יוֹאֵל (yo.el)
yo.el
Joel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name yo’el means "Yahweh is God," a declaration that appears frequently in Old Testament genealogies and historical records. It identifies several distinct individuals across different tribes, including Levi, Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Issachar, Manasseh, Benjamin, and Judah. The sources list at least fourteen separate bearers of this name, ranging from the eldest son of the prophet Samuel to chiefs during the reigns of David, Hezekiah, and Uzziah.
Among these figures, the most prominent is the prophet Joel, son of Pethuel, who authored a book in the Hebrew Bible. While some traditions place his ministry during the time of King Uzziah, the text itself does not specify the exact date. The name’s simple theological statement served as a common identifier for men in leadership or priestly roles throughout Israel’s history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Joel carries a simple but powerful declaration: "Yahweh is God." In a time when many names reflected human achievement or tribal loyalty, this one pointed directly to the sovereignty of the Creator. It appears across various tribes and roles in Israel’s history, from judges and priests to temple overseers. This consistency suggests that those bearing the name were committed to acknowledging God’s supreme authority in their lives and communities.
For believers today, this name serves as a quiet reminder of where true leadership and stability come from. Whether in times of peace or crisis, recognizing Yahweh as God anchors our faith. The prophet Joel, son of Pethuel, used this same conviction to call his people back to repentance and hope. His message reminds us that even when circumstances seem dire, God remains in control and offers a path forward through return and trust.
When we face uncertainty, we can look to the example of those who carried this name. They did not rely on their own strength but on the character of God. This word encourages us to place our confidence in His promises rather than in fleeting worldly solutions. It is an invitation to rest in the truth that He is God, and therefore He cares for His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Joel9×
- and/ Joel8×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יוֹאֵ֣ל3×
- יוֹאֵ֣ל2×
- יוֹאֵ֖ל2×
- יוֹאֵ֔ל2×
- יוֹאֵ֑ל2×
- וְ/יוֹאֵ֖ל2×
- יוֹאֵל֙1×
- וְ/יוֹאֵ֧ל1×
- וְ/יוֹאֵ֥ל1×
- וְ/יוֹאֵ֑ל1×
Key Verses
-
Joel 1:1
Yahweh’s word that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel.
This verse introduces the prophet Joel, whose book centers on calling Israel to repentance based on the reality of Yahweh's sovereignty.
-
I Samuel 8:2
Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba.
Joel, son of Samuel, served as a judge in Beersheba, highlighting the name's association with leadership during Israel's transition to monarchy.
-
I Chronicles 15:7
of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and his brothers one hundred thirty;
Here Joel is listed as a chief among the Levites, showing the name's connection to worship and temple service under David.
-
Nehemiah 11:9
Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer; and Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city.
Joel served as an overseer in Jerusalem after the exile, demonstrating the name's continued relevance in rebuilding and restoring community life.