Jonah 1:6

Authorized King James Version

So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקְרַ֤ב

H7126

came

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵלָיו֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רַ֣ב

H7227

So the shipmaster

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

הַחֹבֵ֔ל

H2259

a sailor

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר

H559

to him and said

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֖וֹ

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לְּךָ֣

נִרְדָּ֑ם

H7290

unto him What meanest thou O sleeper

to stun, i.e., stupefy (with sleep or death)

#10

ק֚וּם

H6965

arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#11

קְרָ֣א

H7121

call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

if so be that God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#14

אוּלַ֞י

H194

if not; hence perhaps

#15

יִתְעַשֵּׁ֧ת

H6245

will think

probably to be sleek, i.e., glossy; hence (through the idea of polishing) to excogitate (as if forming in the mind)

#16

הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

if so be that God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#17

לָ֖נוּ

#18

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#19

נֹאבֵֽד׃

upon us that we perish

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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