Joel 2:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 2:31 presents a profound prophetic vision of dramatic cosmic disturbances—the sun turning to darkness and the moon to blood—that will precede the decisive intervention of God, known as "the great and the terrible day of the LORD." This verse serves as a powerful eschatological signpost, signaling a time of unparalleled divine judgment upon the wicked and ultimate deliverance for the faithful, urging humanity to prepare for God's sovereign culmination of history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 2:31 is situated within the heart of Joel's prophecy, specifically following a vivid description of a devastating locust plague (Joel 1) and a fervent call to national repentance (Joel 2:1-17). The prophet then transitions to a promise of restoration and, crucially, the outpouring of God's Spirit upon all flesh in [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - The Outpouring of the Spirit"). This spiritual renewal is presented as a precursor to the ultimate manifestation of "the Day of the LORD," with verse 31 detailing the awe-inspiring celestial phenomena that will immediately precede this climactic event. The sequence moves from immediate judgment and repentance to spiritual blessing, and then to the ultimate, universal day of divine reckoning, demonstrating God's comprehensive plan for both judgment and salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Joel likely ministered in Judah, possibly in the post-exilic period, addressing a community that had experienced a severe locust plague, interpreted as a harbinger of the greater "Day of the LORD." The concept of "the Day of the LORD" was a well-established theological motif in ancient Israelite prophecy, referring to a specific time when God would decisively intervene in human history. This intervention typically involved judgment upon His enemies and vindication or salvation for His covenant people. The imagery of cosmic disruption—sun darkening, moon turning to blood—was a potent and recognizable prophetic convention, used to signify a radical upheaval of the established order, indicating a moment of profound divine wrath and transformative intervention that would shake the very foundations of the cosmos and human existence.
* **Key Themes:** Joel 2:31 contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Cosmic Signs of Judgment**, where the disruption of the sun and moon signifies a profound breaking of the natural order, serving as unmistakable supernatural signals of divine wrath and impending upheaval. This imagery is not unique to Joel, finding powerful echoes in other prophetic texts such as [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Cosmic Signs of Babylon's Judgment") and [Ezekiel 32:7-8](/ezekiel/32-7-8 "Ezekiel 32:7-8 - Cosmic Signs for Pharaoh's Fall"), and later in the New Testament in [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Jesus' Prophecy of Cosmic Signs") and [Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12 - The Sixth Seal and Cosmic Disturbances"). Another central theme is **The Day of the LORD**, which 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. Finally, the verse implicitly carries the theme of **Divine Warning and Opportunity**, as these ominous signs serve as a clear and urgent call to repentance, urging people to seek the Lord before this decisive day arrives, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual readiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** This primitive root signifies a radical shift, to "turn about or over," implying a complete change or overturning. In Joel 2:31, it denotes a dramatic, supernatural alteration of the celestial bodies from their normal function and appearance, indicating an unprecedented divine intervention that disrupts the very fabric of creation. It's not a mere eclipse but a fundamental transformation.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This word primarily refers to literal "blood," often associated with life (as in the lifeblood) or, when shed, with death and violence. In a figurative sense, especially in prophetic contexts, "blood" can symbolize bloodshed, judgment, or an ominous, unnatural hue. The moon turning to blood suggests a terrifying, unnatural spectacle, perhaps reflecting the violence and judgment associated with the coming "Day of the LORD," or an appearance so ghastly it evokes the imagery of a bloody battlefield.
* **terrible (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This root means "to fear," "to revere," or "to frighten." When describing the "Day of the LORD," it conveys a profound sense of awe, dread, and terror for those who oppose God, while also implying a reverence-inducing majesty for His people. It highlights the overwhelming power and unapproachability of God's judgment, making the day one of immense solemnity and fear for the unrighteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sun shall be turned into darkness":** This clause describes a profound cosmic disruption where the primary source of light and warmth is extinguished or obscured. It signifies a radical reversal of the natural order, a loss of life-giving light, and a descent into a state of gloom and despair. The sun's darkening is a powerful symbol of divine judgment, representing the withdrawal of God's favor or the imposition of His wrath upon a world unprepared for His intervention.
* **"and the moon into blood":** Following the sun's transformation, the moon, which reflects the sun's light, also undergoes a horrifying change, appearing as if stained with blood. This imagery intensifies the sense of dread and unnaturalness. It can symbolize violence, impending judgment, or a horrific spectacle, further emphasizing the severity and ominous nature of the approaching divine reckoning. Together, the darkening sun and bloodied moon paint a picture of universal chaos and the collapse of the familiar world.
* **"before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come":** This final clause clarifies the purpose and timing of the preceding cosmic signs. These celestial phenomena are not random occurrences but serve as unmistakable harbingers, preceding the climactic "Day of the LORD." This "Day" is characterized as "great" due to the immense power and majesty of God's intervention, and "terrible" because of the fearful judgment it will bring upon the unrighteous. It is the decisive moment when God will fully manifest His sovereignty, bringing history to its appointed conclusion.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 2:31 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message with maximum impact. **Symbolism** is central, with the sun and moon representing the stability and order of the created cosmos. Their transformation into darkness and blood **symbolizes** a radical disruption of this order, signifying God's direct intervention and the impending chaos of judgment. The imagery itself is a form of **Apocalyptic Language** or **Cosmic Portent**, which uses exaggerated or highly dramatic descriptions of natural phenomena to convey profound theological truths about divine power and eschatological events, transcending mere literal interpretation to evoke awe and fear. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a clear instance of **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, in the phrases "The sun shall be turned into darkness" and "and the moon into blood." Both clauses describe similar cosmic disturbances, reinforcing the same message of universal upheaval and divine judgment through two distinct but complementary images. This repetition emphasizes the totality and undeniable nature of the coming events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 2:31 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history, serving as a cosmic billboard announcing His decisive intervention. The darkening of the sun and the moon turning to blood are not merely meteorological events but divinely orchestrated signs, underscoring that the natural order itself will bear witness to the magnitude of God's "great and terrible day." This "Day of the LORD" is a pivotal theological concept, encompassing both judgment for the wicked and salvation for the righteous, demonstrating God's justice and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The signs emphasize the finality and universality of this divine reckoning, urging humanity to recognize the urgency of repentance and faith before the ultimate culmination of all things.

* [Acts 2:19-20](/acts/2-19-20 "Acts 2:19-20 - Peter's Quotation of Joel's Prophecy")
* [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Jesus Foretells Cosmic Signs Before His Return")
* [Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12 - The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 2:31 serves as a profound call to spiritual readiness, reminding us that the stability of our world is ultimately contingent upon God's sovereign will. The dramatic imagery of cosmic upheaval underscores the temporary nature of all earthly securities and the ultimate certainty of God's decisive intervention in history. For believers, this verse should not evoke paralyzing fear but rather a sober awareness of God's justice and an urgent motivation to live in light of eternity. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God, to live lives of holiness, and to actively participate in His mission, knowing that the time for decision is now. The "terrible" aspect of the day is for those who reject God, but for those who trust in Him, it heralds ultimate redemption and the glorious establishment of His eternal kingdom. This prophecy compels us to examine our own hearts, ensuring we are found in Christ, prepared for His glorious appearing, and actively sharing the hope of the gospel with a world desperately in need of it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do these cosmic signs challenge our perception of stability and control in a seemingly predictable world?**
* **What does "the great and terrible day of the LORD" mean for those who are prepared versus those who are not, and how does this distinction shape our spiritual priorities?**
* **How should the anticipation of God's decisive intervention impact our daily lives, our evangelistic efforts, and our commitment to justice and righteousness?**

### FAQ

**Are the cosmic signs in Joel 2:31 literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The signs described in Joel 2:31—the sun turning into darkness and the moon into blood—are best understood as both literal and symbolic. Prophetic language often employs vivid, dramatic imagery to convey profound spiritual truths. While these could indeed manifest as literal, observable celestial phenomena, their primary function is symbolic: they represent a radical disruption of the natural order, signifying God's direct, powerful, and terrifying intervention in human history. They are not merely natural occurrences but supernatural portents, signaling a time of unparalleled divine judgment and the ushering in of a new era. This dual understanding allows for the possibility of a literal fulfillment, as seen in [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Jesus' Prophecy of Cosmic Signs") and [Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12 - The Sixth Seal and Cosmic Disturbances"), while also emphasizing their deeper theological meaning as harbingers of God's ultimate sovereignty and justice.

**What is the significance of "the Day of the LORD"?**

Answer: "The Day of the LORD" (Hebrew: _Yom Yahweh_) is a crucial and recurring prophetic theme in the Old Testament, signifying a specific, decisive time when God intervenes directly and powerfully in human affairs. Its significance is multifaceted. Historically, it could refer to specific acts of divine judgment against nations or Israel (e.g., [Isaiah 13:6-9](/isaiah/13-6-9 "Isaiah 13:6-9 - The Day of the LORD Against Babylon")). However, its ultimate and fullest meaning is eschatological, pointing to the culmination of human history, the final judgment of the wicked, and the ultimate vindication and salvation of God's people. It is a day characterized by God's manifest presence, His overwhelming power, and His unwavering justice. For those who oppose Him, it is a "terrible" day of wrath and destruction; for those who are faithful, it is a "great" day of deliverance, redemption, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as seen in [Zephaniah 1:14-18](/zephaniah/1-14-18 "Zephaniah 1:14-18 - The Great Day of the LORD").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 2:31, with its dramatic cosmic signs preceding "the great and the terrible day of the LORD," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Day of the LORD," initially a concept of divine judgment and salvation, is transformed and consummated in the New Testament through Christ's first and second comings. Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, explicitly quotes Joel's prophecy (including [Joel 2:28-32](/joel/2-28-32 "Joel 2:28-32 - The Outpouring of the Spirit and the Day of the LORD")) in [Acts 2:16-21](/acts/2-16-21 "Acts 2:16-21 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost"), declaring that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of these "last days" leading up to the great and notable day of the Lord. Jesus Himself prophesied similar cosmic disturbances preceding His glorious return, stating that "the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken" ([Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Cosmic Signs of the Son of Man's Coming")). Thus, the "terrible" nature of the day for the unrighteous is precisely what makes it a day of glorious redemption for those who are "called on the name of the LORD" ([Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - Deliverance for Those Who Call on the LORD")), a salvation made possible only through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief for Salvation")). He is the one who delivers us from the wrath to come ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Deliverance from Wrath")), ensuring that for believers, the "Day of the LORD" is not a day of terror but the triumphant culmination of God's redemptive plan, when Christ will return in power and glory to establish His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: