Joel 2:31

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

The sun {H8121} shall be turned {H2015} into darkness {H2822}, and the moon {H3394} into blood {H1818}, before {H6440} the great {H1419} and the terrible {H3372} day {H3117} of the LORD {H3068} come {H935}.

The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the coming of the great and terrible Day of ADONAI."

The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of Jehovah cometh.

Joel 2:31 (KJV) is a powerful prophetic verse that describes dramatic cosmic disturbances preceding a pivotal divine intervention. It serves as a stark warning and a significant signpost in biblical eschatology, pointing to a culmination of God's plans for both judgment and salvation.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic discourse in the book of Joel, particularly within chapter 2, which begins with a vivid description of a devastating locust plague and a call to repentance. The prophet then transitions to speaking about the "Day of the LORD," a recurring theme in Old Testament prophecy referring to a specific time when God decisively intervenes in human history, often bringing judgment upon His enemies and deliverance for His people. Joel 2:28-29 speaks of the outpouring of God's Spirit, which Peter later quotes on the Day of Pentecost as a partial fulfillment. Verse 31 then immediately follows, detailing the awe-inspiring celestial phenomena that will precede the ultimate manifestation of this "great and terrible day."

Key Themes

  • Cosmic Signs of Judgment: The imagery of the "sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood" is a profound and frequently used motif in prophetic literature. It signifies a dramatic disruption of the natural order, signaling a time of divine wrath and significant upheaval. These are not merely natural phenomena but supernatural signs indicating God's direct intervention. Similar imagery is found in other prophetic books, such as Matthew 24:29 and Revelation 6:12, linking Joel's prophecy to the broader biblical narrative of the end times.
  • The Day of the LORD: This central theme represents a multifaceted event. While it can refer to historical judgments (like the locust plague), its ultimate and most significant fulfillment is eschatological—pointing to the culmination of human history, the final judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. It is described as "great" due to God's immense power and justice, and "terrible" for those who are unprepared or stand against Him.
  • Divine Warning and Opportunity: Despite the ominous nature of the signs, Joel's message also contains an implicit call to repentance and hope. The signs serve as a clear warning, urging people to seek the Lord before this decisive day arrives, emphasizing the urgency of spiritual readiness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Day of the LORD" (Hebrew: Yom Yahweh) is a technical term in Old Testament prophecy. It signifies a time of God's direct, decisive intervention in the world, often involving judgment on His enemies and salvation for His faithful. While it has immediate historical applications, its fullest meaning consistently points to the ultimate eschatological climax of history.

Practical Application

For believers today, Joel 2:31 serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan. It encourages:

  • Readiness: The dramatic signs underscore the importance of living in expectation of Christ's return and being prepared for the "Day of the LORD" (1 Thessalonians 5:2).
  • Urgency of the Gospel: Knowing that such a day is coming should motivate believers to share the message of repentance and salvation, offering hope to those who are spiritually unprepared.
  • Hope Amidst Tribulation: While the signs are terrifying for the wicked, for the faithful, they signify the nearing of their ultimate redemption and the final triumph of God's kingdom.

This prophecy assures us that God is actively involved in history and will bring all things to their appointed conclusion, fulfilling His promises with undeniable power and glory.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 6:12

    And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

  • Revelation 6:13

    And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

  • Matthew 24:29

    Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

  • Malachi 4:1

    ¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

  • Joel 3:15

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

  • Joel 2:10

    The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
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