They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:

JOEL 2:7KJV
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Joel 2:7 (KJV)

What does Joel 2:7 mean?

Joel 2:7 describes a disciplined and powerful army advancing with great speed and coordination, moving like mighty warriors who do not break formation as they attack. The verse emphasizes their strength, order, and determination as they climb over walls and stay in their assigned paths.

In the book of Joel, the prophet is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them about an overwhelming invasion—often pictured as a locust swarm or a foreign army—as a sign of God’s judgment. This verse highlights the unstoppable and organized nature of the threat, showing that nothing can hinder their advance and that they move with the precision of trained soldiers.

The Hebrew behind Joel 2:7

  • "run" (רָץ, rats, H7323): This word means to move quickly or rush. Here, it paints a picture of the invaders moving swiftly and energetically, not hesitating or slowing down.
  • "mighty men" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor, H1368): This term refers to strong or valiant warriors. The use of this word stresses the strength and bravery of the attackers, making them seem formidable.
  • "climb" (עָלָה, ‘alah, H5927): This word means to go up or ascend. The image is of attackers scaling walls, showing that even defenses like city walls cannot stop them.
  • "break" (עָבַט, avar, H5670) and "ranks" (שֶׁרֶת, sheret, H734): Together, these words mean that the army does not break formation or lose order. The discipline and unity of the group are highlighted, making them even more intimidating.

Why Joel 2:7 matters

  • Joel 2:7 clears up any idea that the threat is chaotic or disorganized; instead, it is highly ordered and effective, making the warning more serious.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the coming judgment is not random but purposeful and unstoppable, underscoring the need for the people to pay attention and respond.
  • This verse helps readers understand the scale and seriousness of what Joel is describing, whether it is a literal army or a metaphorical locust swarm, by focusing on their unstoppable advance.

Where else these words appear

“break” Hebrew H5670 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 15:6 For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.
  • Deuteronomy 15:8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
  • Deuteronomy 24:10 When thou dost lend thy brother any thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his pledge.

“ranks” Hebrew H734 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
  • Psalms 25:10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
  • Proverbs 5:6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

“run” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
  • Esther 8:14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

“wall” Hebrew H2346 · used in 123 verses

  • Exodus 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
  • Nehemiah 1:3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
  • Isaiah 30:13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.