Jonah 2:3

Authorized King James Version

For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתַּשְׁלִיכֵ֤נִי
For thou hadst cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#2
מְצוּלָה֙
me into the deep
a deep place (of water or mud)
#3
בִּלְבַ֣ב
in the midst
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#4
יַמִּ֔ים
of the seas
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
#5
וְנָהָ֖ר
and the floods
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#6
יְסֹבְבֵ֑נִי
compassed
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
מִשְׁבָּרֶ֥יךָ
me about all thy billows
a breaker (of the sea)
#9
וְגַלֶּ֖יךָ
and thy waves
something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)
#10
עָלַ֥י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
עָבָֽרוּ׃
passed over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jonah.

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

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