Who Is the Prophet Joel in the Bible — Meaning Explained
Joel prophesied about a devastating locust plague as a picture of God's judgment and promised the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days.
Joel prophesied about a devastating locust plague as a picture of God's judgment and promised the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days.
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." — Joel 2:28 (KJV)
What "Who Is the Prophet Joel in the Bible?" Actually Means
Joel's prophecy uses a devastating locust plague as both a literal event and a metaphor for divine judgment. He called the people to repentance with the words, 'Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God' (Joel 2:13). His most famous prophecy promises the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: 'I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy' (Joel 2:28)—a prophecy Peter declared fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21). Joel's book also describes the final 'day of the LORD,' when God will judge the nations and restore His people completely.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Joel 2:28
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."
Joel 2:13
"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."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Who was Elijah the prophet?
People & Characters
Who Was Elijah the Prophet?
People & Characters
Who Was Daniel the Prophet?
People & Characters
Queen Esther Saves Her People
Esther 1-10 • Kings & Prophets
Micah in the Bible
The Prophet to the Common People
Bible Characters Quiz
Patriarchs, prophets, kings, and disciples — how well do you know them?
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.