Joel 2:5
What does Joel 2:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Joel 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Joel 2:5 means
This verse further elaborates on the terrifying presence of the invading army, describing the sound they make. Their movement is compared to the rumble of chariots leaping on mountaintops and the crackling noise of fire consuming stubble. These vivid auditory images convey a sense of overwhelming power, rapid advance, and destructive force, likened to a well-ordered and strong army prepared for battle. The sound itself is a precursor to the devastation they bring, inspiring fear and helplessness in those who hear it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Like 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Like 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Like the sound of war-carriages they go jumping on the tops of the mountains; like the noise of a flame of fire burning up the grain-stems, like a strong people lined up for the fight.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862As the noise of chariots, on the tops of the mountains they skip, As the noise of a flame of fire devouring stubble, As a mighty people set in array for battle.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They shall leap like the noise of chariots upon the tops of mountains, like the noise of a flame of fire devouring the stubble, as a strong people prepared to battle.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Like the noise of chariots, on the tops of the mountains, they leap; like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
Context
Building on the visual description of the invaders in verse 4, this verse adds an auditory dimension, focusing on the terrifying sounds they produce. The comparisons to chariots and fire amplify the sense of their destructive power and organized movement, further developing the picture of an unstoppable military force that Joel began to paint, leading into more specific actions of this army.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nahum 2:3
The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots flash with steel in the day of his preparation, and the cypress spears are brandished.
- Revelation 9:9
And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots, of many horses rushing to war.
- Isaiah 30:30
And Jehovah will cause his glorious voice to be heard, and will show the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and the flame of a devouring fire, with a blast, and tempest, and hailstones.
- Matthew 3:12
whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing-floor; and he will gather his wheat into the garner, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.
- Nahum 3:2
The noise of the whip, and the noise of the rattling of wheels, and prancing horses, and bounding chariots,
- Isaiah 5:24
Therefore as the tongue of fire devoureth the stubble, and as the dry grass sinketh down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have rejected the law of Jehovah of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Joel 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Joel 2.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Fasting
Fasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline involving abstinence from food for a period, often coupled with prayer and repentance.
Topic
Bible Verses About Being Filled with the Spirit
The Bible encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit, a divine empowerment for Christian life and witness
Topic
Bible Verses About The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence, power, and wisdom, guiding believers into truth, empowering them for service, and transforming their lives