Joel 3:14
What does Joel 3:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Joel 3:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Joel 3:14 means
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!” The repeated word paints a sea of people. “Decision” here is God’s verdict, not human choice. The masses stand where the divine sentence falls, “for the day of Jehovah is near.” Nearness sharpens urgency: time for appeal has passed; only the Judge’s word remains. The valley that first bore the name “Jehoshaphat” now bears this functional name—Decision—because there the Lord decides. For the oppressed, this is hope; for the proud, terror. The solemnity of the scene invites humility: when God speaks at last, every pretense will be stripped away.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! for the day of Jehovah is near in the valley of decision.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! for the day of Jehovah is near in the valley of decision.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Masses on masses in the valley of decision! for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Multitudes, multitudes <FI>are<Fi> in the valley of decision, For near <FI>is<Fi> the day of Jehovah in the valley of decision.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Nations, nations in the valley of destruction: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of destruction.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of Jehovah is at hand in the valley of decision.
Context
This verse sums up the global scope and nearness of the judgment depicted in verses 12–13. It prepares for cosmic signs (verse 15) and the theophany of God’s voice (verse 16). By emphasizing the multitudes and the decisive nature of the moment, it sets the emotional tone for the coming upheaval and the simultaneous comfort promised to God’s people.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 39:8
Behold, it cometh, and it shall be done, saith the Lord Jehovah; this is the day whereof I have spoken.
- Isaiah 63:1
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
- Joel 3:2
I will gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will execute judgment upon them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations: and they have parted my land,
- Joel 1:15
Alas for the day! for the day of Jehovah is at hand, and as destruction from the Almighty shall it come.
- 2 Peter 3:7
but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
- Philippians 3:2
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision:
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