Joel 2:11

Authorized King James Version

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?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְהוָ֛ה
H3068
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
נָתַ֤ן
H5414
shall utter
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
קוֹלוֹ֙
H6963
his voice
a voice or sound
#4
לִפְנֵ֣י
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
חֵיל֔וֹ
H2428
his army
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#6
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
רַ֤ב
H7227
great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#8
מְאֹ֖ד
H3966
and very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#9
מַחֲנֵ֔הוּ
H4264
for his camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#10
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
עָצ֖וּם
H6099
for he is strong
powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous
#12
עֹשֵׂ֣ה
H6213
that executeth
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
דְבָר֑וֹ
H1697
his word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#14
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
גָד֧וֹל
H1419
is great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#16
יוֹם
H3117
for the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#17
יְהוָ֛ה
H3068
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
וְנוֹרָ֥א
H3372
terrible
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#19
מְאֹ֖ד
H3966
and very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#20
וּמִ֥י
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#21
יְכִילֶֽנּוּ׃
H3557
and who can abide
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joel.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection