Joel 2:7 They charge like mighty men; they scale the walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course.

◄ Joel 2:7 ►

New International Version
They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course.

New Living Translation
The attackers march like warriors and scale city walls like soldiers. Straight forward they march, never breaking rank.

English Standard Version
Like warriors they charge; like soldiers they scale the wall. They march each on his way; they do not swerve from their paths.

Berean Standard Bible
They charge like mighty men; they scale the walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like men of war; Every one marches in formation, And they do not break ranks.

New American Standard Bible
They run like warriors, They climb the wall like soldiers; And each of them marches in line, Nor do they lose their way.

NASB 1995
They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like soldiers; And they each march in line, Nor do they deviate from their paths.

NASB 1977
They run like mighty men; They climb the wall like soldiers; And they each march in line, Nor do they deviate from their paths.

Legacy Standard Bible
They run like mighty men; They climb up the wall like men of war; And they each march in line, And they do not deviate from their paths.

Amplified Bible
They run like warriors; They climb the wall like soldiers. They each march [straight ahead] in line, And they do not deviate from their paths.

Christian Standard Bible
They attack as warriors attack; they scale walls as men of war do. Each goes on his own path, and they do not change their course.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They attack as warriors attack; they scale walls as men of war do. Each goes on his own path, and they do not change their course.

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

Contemporary English Version
They climb over walls like warriors; they march in columns and never turn aside.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They run like warriors. They climb walls like soldiers. They march straight ahead. They do not leave their places.

Good News Translation
They attack like warriors; they climb the walls like soldiers. They all keep marching straight ahead and do not change direction

International Standard Version
They run like elite soldiers, climbing ramparts like men trained for war. Each man advances in proper order, never breaking rank.

Majority Standard Bible
They charge like mighty men; they scale the walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course.

NET Bible
They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. Each one proceeds on his course; they do not alter their path.

New Heart English Bible
They run like mighty men. They climb the wall like warriors. They each march in his line, and they do not swerve off course.

Webster's Bible Translation
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:

World English Bible
They run like mighty men. They climb the wall like warriors. They each march in his line, and they don’t swerve off course.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
They run as mighty ones, "" As men of war they go up a wall, "" And they each go in his own ways, "" And they do not change their paths.

Young's Literal Translation
As mighty ones they run, As men of war they go up a wall, And each in his own ways they do go, And they embarrass not their paths.

Smith's Literal Translation
They shall run as strong men; as men of war they shall come up upon the wall; and they shall go each in his ways; they shall not change their paths.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
They shall run like valiant men: like men of war they shall scale the wall: the men shall march every one on his way, and they shall not turn aside from their ranks.

Catholic Public Domain Version
They will rush forward, as if they were strong. Like valiant warriors, they will ascend the wall. The men will advance, each one on his own way, and they will not turn aside from their path.

New American Bible
Like warriors they run, like soldiers they scale walls, Each advancing in line, without swerving from the course.

New Revised Standard Version
Like warriors they charge, like soldiers they scale the wall. Each keeps to its own course, they do not swerve from their paths.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the walls like men of war; and they shall march in order every man on his way, and they shall not turn aside from their ranks;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Like mighty men they shall run and like warrior men they shall climb on the walls, each man on his path; they shall go and they shall not turn aside from their paths

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like men of war; And they move on every one in his ways, And they entangle not their paths.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
As warriors shall they run, and as men of war shall they mount on the walls; and each shall move in his right path, and they shall not turn aside from their tracks:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Army of Locusts
…6Nations writhe in horror before them; every face turns pale. 7They charge like mighty men; they scale the walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course. 8They do not jostle one another; each proceeds in his path. They burst through the defenses, never breaking ranks.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Revelation 9:7-9
And the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads; and their faces were like the faces of men. / They had hair like that of women, and teeth like those of lions. / They also had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle.

Nahum 2:4-5
The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning. / He summons his nobles; they stumble as they advance. They race to its wall; the protective shield is set in place.

Amos 5:19
It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake.

Isaiah 5:28-29
Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind. / Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away, and no one can rescue it.

Jeremiah 50:42
They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Babylon.

Habakkuk 1:8
Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour.

Ezekiel 1:14
The creatures were darting back and forth as quickly as flashes of lightning.

2 Samuel 1:23
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.

Isaiah 33:4
Your spoil, O nations, is gathered as by locusts; like a swarm of locusts men sweep over it.

Jeremiah 8:16
The snorting of enemy horses is heard from Dan. At the sound of the neighing of mighty steeds, the whole land quakes. They come to devour the land and everything in it, the city and all who dwell in it.

Revelation 9:17
Now the horses and riders in my vision looked like this: The riders had breastplates the colors of fire, sapphire, and sulfur. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths proceeded fire, smoke, and sulfur.

Matthew 24:27
For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Luke 17:24
For just as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will be the Son of Man in His day.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3
For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Revelation 6:2
So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer.

Treasury of Scripture

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:

They shall run.

2 Samuel 1:23
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

2 Samuel 2:18,19
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe…

Psalm 19:5
Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

climb.

Joel 2:9
They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.

2 Samuel 5:8
And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.

Jeremiah 5:10
Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they are not the LORD'S.

they shall march.

Proverbs 30:27
The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

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Joel 2

1. He shows unto Zion the terribleness of God's judgment.
12. He exhorts to repentance;
15. prescribes a fast;
18. promises a blessing thereon.
21. He comforts Zion with present,
28. and future blessings.

Berean Study Bible

They charge like mighty men
The phrase "They charge like mighty men" evokes the image of a powerful and disciplined army advancing with strength and determination. The Hebrew word for "mighty men" is "גִּבּוֹרִים" (gibborim), often used in the Old Testament to describe warriors of great valor and strength. This term is frequently associated with David's mighty men, who were renowned for their bravery and skill in battle (2 Samuel 23:8-39). In the context of Joel, this imagery underscores the formidable nature of the invading force, suggesting an unstoppable and divinely ordained judgment. Historically, the Assyrian and Babylonian armies were known for their military prowess, and this verse may allude to such historical contexts, serving as a warning of impending divine retribution.

They scale walls like men of war
The phrase "They scale walls like men of war" further emphasizes the invaders' skill and determination. The act of scaling walls was a common military tactic in ancient warfare, requiring both courage and expertise. The Hebrew word for "scale" is "יַעֲלוּ" (ya'alu), which conveys the idea of ascending or climbing. This imagery suggests that no obstacle is too great for this army, highlighting the inevitability of their advance. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a metaphor for the relentless nature of God's judgment against sin, where no human defense can withstand His righteous decree.

Each one marches in formation
The phrase "Each one marches in formation" speaks to the order and discipline of the invading force. The Hebrew word for "formation" is "דֶּרֶךְ" (derekh), meaning a path or way, often used to describe a prescribed course of action. This suggests that the army moves with precision and purpose, adhering to a predetermined plan. In the broader biblical context, this can be seen as a reflection of God's sovereign control over the events of history, where even the actions of nations serve His divine purposes. The imagery of an orderly march also serves as a call for believers to live disciplined and purposeful lives, following the path laid out by God.

not swerving from their course
The phrase "not swerving from their course" highlights the unwavering focus and determination of the army. The Hebrew word for "swerving" is "יַעֲבִיטוּן" (ya'avitun), which implies deviation or turning aside. This steadfastness can be seen as a metaphor for the certainty of God's plans and the fulfillment of His prophetic word. In a spiritual sense, it serves as an encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, not turning aside from the path of righteousness despite challenges or opposition. Historically, this imagery would resonate with the original audience, who understood the importance of maintaining formation in battle to achieve victory.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(7-9) They shall run lite mighty men.--The onward irresistible march of the invaders is graphically described by the illustration of the advance of locusts. They appear on the mountains which environ the city, they mount the walls, they rush through the streets, they enter the houses, they are in possession of Jerusalem. Dr. Thomson (The Land and the Book, p. 416) describes the movements of a locust army in the following terms:--"Their number was astounding; the whole face of the mountain was black with them. On they came, like a living deluge. We dug trenches, and kindled fires, and beat and burned to death heaps upon heaps; but the effort was utterly useless. Wave after wave rolled up the mountain-side, and poured over rocks, walls, ditches, hedges--those behind covering up and bridging over the masses already killed."

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 7-9. - The prophet, having mentioned the consternation and terror occasioned by the approach of locusts, proceeds to compare them to an army well equipped and overcoming all impediments. Verse 7. - They shall run like mighty men. This either refers to their extreme nimbleness or rapidity of motion (compare the Homeric πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς ποδάρκης, and the like), or describes their running to an assault with intrepid valour and unwearied vigour. They shall climb the wall like men of war. This marks the success of their assault; they scale the walls and make good their attack. And they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks. Their march is as irresistible as it is orderly. In their onward march each pursues his way, allowing no obstacle to arrest or retard his course; while in a collective body they proceed and maintain their serried ranks unbroken. The verb עבט is probably cognate with עבת, to twist, and thus to turn aside. Thus the LXX.: "They shall not turn aside their tracks;" so also the Syriac and Jerome translate it; but the Chaldee compares it with עבוט, a pledge, and, as the deposit is detained till the pledge is redeemed, takes in the meaning of delay. Rosenmuller explains it in the sense of change or exchange, from the Qal, signifying "to receive on loan," and the Hiph., "to give on loan." Otherwise it is to "interweave" (equivalent to עבת), "change." The sense of the whole is their not diverging to either side, nor straggling out of rank.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

They charge
יְרֻצ֔וּן (yə·ru·ṣūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 7323: To run

like mighty men;
כְּגִבּוֹרִ֣ים (kə·ḡib·bō·w·rîm)
Preposition-k | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant

they scale
יַעֲל֣וּ (ya·‘ă·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

walls
חוֹמָ֑ה (ḥō·w·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection

like men
כְּאַנְשֵׁ֥י (kə·’an·šê)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of war.
מִלְחָמָ֖ה (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

Each one
וְאִ֤ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

marches
יֵֽלֵכ֔וּן (yê·lê·ḵūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in formation,
בִּדְרָכָיו֙ (biḏ·rā·ḵāw)
Preposition-b | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

swerving
יְעַבְּט֖וּן (yə·‘ab·bə·ṭūn)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 5670: To pawn, to lend, to entangle

from the course.
אֹרְחוֹתָֽם׃ (’ō·rə·ḥō·w·ṯām)
Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 734: A well-trodden road, a caravan

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OT Prophets: Joel 2:7 They run like mighty men (Jl Joe.)