Old Testament

Joel 2:11

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Joel 2:11, the verse emphasizes the power and authority of the LORD as He leads His army.

Author: Joel the prophet
Written: Date debated (around 835 or 500 BC)
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: The kingdom of Judah

CBTClear Bible Translation

The LORD thunders his voice at the head of his army. His forces are beyond counting, and the one who carries out his command is mighty. The day of the LORD is great and utterly terrifying — who can endure it?

KJVKing James Version

And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Joel 2:11, the verse emphasizes the power and authority of the LORD as He leads His army. The imagery of thunder signifies His commanding presence, indicating that His forces are vast and unstoppable. The phrase 'day of the LORD' refers to a time of divine judgment that is both awe-inspiring and frightening. It raises the question of who can withstand such a powerful display of God's might. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the seriousness of His commands, urging people to recognize the weight of His authority and the consequences of their actions. The depiction of the army suggests a call to repentance and awareness of the impending judgment, highlighting the need for humility before God. Overall, it portrays a God who is not only powerful but also just, calling for a response from humanity in light of His greatness.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Joel 2:11 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on the power of God in our lives. It reminds us to take His commands seriously and to approach Him with reverence. In times of uncertainty, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control and that His plans are ultimately for our good.

Curated for this public verse page. Joel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Joel 2:11 mean?

Joel 2:11 highlights the power and authority of the LORD as He leads His vast army. It emphasizes the seriousness of the 'day of the LORD,' a time of divine judgment that is both awe-inspiring and frightening.

What is the significance of the 'day of the LORD' in Joel 2:11?

The 'day of the LORD' in Joel 2:11 refers to a time of divine judgment and accountability. It signifies a moment when God's power is fully revealed, prompting a call for repentance and recognition of His authority.

What does the phrase 'who can endure it' in Joel 2:11 mean?

The phrase 'who can endure it' in Joel 2:11 questions humanity's ability to withstand the overwhelming power and judgment of God. It serves as a reminder of God's might and the need for humility before Him.

What themes are present in Joel 2:11?

Joel 2:11 presents themes of divine authority, judgment, the power of God, repentance, and the awe and fear associated with His sovereignty. These themes encourage reflection on God's greatness and our response to His commands.

Book Summary

The Book of Joel

Joel 1: The Locust Plague and Call to Mourning

Joel delivers the word of the LORD and calls the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to listen. He asks whether such a disaster has ever happened and commands them to tell it to future generations. He describes successive waves of locusts that strip the land bare until nothing remains. Vineyards and fig trees are ruined, and the bark is stripped from the trees.

Joel tells the drunkards to wake up and weep because the new wine is cut off. He describes a powerful nation coming against the land, strong and without number, devouring everything like a lion. The grain, wine, and oil fail, and the fields are wasted. Farmers are ashamed, and joy dries up among the people. Joel calls the priests to put on sackcloth and mourn because the offerings are cut off from the house of the LORD. He commands them to sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders, and cry out to the LORD. He announces that the day of the LORD is near and describes it as destruction from the Almighty. Crops fail, storehouses lie empty, animals groan for lack of pasture, and even the beasts cry to the LORD as fire consumes the land. Joel 2: The Day of the LORD and the Promise of the Spirit Joel commands that a trumpet be blown in Zion because the day of the LORD is near. He describes it as a day of darkness and gloom. A great and powerful army spreads over the land. Before them the land is like Eden, but behind them it is a desolate wilderness. They run like horsemen, climb walls, and enter houses without breaking ranks. The earth quakes, the heavens tremble, and the sun and moon grow dark. Joel declares that the LORD gives His voice before His army, and the day of the LORD is great and very terrible. The LORD calls the people to return to Him with all their heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. He commands them to rend their hearts and not their garments. The priests are to weep between the porch and the altar and ask the LORD to spare His people and not make them a reproach.

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