Joel 2:18 — Biblical Hebrew

February 18, 2018By Biblical Hebrew

The Zeal and Compassion of YHWH: Waw-Consecutive Action and Emotional Verbs in Joel 2:18

וַיְקַנֵּ֥א יְהוָ֖ה לְאַרְצֹ֑ו וַיַּחְמֹ֖ל עַל־עַמֹּֽו׃ Joel 2:18 marks a turning point in the prophetic oracle—a movement from judgment to mercy. The verse opens with a dramatic pair of waw-consecutive verbs describing divine emotions: וַיְקַנֵּא (“and He was zealous”) and וַיַּחְמֹל (“and He had compassion”). These verbs are loaded not only with theological significance but also…

February 13, 2013By Hebrew Grammar for Beginners

“Then YHWH Was Jealous for His Land”: A Hebrew Glimpse of Mercy and Passion

וַיְקַנֵּ֥א יְהוָ֖ה לְאַרְצֹ֑ו וַיַּחְמֹ֖ל עַל־עַמֹּֽו׃ (Joel 2:18) Then YHWH was jealous for His land and had compassion on His people. Word-by-Word Explanation וַיְקַנֵּא – “Then He was jealous” Verb, 3rd person masculine singular, vav-consecutive of קָנָא (“to be jealous,” “to be zealous”). The וַ prefix introduces narrative past: “Then He was jealous” or “Then He…