Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks. New Living Translation They never jostle each other; each moves in exactly the right position. They break through defenses without missing a step. English Standard Version They do not jostle one another; each marches in his path; they burst through the weapons and are not halted. Berean Standard Bible They do not jostle one another; each proceeds in his path. They burst through the defenses, never breaking ranks. King James Bible Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. New King James Version They do not push one another; Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down. New American Standard Bible They do not crowd each other, Every warrior of them marches in his path; When they burst through the defenses, They do not break ranks. NASB 1995 They do not crowd each other, They march everyone in his path; When they burst through the defenses, They do not break ranks. NASB 1977 They do not crowd each other; They march everyone in his path. When they burst through the defenses, They do not break ranks. Legacy Standard Bible They do not crowd each other; They march everyone in his path; When they fall against the defending weapons, They do not break ranks. Amplified Bible They do not crowd each other; Each one marches in his path. When they burst through the defenses (weapons), They do not break ranks. Christian Standard Bible They do not push each other; each proceeds on his own path. They dodge the arrows, never stopping. Holman Christian Standard Bible They do not push each other; each man proceeds on his own path. They dodge the arrows, never stopping. American Standard Version Neither doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path; and they burst through the weapons, and break not off their course. Contemporary English Version They charge straight ahead, without pushing each other; even arrows and spears cannot make them retreat. English Revised Version Neither doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path: and they burst through the weapons, and break not off their course. GOD'S WORD® Translation They do not crowd one another. They keep in their own lines. Even when they break through the defenses, they do not break their ranks. Good News Translation or get in each other's way. They swarm through defenses, and nothing can stop them. International Standard Version Neither does a man crowd his fellow soldier; each one marches in his own path. When they fall by the sword they are not injured. NET Bible They do not jostle one another; each of them marches straight ahead. They burst through the city defenses and do not break ranks. New Heart English Bible Neither does one jostle another; they march everyone in his path, and they burst through the defenses, and do not break ranks. Webster's Bible Translation Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey do not jostle one another; each proceeds in his path. They burst through the defenses, never breaking ranks. World English Bible One doesn’t jostle another. They each march in their own path. They burst through the defenses and don’t break ranks. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd each does not press his brother, "" They each go on in his way, "" If they fall by the missile, they are not cut off. Young's Literal Translation And each his brother they press not, Each in his way they go on, If by the missile they fall, they are not cut off. Smith's Literal Translation And they shall not thrust a man his brother; they shall go a man in his high way: and in the midst of the javelin shall they fall, they shall not be cut in pieces. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNo one shall press upon his brother: they shall walk every one in his path: yea, and they shall fall through the windows, and shall take no harm. Catholic Public Domain Version And each one will not hem in his brother; every one will walk in his own rough path. Moreover, they will drop through the breach and not be harmed. New American Bible No one crowds the other; each advances in its own track; They plunge through the weapons; they are not checked. New Revised Standard Version They do not jostle one another, each keeps to its own track; they burst through the weapons and are not halted. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNeither shall one push another; but they shall walk in order every one in his path; some of them shall fall down because of the weight of their armor, they shall not trample them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And a man shall not push his brother, each man in his path; they shall go, from the weight of their armor they shall fall and they shall not climb to the top OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Neither doth one thrust another, They march every one in his highway; And they break through the weapons, And suffer no harm. Brenton Septuagint Translation and not one shall stand aloof from his brother: they shall go on weighed down with their arms, and they fall upon their weapons, yet shall they in no wise be destroyed. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Army of Locusts…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. 9They storm the city; they run along the wall; they climb into houses, entering through windows like thieves.… 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 The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning. Isaiah 33:4 Your spoil, O nations, is gathered as by locusts; like a swarm of locusts men sweep over 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. 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. 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. 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. Ezekiel 1:9 and their wings were touching one another. They did not turn as they moved; each one went straight ahead. Psalm 18:29 For in You I can charge an army, and with my God I can scale a wall. 2 Samuel 22:30 For in You I can charge an army; with my God I can scale a wall. Isaiah 13:4-5 Listen, a tumult on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations gathered together! The LORD of Hosts is mobilizing an army for war. / They are coming from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens—the LORD and the weapons of His wrath—to destroy the whole country. 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. Zechariah 10:5 They will be like mighty men in battle, trampling the enemy in the mire of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and they will put the horsemen to shame. 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. Treasury of Scripture Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall on the sword, they shall not be wounded. sword. 2 Chronicles 23:10 And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and the temple, by the king round about. 2 Chronicles 32:5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance. Nehemiah 4:17,23 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon… Jump to Previous Ahead Amid Break Breaking Broken Burst Course Crowd Defenses Fall Goes Halted Harm Highway Jostle March Marches Order Path Plunge Points Pushing Ranks Straight Suffer Sword Thrust Walk Way Weapons WoundedJump to Next Ahead Amid Break Breaking Broken Burst Course Crowd Defenses Fall Goes Halted Harm Highway Jostle March Marches Order Path Plunge Points Pushing Ranks Straight Suffer Sword Thrust Walk Way Weapons WoundedJoel 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. They do not jostle one another; This phrase highlights the discipline and order of the invading army described in Joel 2. In the context of ancient warfare, such coordination was crucial for success. The imagery suggests a well-organized force, possibly reflecting the locusts' behavior, which the prophet uses as a metaphor for the coming judgment. This orderliness can be compared to the unity and harmony expected within the body of Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, where believers are encouraged to work together without conflict. each proceeds in his path. They burst through the defenses, never breaking ranks. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoelA prophet in the Old Testament, Joel is the author of the book that bears his name. He is known for his prophecies concerning the Day of the Lord and calls for repentance. 2. The Locust Army In Joel 2, the locusts symbolize an invading army, often interpreted as a metaphor for divine judgment. They are described as disciplined and unstoppable. 3. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the primary audience of Joel's prophecy. The people of Judah are called to repentance in light of impending judgment. 4. The Day of the Lord A significant theme in Joel, referring to a time of divine intervention and judgment, both immediate and eschatological. 5. The Defenses Symbolic of human attempts to resist or withstand the judgment and discipline of God, which are ultimately futile against His sovereign will. Teaching Points Discipline and Order in God's PlansGod's purposes are carried out with precision and order. Just as the locust army does not break ranks, believers are called to live disciplined lives, following God's commands without deviation. The Inevitability of Divine Judgment Human defenses are inadequate against God's judgment. This calls for humility and repentance, recognizing that only through God's grace can we stand. Unity and Cooperation in the Body of Christ The imagery of the army not jostling one another serves as a reminder for the Church to work in unity and harmony, each member fulfilling their role without causing division. Preparation for Spiritual Warfare Just as the locust army is prepared and unstoppable, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared, putting on the full armor of God to stand firm in faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joel 2:8?2. How does Joel 2:8 illustrate God's order and discipline among His people? 3. What can we learn about unity from "they do not jostle one another"? 4. How does Joel 2:8 connect with Ephesians 4:3 on maintaining unity? 5. How can we apply the discipline in Joel 2:8 to our church life? 6. In what ways can we emulate the obedience seen in Joel 2:8? 7. What does Joel 2:8 reveal about God's sovereignty and control over chaos? 8. How does Joel 2:8 challenge our understanding of divine intervention in human affairs? 9. In what ways does Joel 2:8 reflect the theme of divine judgment? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joel 2? 11. What is Joel's Army? 12. What are the key events in the Book of Acts? 13. Who was Nicodemus in the Bible? 14. What was the purpose of the Second Council of Nicea? What Does Joel 2:8 Mean They do not jostle one anotherJoel paints a picture of an advancing force—often understood as literal locusts and, by prophetic extension, invading armies. The first thing God highlights is their harmony: they never bump into each other. • Total coordination shows the Lord’s control; even creatures “having no king” (Proverbs 30:27) march as though under one Commander. • It confronts any notion that God’s judgment is chaotic; He is never “the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33). • Like Gideon’s men who “stood every man in his place” (Judges 7:21), creation obeys the Creator with perfect precision. each proceeds in his path Every locust, every soldier, stays in the lane assigned. • The advance is deliberate—no wandering, no hesitation. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that whatever God sends out “will not return to Me empty.” • It underscores divine sovereignty. The Lord prepared these paths long before, much as He prepared “good works” for believers to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). • Personal application: following God’s ordered path brings stability, unlike the aimlessness of those who “turn aside to their crooked ways” (Psalm 125:5). They burst through the defenses Whatever stands in the way—city walls, hedges, modern fortifications—crumbles. • When the Lord removes His hedge (Isaiah 5:5), nothing holds. • Amos 5:19 pictures a man fleeing a lion only to meet a bear; you can’t outmaneuver God’s discipline. • The picture also foreshadows ultimate judgment scenes, such as the Revelation 9 locust horde breaching earth’s defenses during the tribulation. never breaking ranks Even while crashing through barriers, the line stays intact. • Discipline in motion: they do not scatter under pressure, mirroring the church’s call to “stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one man” (Philippians 1:27). • Their unity contrasts starkly with the disarray of God’s enemies, who “turn their swords against one another” (Judges 7:22). • The perfection of their formation magnifies the certainty of the Day of the LORD; nothing about His plan falters or fragments (Joel 2:7-11). summary Joel 2:8 shows an army—first literal locusts, ultimately a symbol of God-directed judgment—advancing with flawless order, unstoppable power, and unwavering purpose. Every phrase underscores the Lord’s absolute sovereignty: He commands the march, charts each path, shatters every defense, and maintains perfect ranks. For believers, the verse is both a sober reminder of coming judgment and an encouragement to walk in the same Spirit-given unity and discipline that characterizes all of God’s obedient hosts. Verse 8. - Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path. "And not one shall stand aloof from his brother." This is either the sequence of their not breaking rank, or perhaps it is a co-ordinate particular in the detail. They neither straggle away from each other, and so fall out of rank, nor do they crowd and crush and press each other while keeping rank. The order of their march is perfect, every one keeping his proper place and in the proper path. And when they fall upon the sword (margin, dart), they shall not be wounded. The meaning is either(1) that the weapons shall not wound them, or intransitively, as in the text, they shall not be wounded, כּצע, to cut, or break in pieces, being here synonymous with פצע, to wound; or (2) that they do not cut off, break off, or interrupt their course. No force of arms can stay their progress or step their advance. On this clause Kimchi remarks, "This army is not like other enemies, which you may hinder by the sword from coming upon you; but these light upon the swords, and are not wounded by reason of their lightness? He also remarks on גֶּבֶר, "Because he compares them with men and heroes, he uses גּבר, although this word does not apply except to the sons of men." Hebrew They do notלֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no jostle יִדְחָק֔וּן (yiḏ·ḥā·qūn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun Strong's 1766: To thrust, crowd, oppress one וְאִ֤ישׁ (wə·’îš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person another; אָחִיו֙ (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) each man גֶּ֥בֶר (ge·ḇer) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1397: A valiant man, warrior, a person simply proceeds יֵֽלֵכ֑וּן (yê·lê·ḵūn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk in his column, בִּמְסִלָּת֖וֹ (bim·sil·lā·ṯōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4546: A thoroughfare, a viaduct, a staircase as they burst through יִפֹּ֖לוּ (yip·pō·lū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5307: To fall, lie the defenses, הַשֶּׁ֛לַח (haš·še·laḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7973: A missile of attack, spear, a shoot of growth, branch never לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no breaking ranks. יִבְצָֽעוּ׃ (yiḇ·ṣā·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1214: To cut off, break off, gain by violence Links Joel 2:8 NIVJoel 2:8 NLT Joel 2:8 ESV Joel 2:8 NASB Joel 2:8 KJV Joel 2:8 BibleApps.com Joel 2:8 Biblia Paralela Joel 2:8 Chinese Bible Joel 2:8 French Bible Joel 2:8 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Joel 2:8 Neither does one jostle another (Jl Joe.) |
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