Jonah 1:11

Authorized King James Version

Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּאמְר֤וּ
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָיו֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#4
נַּ֣עֲשֶׂה
they unto him What shall we do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
לָּ֔ךְ
H0
#6
וְיִשְׁתֹּ֥ק
may be calm
to subside
#7
הַיָּ֖ם
unto thee that the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#8
מֵֽעָלֵ֑ינוּ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
הַיָּ֖ם
unto thee that the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#11
הוֹלֵ֥ךְ
wrought
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
וְסֹעֵֽר׃
and was tempestuous
to rush upon; by implication, to toss (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jonah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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