Jonah 1:16

Authorized King James Version

Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽירְא֧וּ
feared
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#2
הָאֲנָשִׁ֛ים
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
יִרְאָ֥ה
fearing; morally, reverent
#4
גְדוֹלָ֖ה
exceedingly
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וַיִּֽזְבְּחוּ
and offered
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#8
זֶ֙בַח֙
a sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#9
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
וַֽיִּדְּר֖וּ
and made
to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)
#11
נְדָרִֽים׃
vows
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jonah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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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