Joel 1:20
Joel 1:20 in Multiple Translations
Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures.
The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
Yea, the beasts of the field pant unto thee; for the water brooks are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
The beasts of the field are turning to you with desire: for the water-streams are dry and fire has put an end to the grass-lands of the waste.
Even the wild animals long for you because the streams have dried up, and fire has destroyed the pastures in the wilderness.
The beasts of the fielde cry also vnto thee: for the riuers of waters are dried vp, and the fire hath deuoured the pastures of the wildernes.
Also the cattle of the field long for Thee, For dried up have been streams of water, And fire hath consumed comely places of a wilderness!'
Yes, the animals of the field pant to you, for the water brooks have dried up, and the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
The beasts of the field cry also to thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
Yea and the beasts of the field have looked up to thee, as a garden bed that thirsteth after rain, for the springs of waters are dried up, and fire hath devoured the beautiful places of the wilderness.
It is as though even the wild animals cry out to you because all the streams have dried up. The rivers and streams are all dry, and the grass in the pastures is all parched.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joel 1:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joel 1:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּם
בַּהֲמ֥וֹת
שָׂדֶ֖ה
תַּעֲר֣וֹג
אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ
כִּ֤י
יָֽבְשׁוּ֙
אֲפִ֣יקֵי
מָ֔יִם
וְ/אֵ֕שׁ
אָכְלָ֖ה
נְא֥וֹת
הַ/מִּדְבָּֽר
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
בַּהֲמ֥וֹת
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
N-fp
שָׂדֶ֖ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
N-ms
תַּעֲר֣וֹג
ʻârag
H6165
to long for
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָֽבְשׁוּ֙
yâbêsh
H3001
to wither
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֲפִ֣יקֵי
ʼâphîyq
H650
channel
N-mp
מָ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
וְ/אֵ֕שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Conj | N-cs
אָכְלָ֖ה
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
נְא֥וֹת
nâʼâh
H4999
habitation
N-fp
הַ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joel 1:20
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
בַּהֲמ֥וֹת
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
N-fp
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
שָׂדֶ֖ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
תַּעֲר֣וֹג
ʻârag
H6165
"to long for"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To long for something means to strongly desire or yearn for it. In the Bible, this word is used to describe a deep emotional or physical need, like crying out or panting after something. It expresses a strong sense of desire.
Definition: (Qal) to long for, pant after
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cry, pant. See also: Psalms 42:2; Joel 1:20.
אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָֽבְשׁוּ֙
yâbêsh
H3001
"to wither"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
אֲפִ֣יקֵי
ʼâphîyq
H650
"channel"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a channel or stream, and can also mean a strong or mighty thing. It appears in various forms, such as a brook or river, and is used to describe a powerful object or hero. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural features like streams and valleys.
Definition: 1) channel 2) ravine 3) of hollow bones (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: brook, channel, mighty, river, [phrase] scale, stream, strong piece. See also: 2 Samuel 22:16; Isaiah 8:7; Psalms 18:16.
מָ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וְ/אֵ֕שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Conj | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
אָכְלָ֖ה
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
נְא֥וֹת
nâʼâh
H4999
"habitation"
N-fp
This word refers to a home or pasture, a place where someone or something can rest. It is used to describe a pleasant or peaceful place, like a meadow. The KJV translates it as 'habitation' or 'pasture'.
Definition: 1) pasture, abode, abode of shepherd, habitation, meadow 1a) pasture, meadow 1b) abode
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: habitation, house, pasture, pleasant place. See also: Psalms 23:2; Jeremiah 25:37; Psalms 65:13.
הַ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Art | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
Study Notes — Joel 1:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joel 1:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joel 1:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joel 1:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joel 1:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Joel 1:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joel 1:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joel 1:20
- Cambridge Bible on Joel 1:20
- Barnes' Notes on Joel 1:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Joel 1:20
- Sermons on Joel 1:20
Context — A Call to Repentance
18How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering.
19To You, O LORD, I call, for fire has consumed the open pastures and flames have scorched all the trees of the field.
20Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 104:21 | The young lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 17:7 | Some time later, however, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. |
| 3 | Job 38:41 | Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about for lack of food? |
| 4 | 1 Kings 18:5 | Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock.” |
| 5 | Psalms 147:9 | He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call. |
| 6 | Psalms 145:15 | The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season. |
Joel 1:20 Summary
Joel 1:20 tells us that even the animals are suffering and longing for God's relief from the severe drought and famine. The streams of water have dried up and the fire has consumed the open pastures, leaving the animals without food or water. This verse reminds us that God's judgment can be severe, but it also calls us to seek His mercy and restoration, as seen in Psalm 107:1-9 and Isaiah 30:18-22. Just like the animals, we can pant for God and seek His relief in times of need, trusting in His promise to restore and renew us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'the beasts of the field pant for You' in Joel 1:20?
This phrase suggests that even the animals are longing for God's intervention and relief from the severe drought and famine, as seen in their distress and search for water and food, much like the cry of the prophet in Joel 1:19 and the promise of God's response in Isaiah 41:17-20.
Why have the streams of water dried up in Joel 1:20?
The streams of water have dried up due to the severe drought that has struck the land, a result of God's judgment and a call to repentance, as also seen in Jeremiah 14:1-6 and Ezekiel 5:1-17.
How does the fire consuming the open pastures relate to God's judgment?
The fire consuming the open pastures is a symbol of God's judgment and wrath, as seen in Joel 1:19 and Deuteronomy 32:22, and serves as a warning to the people to turn back to God and seek His mercy and restoration.
What is the significance of the animals suffering in Joel 1:20?
The suffering of the animals in Joel 1:20 serves as a reminder of the severity of God's judgment and the far-reaching consequences of sin, as also seen in Romans 8:22 and Hosea 4:3, and highlights the need for repentance and restoration.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like the beasts of the field, pant for God and seek His relief in times of distress and need?
- What are some ways that I can, like the prophet Joel, cry out to God for intervention and restoration in my own life and community?
- How can I balance the awareness of God's judgment with the promise of His mercy and restoration, as seen in Joel 1:20 and other scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11-14?
- In what ways can I, like the prophet, call upon God to have mercy and to restore the 'open pastures' in my own life and community, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Isaiah 40:1-11?
Gill's Exposition on Joel 1:20
The beasts of the field cry also unto thee,.... As well as the prophet, in their way; which may be mentioned, both as a rebuke to such who had no sense of the judgments upon them, and called not on
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joel 1:20
The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joel 1:20
The beasts: see . Cry; the wilder sort, that rove about many miles seeking their livelihood, find no sustenance, they look up to God, and cry to him: these creatures, that can better shift for themselves, yet can make no good shift; they utter their complaints in their sad tones, they have a voice to cry, as well as an eye to look to God. Unto thee, who only canst open thy hand, and fill them. Learn, ye brutish among men, look and cry to God. And again, Have pity, O God, many of thy sinless creatures perish without relief; hear them, though thou shouldst not hear men. The rivers are dried up; most extreme and tedious drought, which hath dried up the rivers themselves; there is no drink for the cattle, they must perish without help, unless thou, O God, send a plentiful and fruitful rain. The fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness: see this explained above, .
Trapp's Commentary on Joel 1:20
Joe 1:20 The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.Ver. 20. The beasts of the field cry also unto thee] Glocitant, a term taken from deer; they cry as they can, they cry by implication, imploring thine help, each for himself. See Psalms 149:9 Job 39:3 Psalms 104:27; and should men be silent? For the rivers of the waters are dried up] This maketh the hart bray after the waterbrooks, yea, shed tears, as hunters say the hart will, when hot and hard pressed for water. Hereto David seems to allude, Psalms 42:3, "My tears have been my meat," &c. And the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness] This had been said before, Joe 1:19. The reason of such repetitions, Neither let this last exaggeration of the common calamity, by that which befell the brute beasts, seem superfluous. For whereas the security and obstinace of most men is such, that they take little notice of present pressures, but promise themselves peace and safety, whatsoever God, by his servants, shall say to the contrary; it is but needful, surely, that their danger should be inculcated, and their calamity set out, and set on with utmost importunity and vehemence.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joel 1:20
(20) The beasts of the field cry also unto thee.—The prophet has cried to God; the very beasts echo that cry, “looking up” to Him. As yet, man seems dumb.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joel 1:20
Verse 20. The beasts of the field cry also unto thee] Even the cattle, wild and tame, are represented as supplicating God to have mercy upon them, and send them provender! There is a similar affecting description of the effects of a drought in Jeremiah, Jeremiah 14:6. The rivers of waters are dried up] There must have been a drought as well as a host of locusts; as some of these expressions seem to apply to the effects of intense heat. For המדבר hammidbar, "the wilderness," one of my oldest MSS. reads מדבר midbar, "wilderness" simply, as in Joe 1:19. Eight or ten of Dr. Kennicott's have the same reading.
Cambridge Bible on Joel 1:20
20. Yea, the beasts of the field pant (R.V.) unto thee] lit. ascend, mount up (viz. with longing and desire). The verb occurs in Heb. only here and Psalms 42:1 (twice). In Ethiopic it is the regular word for to go up, and it has the same meaning also in Arabic: in Heb. it is used only metaphorically in the sense explained above[34]. Cry of A.V. is based upon the interpretation of the Rabbis, who, in their ignorance of the real etymological affinities of the word, conjectured a meaning that would agree fairly with the context. [34] The derivative ‘arûgâh occurs in the sense of a raised flower-bed, Ezekiel 17:7; Ezekiel 17:10; Son 5:13; Son 6:2.rivers] channels (Isaiah 8:7; Psalms 18:15), not a very common word, used most frequently by Ezekiel (Ezekiel 6:3, Ezekiel 31:12 al.).
Barnes' Notes on Joel 1:20
The beasts of the field cry also unto Thee - o: “There is an order in these distresses.
Whedon's Commentary on Joel 1:20
15-20. Not a petition which the prophet puts into the mouths of the priests, but the prophet’s own words, explaining the seriousness of the calamity and thus presenting the reason for the appeal in 13, 14.
Sermons on Joel 1:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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1 Peter 5:8 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the importance of sobriety and vigilance in the Christian life, reiterating that these qualities are essential for resisting the temptations and snares posed b |
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Elijah Watched and Waited by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the unwavering faith of Elijah as he watched the brook dry up, refusing to let circumstances shake his trust in God. While unbelief sees God throug |
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Providence of Loss by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the providence of loss and the ministry of failing, emphasizing the importance of learning to trust in the Giver rather than the gift. Using Elijah |
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Hungering by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of hungering and thirsting after righteousness, emphasizing the need for believers to cry out to the Lord in times of trouble, kn |
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Epistle 80 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all earthly concerns, such as food and clothing. He encourages believers to trus |
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Of the Providence of God. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the providence of God, emphasizing that it is the divine governance and care over all creation. He explains that God's providence is distinct from foreknowled |
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God's Faithfulness in Providing by George Mueller | George Mueller shares powerful testimonies of God's faithfulness in providing for orphans through prayer, illustrating how God tested his faith but always came through at the right |