King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The appearance of them [is] as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.
Complete Jewish Bible:
They look like horses, and like cavalry they charge.
Berean Standard Bible:
Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like swift steeds.
American Standard Version:
The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so do they run.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The appearance{H4758} of them is as the appearance{H4758} of horses{H5483}; and as horsemen{H6571}, so shall they run{H7323}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Revelation 9:7
- And the shapes of the locusts [were] like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads [were] as it were crowns like gold, and their faces [were] as the faces of men.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Joel 2:4
Joel 2:4 is part of the prophetic book of Joel, which is set within the historical context of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, likely before the Babylonian exile. The book is known for its vivid descriptions of a locust plague that has devastated the land, which is used as a metaphor for an impending day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment and restoration.
In the verse, "The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run," the prophet Joel is describing the advancing locust army in terms that would be familiar to his audience, drawing a parallel between the swift and powerful movement of the insects and that of a cavalry charge. This imagery would have evoked a sense of awe and terror, as horses and horsemen were symbols of military might and swift conquest in the ancient world.
The themes of this verse include the power and awesomeness of God's judgment, as the locusts are likened to a formidable human army. It also speaks to the idea that God's instruments of judgment can take unexpected forms, such as the humble locust transformed into a fearsome force. The verse underscores the urgency and intensity of the day of the Lord, a motif that runs throughout biblical prophecy, signaling both punishment for the wicked and purification for the faithful.
Joel's description serves both as a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing that the day of the Lord is not to be taken lightly. The historical context of the verse is rooted in the agricultural and military realities of ancient Judah, but its message transcends time, offering a powerful image of divine intervention that continues to resonate with readers seeking to understand the nature of God's justice and sovereignty.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H4758
There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַרְאֶה
Transliteration: marʼeh
Pronunciation: mar-eh'
Description: from רָאָה; a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks), or (mental) a vision; [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. - Strong's Number: H5483
There are 131 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: סוּס
Transliteration: çûwç
Pronunciation: soos
Description: or סֻס; from an unused root meaning to skip (properly, for joy); a horse (as leaping); also a swallow (from its rapid flight); crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare פָּרָשׁ. - Strong's Number: H6571
There are 54 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פָּרָשׁ
Transliteration: pârâsh
Pronunciation: paw-rawsh'
Description: from פָּרָשׁ; (compare סוּס); a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e. (collectively) cavalry; horseman. - Strong's Number: H7323
There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רוּץ
Transliteration: rûwts
Pronunciation: roots
Description: a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush); break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post.