Jonah 1:7

Authorized King James Version

And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּאמְר֞וּ
And they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
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
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
רֵעֵ֗הוּ
to his fellow
an associate (more or less close)
#5
לְכוּ֙
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
and let us cast
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#7
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
and the lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#8
וְנֵ֣דְעָ֔ה
that we may know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#9
בְּשֶׁלְּמִ֛י
for whose cause
on account of, whatsoever, whichsoever
#10
הָרָעָ֥ה
this evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#11
הַזֹּ֖את
this (often used adverb)
#12
לָ֑נוּ
H0
#13
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
and let us cast
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#14
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
and the lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#15
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
and let us cast
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#16
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
and the lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#17
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
יוֹנָֽה׃
upon Jonah
jonah, an israelite

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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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