying judgment for the unrepentant and a day of deliverance for those who call on the name of the Lord ([[Joel 2:32]]) shapes much of subsequent biblical eschatology.
### Summary
Ἰωήλ (Iōḗl), Strong's number `{{G2493}}`, is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name יוֹאֵל (Yo'el), meaning "Yahweh is God." While identifying several individuals in the Old Testament, its most significant biblical occurrence is as the name of the prophet Joel. The name itself serves as a theological statement, affirming the exclusive deity of Yahweh. The prophet Joel's book contributes profoundly to biblical theology by illustrating God's sovereign judgment through natural calamities, calling for sincere national repentance, and, most notably, prophesying the universal outpouring of God's Spirit in the last days—a promise fulfilled at Pentecost. The name and the prophet's message collectively underscore the active, just, and redemptive nature of God, whose identity as "Yahweh is God" is eternally true.
TRV