Joel 1:6 kjv

For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.

Joel 1:6 nkjv

For a nation has come up against My land, Strong, and without number; His teeth are the teeth of a lion, And he has the fangs of a fierce lion.

Joel 1:6 niv

A nation has invaded my land, a mighty army without number; it has the teeth of a lion, the fangs of a lioness.

Joel 1:6 esv

For a nation has come up against my land, powerful and beyond number; its teeth are lions' teeth, and it has the fangs of a lioness.

Joel 1:6 nlt

A vast army of locusts has invaded my land,
a terrible army too numerous to count.
Its teeth are like lions' teeth,
its fangs like those of a lioness.

Joel 1 verses

Joel 1 6 Meaning

Joel 1:6 serves as an explanation for the unprecedented desolation described in the preceding verses. It metaphorically describes the devastating locust plague as a "nation"—vast, powerful, innumerable, and utterly destructive—that has invaded God's land. The vivid imagery of the locusts' "teeth" being like those of a "lion" and "fierce lion" portrays their relentless and thorough consumption, leaving nothing behind, underscoring the severity of the divine judgment and the resultant famine.

Joel 1 6 Context

The book of Joel opens with a graphic depiction of an unparalleled ecological disaster—a successive wave of locust plagues followed by drought—which has brought the land of Judah to the brink of ruin. Priests are lamenting, farmers despair, and all sacrifices to the temple cease. Joel 1:6 specifically clarifies the nature of this destruction, using the metaphor of a foreign army, to explain the agents of this catastrophe. This immediate context of an agricultural catastrophe is presented as a severe warning, a precursor or microcosm of the coming "Day of the Lord"—a period of divine judgment and purification. The devastation highlights the need for profound national repentance to avert even greater calamity.

Joel 1 6 Word analysis

• For (כִּי, kî): Introduces the reason or explanation for the desolation detailed in the preceding verses. It acts as a logical connector, explaining why such catastrophe has befallen the land.

• a nation (גוֹי, gôy): While typically referring to a human ethnic group or political entity, in Joel, it primarily functions as a metaphor for the locust swarm. The choice of gôy elevates the threat from a mere pest infestation to an organized, disciplined, and overwhelming invading army, a common prophetic imagery for God's judgment.

• has come up (עָלָה, ‘ālāh): Describes a forceful ascent, like an army advancing or a tide rising. It implies an overwhelming, unavoidable invasion from below (e.g., from the plains or desert) onto higher ground (Israel).

• against My land (עַל־אַרְצִי, ‘al-’arṣî): "My" refers to the Lord God, signifying His divine ownership of the land of Judah/Israel. This emphasizes that the invasion, though appearing natural, is an attack sanctioned by or directed towards God's own domain, implying it is an act of divine judgment.

• strong (עָצוּם, ‘āṣûm): Denotes immense power, might, and numerousness. It conveys the idea of an overpowering force, resilient and formidable.

• and without number (וְאֵין מִסְפָּר, wə’ên mispār): Signifies an uncountable multitude, emphasizing the overwhelming quantity of the invading "nation" (locusts). Their sheer numbers make resistance futile and escape impossible, leading to total devastation.

• its teeth (שִׁנָּיו, šinnāyw): Refers to the mandibles of the locusts, transformed metaphorically into the destructive tearing capability of carnivorous animals. This imagery powerfully depicts their feeding mechanism as a tool of utter consumption.

• are the teeth of a lion (שִׁנֵּי אַרְיֵה, šinnê ’aryēh): A vivid simile likening the locusts' destructive power to that of a lion. The lion (aryeh) symbolizes fierce predatory power, ruthless efficiency, and a tearing, devouring action, highlighting the completeness of the agricultural destruction.

• and it has the fangs of a fierce lion (וְשִׁנֵּי לָבִיא לוֹ, wəšinnê lāḇî’ lô): Lāḇî’ refers to a more potent, perhaps younger and more vigorous, or a female (lioness) lion, renowned for its hunting prowess and ferocity. This intensifies the imagery of destructive hunger and capacity, suggesting an insatiable, devastating voraciousness that leaves absolutely nothing intact.

• For a nation has come up: Introduces the identity of the destructive force, clarifying that the previously described devastation is not random but due to an aggressive entity, framing a natural phenomenon (locusts) with military terms to underscore its severity.

• against My land: Pinpoints the target and significance of the attack—it is directly against God's sovereign territory and His people, highlighting divine displeasure and covenant implications.

• strong, and without number: Describes the overwhelming scale and invincibility of this "nation." It's an unstoppable force due to its immense power and sheer quantity.

• its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and it has the fangs of a fierce lion: These two similes graphically detail the destructive capability. They illustrate an aggressive, ravenous, and thorough devastation that spares nothing, leaving the land stripped bare as if torn apart by apex predators. The double comparison amplifies the horror and finality of the consumption.

Joel 1 6 Bonus section

The dual Hebrew words for "lion"—aryeh and lavi—are notable. Aryeh is the more general term, while lavi often implies a younger, stronger, more voracious lion, or specifically a lioness, which is known for its intense predatory skills in hunting. This choice intensifies the destructive imagery, suggesting not just the strength of a lion, but the particular, insatiable hunger and ferocity that meticulously leaves no trace of prey. This amplifies the sense of complete ruin, emphasizing that the "nation" of locusts does not merely eat, but utterly devours and lacerates the land, making recovery nearly impossible without divine intervention. This highlights the prophet's aim to evoke a profound sense of desolation and urgency for a spiritual response. The precise selection of terms is critical in conveying the message's emotional and theological weight.

Joel 1 6 Commentary

Joel 1:6 transitions the descriptive horror of the locust plague into an explanatory pronouncement, identifying the locusts as a "nation" or a divinely appointed "army." This powerful metaphor is crucial because it elevates the ecological disaster from a mere natural phenomenon to a form of structured, overwhelming judgment, indicative of the coming "Day of the Lord." The imagery of lions' teeth and fangs stresses the complete and merciless consumption of the land's produce. The phrase "against My land" underscores God's personal stake and involvement, making it clear that this catastrophe is not arbitrary but permitted, perhaps even sent, by Him upon His covenant people. It is a graphic illustration of the severe consequences of spiritual dormancy or disobedience, compelling the people to acknowledge the depth of their plight and seek divine intervention. The vivid description serves to awaken Judah to the reality of their precarious situation and the urgent need for repentance.

• Call to Awe: Reminds us that even seemingly "natural disasters" can be instruments in God's hand to call humanity to attention and repentance.
• Gravity of Sin: Illustrates that unaddressed sin can lead to profound, tearing consequences, both literally and spiritually.
• God's Sovereignty: Reaffirms that God holds ultimate authority, even over what appears to be random chaos.