Joel 3:16 The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

◄ Joel 3:16 ►

New International Version
The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

New Living Translation
The LORD’s voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth will shake. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a strong fortress for the people of Israel.

English Standard Version
The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

King James Bible
The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

New King James Version
The LORD also will roar from Zion, And utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the LORD will be a shelter for His people, And the strength of the children of Israel.

New American Standard Bible
The LORD roars from Zion And utters His voice from Jerusalem, And the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge for His people, And a stronghold for the sons of Israel.

NASB 1995
The LORD roars from Zion And utters His voice from Jerusalem, And the heavens and the earth tremble. But the LORD is a refuge for His people And a stronghold to the sons of Israel.

NASB 1977
And the LORD roars from Zion And utters His voice from Jerusalem, And the heavens and the earth tremble. But the LORD is a refuge for His people And a stronghold to the sons of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Yahweh roars from Zion And gives forth His voice from Jerusalem, And the heavens and the earth quake. But Yahweh is a refuge for His people And a strong defense to the sons of Israel.

Amplified Bible
The LORD thunders and roars from Zion And utters His voice from Jerusalem [in judgment of His enemies], And the heavens and the earth tremble and shudder; But the LORD is a refuge for His people And a stronghold [of protection] to the children of Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD will roar from Zion and make his voice heard from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will shake. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the Israelites.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will shake. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the Israelites.

American Standard Version
And Jehovah will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but Jehovah will be a refuge unto his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
From the heart of Jerusalem the LORD roars like a lion, shaking the earth and sky. But the LORD is a fortress, a place of safety for his people Israel.

English Revised Version
And the LORD shall roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake, but the LORD will be a refuge unto his people, and a strong hold to the children of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD will roar from Zion, and his voice will thunder from Jerusalem. The sky and the earth will shake. The LORD will be a refuge for his people. He will be a stronghold for the people of Israel.

Good News Translation
The LORD roars from Mount Zion; his voice thunders from Jerusalem; earth and sky tremble. But he will defend his people.

International Standard Version
"The LORD will roar from Zion, and shout from Jerusalem. The heavens and the earth will shake, but the LORD will be the refuge of his people, and the strength of the people of Israel."

Majority Standard Bible
The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

NET Bible
The LORD roars from Zion; from Jerusalem his voice bellows out. The heavens and the earth shake. But the LORD is a refuge for his people; he is a stronghold for the citizens of Israel.

New Heart English Bible
The LORD will roar from Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth will shake; but the LORD will be a refuge to his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
The LORD also will roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake; but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

World English Bible
Yahweh will roar from Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth will shake; but Yahweh will be a refuge to his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And YHWH roars from Zion, "" And gives forth His voice from Jerusalem, "" And the heavens and earth have shaken, "" And YHWH [is] a refuge to His people, "" And a stronghold to sons of Israel.

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah from Zion doth roar, And from Jerusalem giveth forth His voice, And shaken have the heavens and earth, And Jehovah is a refuge to his people, And a stronghold to sons of Israel.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah shall cry out from Zion, and from Jerusalem he shall give his voice; and the heavens and the earth trembled: and Jehovah the refuge to his people, and the fortress to the sons of Israel.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord shall roar out of Sion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem: and the heavens and the earth shall be moved, and the Lord shall be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord will roar from Zion and utter his voice from Jerusalem. And the heavens and the earth will be moved. And the Lord will be the hope of his people and the strength of the sons of Israel.

New American Bible
The LORD roars from Zion, and from Jerusalem raises his voice, The heavens and the earth quake, but the LORD will be a shelter for his people, a fortress for the people of Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth shake. But the LORD is a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake; but the LORD will have pity upon his people, and will strengthen the children of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH shall roar from Zion and he shall give his voice from Jerusalem, and Heaven and Earth shall shake, and LORD JEHOVAH shall show pity on his people and he shall empower the children of Israel

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the LORD shall roar from Zion, And utter His voice from Jerusalem, And the heavens and the earth shall shake; But the LORD will be a refuge unto His people, And a stronghold to the children of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord shall cry out of Sion, and shall utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heaven and the earth shall be shaken, but the Lord shall spare his people, and shall strengthen the children of Israel.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The LORD Judges the Nations
…15The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will no longer shine. 16The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Amos 1:2
He said: “The LORD roars from Zion and raises His voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the summit of Carmel withers.”

Isaiah 13:13
Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the wrath of the LORD of Hosts on the day of His burning anger.

Jeremiah 25:30-31
So you are to prophesy all these words against them and say to them: ‘The LORD will roar from on high; He will raise His voice from His holy habitation. He will roar loudly over His pasture; like those who tread the grapes, He will call out with a shout against all the inhabitants of the earth. / The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD.

Psalm 18:7
Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger.

Psalm 46:6
Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice.

Isaiah 24:18-20
Whoever flees the sound of panic will fall into the pit, and whoever climbs from the pit will be caught in the snare. For the windows of heaven are open, and the foundations of the earth are shaken. / The earth is utterly broken apart, the earth is split open, the earth is shaken violently. / The earth staggers like a drunkard and sways like a shack. Earth’s rebellion weighs it down, and it falls, never to rise again.

Haggai 2:6-7
For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. / I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts.

Zechariah 14:4-5
On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half the mountain moving to the north and half to the south. / You will flee by My mountain valley, for it will extend to Azal. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him.

Revelation 6:12-17
And I watched as the Lamb opened the sixth seal, and 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. / The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. ...

Revelation 11:19
Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.

Revelation 16:18
And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake the likes of which had not occurred since men were upon the earth—so mighty was the great quake.

Matthew 24:29-30
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.’ / At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Hebrews 12:26-27
At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.” / The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain.

Ezekiel 38:19-20
In My zeal and fiery rage I proclaim that on that day there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. / The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that crawls upon the ground, and all mankind on the face of the earth will tremble at My presence. The mountains will be thrown down, the cliffs will collapse, and every wall will fall to the ground.

Nahum 1:5-6
The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence—the world and all its dwellers. / Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.

Treasury of Scripture

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

roar.

Joel 2:11
And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Isaiah 42:13
The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.

Jeremiah 25:30,31
Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth…

and the heavens.

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:

Ezekiel 38:19
For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;

Haggai 2:6
For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;

hope.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalm 46:1-11
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…

Psalm 61:3
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

and the strength.

1 Samuel 15:29
And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

Psalm 29:11
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Zechariah 10:6,12
And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them…

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Joel 3

1. God's judgments against the enemies of his people.
9. God will be known in his judgment.
18. His blessing upon the church.

Berean Study Bible

The LORD will roar from Zion
The phrase begins with "The LORD," which in Hebrew is "YHWH," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature. "Will roar" uses the Hebrew verb "sha'ag," often associated with a lion's roar, symbolizing power, authority, and impending judgment. "From Zion" refers to the hill of Jerusalem, the spiritual center of Israel, representing God's dwelling place and His sovereign rule over His people. This imagery conveys God's powerful presence and His active role in the affairs of the world, asserting His dominion and readiness to defend His people.

and raise His voice from Jerusalem
"Raise His voice" suggests a divine proclamation, a call to attention that cannot be ignored. The Hebrew word "natan" implies a deliberate and authoritative action. "From Jerusalem" reinforces the idea of God's presence in the city chosen for His name, a place of divine revelation and judgment. Historically, Jerusalem is the site of the temple, the center of worship, and the focal point of God's covenant relationship with Israel. This phrase underscores the significance of Jerusalem as the epicenter of God's redemptive plan.

heaven and earth will tremble
The phrase "heaven and earth" encompasses all of creation, indicating the universal scope of God's power. "Will tremble" uses the Hebrew verb "ra'ash," suggesting a shaking or quaking, often associated with theophanies or divine appearances. This imagery conveys the overwhelming impact of God's presence and the inevitable response of creation to His majesty. It reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all creation and the ultimate accountability of the world to its Creator.

but the LORD will be a refuge for His people
The conjunction "but" introduces a contrast, highlighting God's dual role as both judge and protector. "The LORD will be a refuge" uses the Hebrew word "machseh," meaning a shelter or place of safety. This imagery portrays God as a sanctuary for those who trust in Him, offering protection and security amidst chaos. "For His people" emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, assuring them of His faithfulness and care. This promise of refuge is a recurring theme in Scripture, offering hope and encouragement to believers.

a stronghold for the people of Israel
"A stronghold" translates the Hebrew word "ma'oz," denoting a fortress or place of defense. This term reinforces the idea of God's protection and strength, providing a secure foundation for His people. "For the people of Israel" specifies the recipients of this divine protection, underscoring God's special relationship with Israel as His chosen nation. This phrase serves as a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His ability to safeguard His people against all adversities.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) The Lord also shall roar . . .--This is the key-note of the prophecy of Amos, who opens his appeal with these words. The majestic roar of the lion is transferred to express victorious utterance of the Lord's judgment: it is irresistible. As St. Paul wrote, "The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God" (1Thessalonians 2:16). The temporal success of the Jews in their future conflict with their enemies is blended with the final triumph of the Lord in the judgment day.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - Out of Zion. The presence of Jehovah is the immediate occasion of these terrors; and hence his voice proceeds from Jerusalem, or more particularly from Zion, where the visible symbol of his presence long dwelt. "For there," says Kimchi, "was his dwelling in Jerusalem; and as if from thence he roared and uttered his voice against them." Thus far the prophet pictures in very vivid, indeed terribly vivid, colours the frightful scene in the valley of decision: then stops short without describing the sad catastrophe resulting from the actual execution of the judgment. This he omits, either from revulsion of feeling from such misery. or the reader is left to imagine it himself. But the Lord will be the Hope of his people, and the Strength of the children of Israel. He shrinks, as we have seen, from describing the actual execution of judgment, and, breaking off with somewhat of abruptness, exhibits the bright side of the picture. With the destruction of his foes is joined, as usual, the deliverance of his friends. To his people he stands in the double relation of a Place of refuge (machseh) and a Place of strength (ma'oz), that is, not only a place to which they may flee for safety, but a place in which, as a stronghold, they shall be kept safe.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The LORD
וַיהוָ֞ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will roar
יִשְׁאָ֗ג (yiš·’āḡ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7580: To rumble, moan

from Zion
מִצִּיּ֣וֹן (miṣ·ṣî·yō·wn)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem

and raise
יִתֵּ֣ן (yit·tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

His voice
קוֹל֔וֹ (qō·w·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

from Jerusalem;
וּמִירוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙ (ū·mî·rū·šā·lim)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

heaven
שָׁמַ֣יִם (šā·ma·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

and earth
וָאָ֑רֶץ (wā·’ā·reṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

will tremble.
וְרָעֲשׁ֖וּ (wə·rā·‘ă·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7493: To undulate, through fear, to spring

But the LORD
וַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will be a refuge
מַֽחֲסֶ֣ה (ma·ḥă·seh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4268: Refuge, shelter

for His people,
לְעַמּ֔וֹ (lə·‘am·mōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

a stronghold
וּמָע֖וֹז (ū·mā·‘ō·wz)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4581: A place or means of safety, protection

for the people
לִבְנֵ֥י (liḇ·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

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OT Prophets: Joel 3:16 Yahweh will roar from Zion and thunder (Jl Joe.)