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Ἰωήλ (Iōēl)

Iōēl

Joel

G2493 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The name Iōēl appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in Acts 2:16 during Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost. It serves as the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew prophet Joel, whose words Peter quotes to explain the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Etymologically, the name means "Jehovah is God," a declaration that underscores the divine authority behind the prophetic message. By invoking this specific title, the text links the apostolic witness directly to the ancient prophetic tradition, validating the events as the fulfillment of Scripture rather than a novel occurrence.

This single usage highlights how early Christian preaching relied heavily on the Old Testament to interpret current events. The name acts as a bridge, connecting the historical ministry of Joel with the theological claims of the church, ensuring that readers recognize the continuity between the prophets and the apostles.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Joel appears in the New Testament within Peter’s speech on Pentecost, linking the early church directly to Old Testament prophecy. When Peter quotes the prophet, he shows that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was not a surprise but the fulfillment of God’s ancient promises. This connection reminds us that our faith rests on a consistent story spanning centuries.

Understanding this reference helps us see how Scripture interprets current events. The early believers looked back to Joel to make sense of what they were experiencing, finding comfort in the continuity between past prophecy and present reality. It encourages us to trust that God’s word remains true across time.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Joel:1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Ἰωήλ·1×

Key Verses

  • Acts 2:16
    But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:

    Peter uses this reference to explicitly identify the source of his quotation, validating the Pentecost events as a direct fulfillment of prophetic scripture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Joel mean?

The name means 'Jehovah is God.' It appears as a Greek transliteration in the New Testament, preserving the identity of the Old Testament prophet whose words are quoted by Peter.

Why is Joel mentioned in Acts 2?

Peter cites Joel to explain the events of Pentecost. By referencing this prophet, he demonstrates that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was predicted in Scripture and confirms Jesus as the Messiah.

Where does the name Joel appear in the New Testament?

It appears only once, in Acts 2:16. This single mention serves to introduce the quotation from the book of Joel that forms the core of Peter’s Pentecost sermon.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)