Joel 1:12

1:12 The vine has dried up;

the fig tree languishes –

the pomegranate, date, and apple ¹  as well.

In fact, ²  all the trees of the field have dried up.

Indeed, the joy of the people ³  has dried up!

Joel 1:19

1:19 To you, O Lord, I call out for help, ⁴ 

for fire ⁵  has burned up ⁶  the grassy pastures, ⁷ 

flames have razed ⁸  all the trees in the fields.

Joel 2:22

2:22 Do not fear, wild animals! ⁹ 

For the pastures of the wilderness are again green with grass.

Indeed, the trees bear their fruit;

the fig tree and the vine yield to their fullest. ¹⁰ 

[1:12]  ¹ tn This Hebrew word וְתַפּוּחַ (vÿtappuakh) probably refers to the apple tree (so most English versions), but other suggestions that scholars have offered include the apricot, citron, or quince.

[1:12]  ² tn These words are not in the Hebrew text but are supplied in the translation for clarity.

[1:12]  ³ tn Heb “the sons of man.”

[1:19]  ⁴ tn The phrase “for help” does not appear in the Hebrew, but is supplied in the translation for the sake of clarity.

[1:19]  ⁵ sn Fire here and in v. 20 is probably not to be understood in a literal sense. The locust plague, accompanied by conditions of extreme drought, has left the countryside looking as though everything has been burned up (so also in Joel 2:3).

[1:19]  ⁶ tn Heb “consumed.” This entire line is restated at the end of v. 20.

[1:19]  ⁷ tn Heb “the pastures of the wilderness.”

[1:19]  ⁸ tn Heb “a flame has set ablaze.” This fire was one of the effects of the drought.

[2:22]  ⁷ tn Heb “beasts of the field.”

[2:22]  ⁸ tn Heb “their strength.” The trees and vines will produce a maximum harvest, in contrast to the failed agricultural conditions previously described.