Joel 2:9 web — They rush on the city. They run on the wall. They climb up into the houses. They enter in at the windows like thieves.

World English Bible

"They rush on the city. They run on the wall. They climb up into the houses. They enter in at the windows like thieves."

— Joel 2:9, World English Bible

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Joel 2:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Joel 2 — Context

6

At their presence the peoples are in anguish. All faces have grown pale.

7

They run like mighty men. They climb the wall like warriors. They each march in his line, and they don't swerve off course.

8

Neither does one jostle another; they march everyone in his path, and they burst through the defenses, and don't break ranks.

9

They rush on the city. They run on the wall. They climb up into the houses. They enter in at the windows like thieves.

10

The earth quakes before them. The heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.

11

Yahweh thunders his voice before his army; for his forces are very great; for he is strong who obeys his command; for the day of Yahweh is great and very awesome, and who can endure it?

12

"Yet even now," says Yahweh, "turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning."

Joel 2:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Joel 2:9 say?
Joel 2:9 in the World English Bible reads: “They rush on the city. They run on the wall. They climb up into the houses. They enter in at the windows like thieves.”
Where is Joel 2:9 in the Bible?
Joel 2:9 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Joel, chapter 2, verse 9.
Who wrote Joel?
Joel is traditionally attributed to Joel son of Pethuel. It was written c. 835–796 BC (date uncertain).
What is the book of Joel about?
Joel uses a present catastrophe — a locust plague — to point to a greater "day of the LORD" still to come, both terrible and hopeful. The book promises that God will pour out his Spirit on all flesh, a prophecy Peter quotes at Pentecost.
What are the major themes of Joel?
Joel explores themes including Day of the LORD, Repentance, Outpouring of the Spirit, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Joel 2:9.
What translation should I read Joel 2:9 in?
Joel 2:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Joel 2:9?
Joel 2:9 reads (WEB): “They rush on the city. They run on the wall. They climb up into the houses. They enter in at the windows like thieves.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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