Jonah 1:4

Authorized King James Version

But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיהוָ֗ה
But the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
הֵטִ֤יל
sent out
to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out
#3
רֽוּחַ
wind
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#4
גָּד֖וֹל
a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
בַּיָּ֑ם
in 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
#7
וַיְהִ֥י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
סַֽעַר
tempest
a hurricane
#9
גָּד֖וֹל
a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#10
בַּיָּ֑ם
in 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
וְהָ֣אֳנִיָּ֔ה
so that the ship
a ship
#12
חִשְּׁבָ֖ה
was like
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#13
לְהִשָּׁבֵֽר׃
to be broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jonah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People