Joel 2:28 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God promises a day when His Spirit will be poured out on everyone, so that the whole people, young and old, can know Him directly.
The Context of Joel 2:28
The prophet Joel speaks to a people shaken by a devastating locust plague and a call to return to God. After warning of judgment, he turns to promise, and these words look past the ruin to a coming day God Himself marks with the word "afterward."
What Does Joel 2:28 Mean?
God promises to "pour out" His Spirit, the image of water emptied freely over dry ground. And He pours it "upon all flesh," reaching the whole community, every member of it. Sons and daughters, old men and young men: the gift crosses every line of age and station. Where prophets and visions had been rare and given to a few, God promises a day when His own people would all hear from Him, dreaming dreams and seeing what He shows them.
Centuries later, on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit fell on the gathered believers, and Peter stood up and said, "this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" (Acts 2:16). The risen Jesus had poured out the Spirit He promised. The day Joel saw from far off had arrived, and through Christ the nearness of God spread to all who would receive Him.
Joel 2:28 in the Original Language
ruach (רוּחַ), 'spirit' -- breath, wind, the living Spirit of God, the same word as the breath of life.
How to Apply Joel 2:28 Today
This promise reaches all the way to us. The Spirit God poured out is offered to ordinary people of every age who turn to Christ. We can come to Him expecting to know God for ourselves, not at second hand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joel 2:28
What does Joel 2:28 mean?
God promises a day when His Spirit will be poured out on everyone, so that the whole people, young and old, can know Him directly.
What is the context of Joel 2:28?
The prophet Joel speaks to a people shaken by a devastating locust plague and a call to return to God. After warning of judgment, he turns to promise, and these words look past the ruin to a coming day God Himself marks with the word "afterward."
How can I apply Joel 2:28 today?
This promise reaches all the way to us. The Spirit God poured out is offered to ordinary people of every age who turn to Christ. We can come to Him expecting to know God for ourselves, not at second hand.