Jonah 1:13

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּחְתְּר֣וּ

H2864

rowed hard

to force a passage, as by burglary; figuratively, with oars

הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים

H582

Nevertheless the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

לְהָשִׁ֛יב

H7725

to bring

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַיַּבָּשָׁ֖ה

H3004

it to the land

dry ground

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָכֹ֑לוּ

H3201

but they could

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הַיָּ֔ם

H3220

not for 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

#10

הוֹלֵ֥ךְ

H1980

wrought

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#11

וְסֹעֵ֖ר

H5590

and was tempestuous

to rush upon; by implication, to toss (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

#12

עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jonah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jonah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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