Bible Strands
Joel 2:6
Nations writhe in horror before them; every face turns pale.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet addresses Judah regarding the imminent invasion of a locust-like army that has just been described as moving like chariots over mountaintops and crackling like fire. This verse captures the immediate psychological reaction of the surrounding nations as they witness the approaching force.
The words — The Hebrew verb יָחִ֣ילוּ (ya.Chi.lu) literally means "they are in anguish" or "they writhe," describing the physical and mental distress of the peoples. The noun פָארֽוּר (fa.Rur) translates to "a glow" or "pallor," indicating the sudden loss of color from every face.
The thread — This imagery of collective terror and pallor echoes Nahum 2:10, where every face grows pale at desolation, and Isaiah 13:8, which links anguish to the writhing of a woman in labor. Jeremiah 30:6 similarly records men clutching their stomachs in labor-like pain when confronted with divine judgment.
Why it lands — The text describes nations experiencing visceral agony and sudden pallor as they confront an unstoppable force. It asks the reader to acknowledge that human strength yields only terror before divine judgment, demanding immediate alignment with God before the invasion arrives.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.
Cross-references
- Nahum 2:10 She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and laid waste! Hearts melt, knees knock, bodies tremble, and every face grows pale!
- Isaiah 13:8 Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.
- Jeremiah 30:6 Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale?
- Lamentations 4:8 But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.
- Psalms 119:83 Though I am like a wineskin dried up by smoke, I do not forget Your statutes.
- Jeremiah 8:21 For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am crushed. I mourn; horror has gripped me.