And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

JOEL 2:11KJV
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Joel 2:11 (KJV)

What does Joel 2:11 mean?

Joel 2:11 describes the LORD commanding a powerful army, declaring that His forces are vast and strong, and warning that the coming "day of the LORD" will be so great and fearsome that no one can endure it. The verse emphasizes God's unmatched authority and the overwhelming seriousness of His coming judgment.

In this verse, the prophet Joel is speaking to the people of Judah, relaying a message from God about an impending time of judgment often called "the day of the LORD." The language paints a picture of God leading an army—possibly locusts or invading forces—as an instrument of His will. The verse stresses that God's word will be carried out with strength, and the event will be so intense that it raises the question of who could possibly withstand it.

The Hebrew behind Joel 2:11

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting that the authority and voice come directly from God Himself, not just a generic deity.
  • "utter" (נָתַן, natan): This word means "to give" or "to send forth," so the idea is that God is actively sending out His voice, not just passively speaking.
  • "army" (חַיִל, chayil): This word can mean "army," "force," or "strength," underlining the might and organized power of those carrying out God's command.
  • "terrible" (יָרֵא, yare): This word is often translated as "fearful" or "awe-inspiring," showing that the day is not just bad, but inspires deep fear and respect because of God's presence.

Why Joel 2:11 matters

  • Joel 2:11 clarifies that the coming disaster is not random or merely natural, but is directed by God Himself, making it a purposeful act of judgment.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of "the day of the LORD," a theme that runs throughout the book, emphasizing that it is not something to be taken lightly or ignored.
  • By asking "who can abide it?" Joel 2:11 sets up the need for repentance and humility, which becomes a major focus in the verses that follow.

Where else these words appear

“strong” Hebrew H6099 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
  • Deuteronomy 26:5 And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:
  • Isaiah 60:22 A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.

“abide” Hebrew H3557 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 45:11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
  • 1 Kings 8:27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
  • Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.