Jonah 1:10

Authorized King James Version

Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽירְא֤וּ
afraid
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#2
הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים
Then were the men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#3
יִרְאָ֣ה
fearing; morally, reverent
#4
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
exceedingly
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#5
וַיֹּאמְר֥וּ
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֵלָ֖יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#8
זֹּ֣את
this (often used adverb)
#9
עָשִׂ֑יתָ
unto him Why hast thou done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
יָדְע֣וּ
knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#12
הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים
Then were the men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#13
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
מִלִּפְנֵ֤י
from the presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
ה֣וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#17
בֹרֵ֔חַ
that he fled
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#18
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#19
הִגִּ֖יד
because he had told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#20
לָהֶֽם׃
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jonah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Jonah's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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