Joel 2:8 kjv

Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.

Joel 2:8 nkjv

They do not push one another; Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down.

Joel 2:8 niv

They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks.

Joel 2:8 esv

They do not jostle one another; each marches in his path; they burst through the weapons and are not halted.

Joel 2:8 nlt

They never jostle each other;
each moves in exactly the right position.
They break through defenses
without missing a step.

Joel 2 verses

Joel 2 8 Meaning

Joel 2:8 describes the absolute discipline and relentless nature of the invading force, depicted as an army of locusts, acting as agents of God's judgment. It portrays them as perfectly organized, with no internal conflict or hindrance, each moving precisely along its predetermined course. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes their supernatural resilience and invincibility, stating that even if they "fall upon the sword," they will remain unharmed, signifying an unstoppable power beyond human resistance.

Joel 2 8 Context

Joel chapter 2 is a vivid prophetic oracle concerning the "Day of the Lord." Prior to verse 8, Joel describes a devastating locust plague that has ravaged Judah, serving as a foretaste or metaphor for an even more terrifying, literal invading army (or even apocalyptic forces) sent by God. The initial verses (Joel 2:1-7) build the picture of an approaching army—its vastness, swiftness, power, and the terror it causes. Joel 2:8 specifically focuses on the precision, unity, and seemingly invulnerable nature of this force. This portrayal aims to awaken the people to the severity of God's impending judgment, urging them to repentance (Joel 2:12-14) as the only recourse against such an overwhelming adversary. The historical context is typically Judah, likely facing or recently having experienced a severe natural disaster (locusts), which the prophet elevates to a theological and eschatological sign of God's intervention.

Joel 2 8 Word analysis

• Neither doth one thrust another:
  • Hebrew: לֹא־יִדְחֲקוּ (lō'-yiḏḥăqū) - from the root דָּחַק (dachaḳ), meaning "to press," "crowd," "thrust," "push."
  • Significance: This emphasizes absolute discipline and perfect order within the advancing ranks. There is no internal disarray, competition, or hindrance among them. Each unit functions in flawless coordination, unlike human armies prone to confusion or self-interest. This portrays an army utterly unified in purpose, reflecting divine command.
• they walk every one in his path:
  • Hebrew: יֵלְכוּ אִישׁ בְּאָרְחוֹ (yēlkū 'îš bə'ārḥô) - from אָרַח (ōrach), meaning "path," "way," "road," often a well-trodden or custom route.
  • Significance: Reinforces the idea of predetermined, unswerving progress. Each individual unit follows a designated, straight course, not deviating or faltering. This discipline is inhuman in its perfection, underscoring that they are mere instruments perfectly executing a higher will, impervious to internal and external distractions.
• and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded:
  • Hebrew: וּבְעַל הַשֶּׁלַח יִפֹּלוּ לֹא יִבְצָעוּ (ūvə‘al haššelaḥ yippōlū lō’ yivṣā‘ū) - הַשֶּׁלַח (haššelaḥ) refers to a "weapon" or "missile," often "sword" or "javelin." יִבְצָעוּ (yivṣāʿū) comes from בָּצַע (batsa‘), meaning "to cut off," "break apart," "gain through violence," "wound." The negative implies they will "not be broken" or "not suffer harm."
  • Significance: This is a striking hyperbolic statement, highlighting the supernatural, terrifying resilience and invincibility of this army. They are not merely brave but miraculously unharmed by typical military means. This is a divine quality imbued in them, signaling the futility of human resistance and the irresistible force of God's judgment. It suggests an existential threat that no human weapon can counteract, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty.

Word-groups analysis:

• "Neither doth one thrust another; they walk every one in his path": This phrase paints a picture of unparalleled order and unity. It directly contrasts with the usual disarray that can affect human armies. This suggests the force is driven by an external, perfect will (God's) rather than internal dynamics. Their movement is fluid, synchronized, and purpose-driven, making them an ideal instrument for the devastation to come. This perfect internal harmony speaks to the irresistibility of their external march.
• "and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded": This phrase moves beyond mere discipline to describe outright invincibility. It is a polemic against human overconfidence, asserting that conventional defense mechanisms will utterly fail. The phrase demonstrates divine enablement or miraculous protection, marking this as an agent beyond natural power, designed by God to accomplish an inescapable judgment. It indicates the futility of human efforts against a divinely ordained force.

Joel 2 8 Bonus section

The seemingly contradictory phrase "fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded" speaks to the divine orchestration of this army. While locusts might indeed be trampled or crushed, they operate in such overwhelming numbers and with such an instinctual forward momentum that individual losses do not impede the collective advance. Metaphorically, for the military invasion, it conveys that any attempt at human defense or counter-attack will be utterly futile; casualties inflicted on the invaders will be insignificant or non-existent in stopping their march. This characteristic of the army is not due to their inherent strength but to the divine backing and purpose that empowers them. It also highlights the apocalyptic imagery where typical physical laws can be suspended or magnified for God's ultimate plan. This points to the absolute, undiluted will of God being fulfilled through these agents, whether literal locusts, invading armies, or eschatological figures.

Joel 2 8 Commentary

Joel 2:8 intensifies the awe and terror associated with God's approaching judgment. The detailed description of the army's unwavering discipline – "neither doth one thrust another" and "they walk every one in his path" – transcends a mere military observation; it presents an otherworldly perfection in their synchronized movement, emblematic of God's meticulous command over all things, even destructive forces. There is no confusion, no friendly fire, no break in ranks; their purpose is singular and perfectly executed.

The climax of the verse, "when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded," elevates this force from a potent adversary to a divinely empowered, seemingly invulnerable agent. This hyperbole serves not only to magnify the threat but to underscore the hopelessness of human resistance. It is not just a matter of numbers or strength, but an existential crisis where conventional warfare becomes useless. This reinforces the theological message of Joel: against God's appointed judgment, there is no defense other than repentance and seeking His mercy. The verse communicates God's sovereignty over all creation, turning even a plague or an invading army into instruments of His righteous purposes, unstoppable until their mission is complete.