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Joel 3:15

Joel 3:15 in Multiple Translations

The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will no longer shine.

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

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

The sun and the moon have become dark, and the stars keep back their shining.

The sun and moon will become dark, and the stars will stop shining.

The sunne and moone shalbe darkened, and the starres shall withdrawe their light.

Sun and moon have been black, And stars have gathered up their shining.

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

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

The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars have withdrawn their shining.

At that time there will be no light from the sun or moon, and the stars will not shine.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joel 3:15

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Study Notes — Joel 3:15

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joel 2:10 Before them the earth quakes; the heavens tremble. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars lose their brightness.
2 Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ’
3 Joel 2:31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.
4 Luke 21:25–26 There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
5 Isaiah 13:10 For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.
6 Revelation 6:12–13 And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind.

Joel 3:15 Summary

This verse is talking about a time when the whole world will be shaken and the lights in the sky will go out. It's a picture of God's judgment and power, and it reminds us that He is in control of everything, even the stars and the sun. Just like in Isaiah 13:10, where it says the stars will not shine, this verse is telling us that God's judgment is real and it's coming. We can trust in God's love and care for us, even when everything around us seems to be falling apart, just as it says in Psalm 23:4, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of the sun and moon growing dark in Joel 3:15?

This verse is describing a time of great judgment and upheaval, where the very lights in the sky will be dimmed, symbolizing the gravity of God's wrath, as also seen in Isaiah 13:10 and Matthew 24:29.

Are the stars no longer shining a literal event or a metaphor?

While it could be a literal event, it is also likely a metaphor for the removal of earthly comforts and securities, emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of God's judgment, similar to what is described in Revelation 6:12-14.

How does this verse relate to the Day of the Lord mentioned in the surrounding verses?

The darkening of the sun, moon, and stars is a direct consequence of the Day of the Lord, a time when God will judge the nations and establish His sovereignty, as prophesied in Joel 3:14 and Isaiah 2:10-21.

What is the significance of this cosmic event in the context of God's plan?

This event signifies a major turning point in God's plan, marking the end of the old era and the beginning of a new one, where God will reign supreme, as stated in Psalm 2:7-9 and Revelation 20:1-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the things in my life that I rely on for comfort and security, and how would I respond if they were taken away?
  2. How can I prepare myself for the Day of the Lord, and what does it mean to be ready for God's judgment?
  3. In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the nature of God's power and His ability to control the universe?
  5. How can I use this verse to encourage others to seek refuge in God and to trust in His goodness?

Gill's Exposition on Joel 3:15

The sun and moon shall be darkened,.... Both the politic and ecclesiastic state of antichrist shall be ruined and destroyed; it shall "fare" with Rome Papal as it did with Rome Pagan, at the time of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joel 3:15

The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The sun and the moon shall be darkened - (notes, Joe 2:10; Joe 2:31).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joel 3:15

See . When God doth in the valley of decision punish any of the kingdoms which persecuted and oppressed his church, the punishment shall be so great as to darken the glory of such kingdoms, it shall be to the utter overthrow of those kingdoms and governments; and so it was effected on Babylon by the Mede and Persian; so on this by the Grecians, and on them by their intestine wars, and by the Romans at last on these and on the murderers of Messiah.

Trapp's Commentary on Joel 3:15

Joe 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.Ver. 15. The sun and the moon shall be darkened] he sets this note, "Signs which shall go before the last judgment," Matthew 24:29 Luke 21:25. The prophets, by such forms of speech, use to decipher greatest calamities when all things look dark; as it fareth also with them that are under spiritual desertion, Isaiah 50:10, who yet are exhorted there to "trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon their God"; to cast the anchor of hope, as Paul and his company did in the shipwreck, Acts 27:20, when they saw neither sun nor moon for many days together, and no small tempest lay upon them; all hope that they should be saved being taken away.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joel 3:15

Verse 15. The sun and the moon shall be darkened] High and mighty states shall be eclipsed, and brought to ruin, and the stars - petty states, princes, and governors-shall withdraw their shining; withhold their influence and tribute from the kingdoms to which they have belonged, and set up themselves as independent governors.

Cambridge Bible on Joel 3:15

15. The sun and the moon are black; and the stars withdraw their shining] Preternatural signs of the approaching ‘day.’ The words are repeated verbatim from Joe 2:10 b.

Barnes' Notes on Joel 3:15

The sun and the moon shall be darkened - This may be, either that they shall be outshone by the brightness of the glory of Christ, or that they themselves shall undergo a change, whereof the darkness

Whedon's Commentary on Joel 3:15

9-16. After this condemnation of the bitterest enemies of the chosen people the prophet returns to the announcement broken off in Joe 3:3.

Sermons on Joel 3:15

SermonDescription
Joseph Balsan Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 12 by Joseph Balsan In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two characteristics of the end times mentioned in the Bible. The first characteristic is that people will run to and fro, which is seen in t
David Wilkerson God Will Resore All Your Wasted Years by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of two verses from the book of Joel in the Bible. These verses describe the destructive power of worms and insects that devou
T. Austin-Sparks The Arm of the Lord - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a cry to God in the face of the evils and challenges present in the world. He refers to the prophet Isaiah's cry for God to come
Charles Ryrie What Jesus Believed by Charles Ryrie In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of anarchy that will occur during the tribulation period. He describes the various aspects of anarchy that will take place, such
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Zechariah 13-14 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker briefly mentions the makeup of the population at the time, but states that he will discuss it in more detail in a future session. He then mentions the b
John Piper Prayer and the Victory of God by John Piper This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer in bringing about the victory of God. Through various biblical passages and examples, the message highlights how prayers play a crucial r
Zac Poonen Preparing for Persecution and the Coming of the Lord by Zac Poonen This sermon challenges the belief in a pre-tribulation rapture, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared for persecution and tribulation. It highlights the importance of t

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