Joel 1:2 in Hebrew
שִׁמְעוּ־זֹאת֙ הַזְּקֵנִ֔ים וְהַֽאֲזִ֔ינוּ כֹּ֖ל יֹושְׁבֵ֣י הָאָ֑רֶץ הֶהָ֤יְתָה זֹּאת֙ בִּֽימֵיכֶ֔ם וְאִ֖ם בִּימֵ֥י אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃
Introduction to שִׁמְעוּ and הַאֲזִינוּ
In Joel 1:2, two verbs are used in parallel: שִׁמְעוּ (shimʿū, “hear”) and הַאֲזִינוּ (haʾăzīnū, “give ear” or “listen”). These verbs appear frequently in Biblical Hebrew prophetic texts and often carry distinct nuances.
Understanding שִׁמְעוּ and הַאֲזִינוּ in Context
– שִׁמְעוּ is the imperative plural form of שָׁמַע (šāmaʿ), meaning “to hear” or “to listen.”
– הַאֲזִינוּ is the imperative plural form of אָזַן (ʾāzan), meaning “to give ear” or “to pay close attention.”
Both verbs are commands, but they emphasize different aspects of listening:
1. שִׁמְעוּ refers to hearing in a general sense, receiving sound or information.
2. הַאֲזִינוּ implies active listening, focusing intently and considering what is being said.
The Function of These Parallel Verbs
1. Emphasizing Different Audiences
– שִׁמְעוּ זֹאת הַזְּקֵנִים – “Hear this, you elders”
– וְהַֽאֲזִינוּ כֹּל יֹושְׁבֵי הָאָרֶץ – “And give ear, all inhabitants of the land”
– The use of two different verbs may suggest a distinction in the way the message is received by different groups.
2. Prophetic Urgency
– The combination of hearing and active listening underscores the seriousness of the message.
– The prophet is not merely calling for passive hearing but demanding full attention and consideration.
3. Parallelism in Hebrew Poetry
– The pairing of synonyms in parallel structures is a common feature in Biblical Hebrew poetry.
– Here, the two verbs reinforce and amplify the call to listen, making the appeal stronger.
The Role of שִׁמְעוּ and הַאֲזִינוּ in Joel 1:2
The use of שִׁמְעוּ and הַאֲזִינוּ in Joel 1:2 highlights the prophetic urgency and poetic force of the verse. The prophet is not just calling for the people to hear but to fully engage and reflect on the message. This linguistic distinction enriches the depth of the passage, demonstrating how Biblical Hebrew differentiates levels of listening and comprehension.
