Joel


 * See also Book of Joel. Alternative spelling: Yole



Joel ( יואל) was a prophet of ancient Israel whose prophecies are recorded in the brief Biblical book that bears his name. His name occurs only once in the Old Testament. According to the New Testament, just after his prophesy of the outpouring of God's spirit upon all flesh is quoted by the apostle Peter in Acts chapter 2. He lived anywhere from the 9th century BCE to the 5th century BCE. Certain date is unknown.

Joel is the second of the twelve minor prophets and the author of the Book of Joel. He was the son of Pethuel. Joel 1:1 121. His personal history is known only from his book. The name Joel means "Jehovah is el (god)". On the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar, his feast day is October 19. He is commemorated with the other Minor prophets in the Calendar of saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church on July 31.

Despite its Biblical and Middle Eastern origins, Joel is a common name in many Modern Western countries.