King James Version

What Does Joel 3:16 Mean?

“The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. hope: Heb. place of repair, or, harbour”

Context

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. decision: or, concision, or, threshing

The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. hope: Heb. place of repair, or, harbour

So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. holy: Heb. holiness

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim. flow: Heb. go

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Topics in This Verse

Hope Strength

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **The Lord also shall roar . . .**—This is the key-note of the prophecy of Amos, who opens his appeal with these words. The majestic roar of the lion is transferred to express victorious utterance of the Lord’s judgment: it is irresistible. As St. Paul wrote, “The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (1Thessalonians 2:16). The temporal success of the Jews in their future conflict with their enemies is blended with the final triumph of the Lord in the judgment day.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joel 3:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.