Joel 2:4
What does Joel 2:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Joel 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Joel 2:4 means
The prophet describes the appearance of the invading force by comparing them to horses and horsemen. This comparison emphasizes their swiftness, strength, and formidable nature. The imagery suggests a rapid, organized, and unstoppable advance, evoking a sense of military might and disciplined movement. This depiction further reinforces the overwhelming power and efficiency of the judgment that is coming upon the land, making it clear that this is no ordinary foe.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so do they run.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so do they run.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Their form is like the form of horses, and they are running like war-horses.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862As the appearance of horses <FI>is<Fi> its appearance, And as horsemen, so they run.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses, and they shall run like horsemen.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so they run.
Context
Having established the widespread devastation in the previous verse, Joel now turns to describe the physical characteristics and mannerisms of the invading army. This verse begins a series of detailed military metaphors, comparing the invaders to horses and horsemen, which helps the reader visualize their quick and powerful approach and prepares for further descriptions of their organized movement.
v.3A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and none hath escaped them.
v.4This passage
v.5Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains do they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 9:7
And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared for war; and upon their heads as it were crowns like unto gold, and their faces were as men’s faces.
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