Joel 2:8
What does Joel 2:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Joel 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Joel 2:8 means
This verse further underscores the exceptional discipline and relentless nature of the invading army. They move with such order that no one jostles another, each soldier staying precisely in his own path. They are so determined that they can break through any defensive weapons or obstacles without interrupting their advance. This imagery reinforces their unstoppable, machine-like efficiency, highlighting that their progress is unhindered by internal disarray or external resistance, making them a truly formidable and terrifying force.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Neither doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path; and they burst through the weapons, and break not off their course.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Neither doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path; and they burst through the weapons, and break not off their course.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949No one is pushing against another; everyone goes straight on his way: bursting through the sword points, their order is not broken.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And each his brother they press not, Each in his way they go on, If by the missile they fall, they are not cut off.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752No one shall press upon his brother: they shall walk every one in his path: yea, and they shall fall through the windows, and shall take no harm.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Neither doth one press upon another; they march every one in his path; and fall amid weapons, but are not wounded.
Context
Building on the previous verse's depiction of the army's disciplined advance, this verse emphasizes their unbroken order and ability to overcome obstacles. It reinforces the image of a perfectly coordinated, unstoppable force, which provides a stark contrast to the terror-stricken inhabitants and prepares the reader for the army's ultimate penetration into the city itself.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 33:18
He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.
- Job 36:12
But if they hearken not, they shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge.
- 2 Chronicles 32:5
And he took courage, and built up all the wall that was broken down, and raised it up to the towers, and the other wall without, and strengthened Millo in the city of David, and made weapons and shields in abundance.
- Nehemiah 4:23
So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard that followed me, none of us put off our clothes, every one went with his weapon to the water.
- 2 Chronicles 23:10
And he set all the people, every man with his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, along by the altar and the house, by the king round about.
- Nehemiah 4:17
They that builded the wall and they that bare burdens laded themselves; every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other held his weapon;
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