Jonah 3:10

Authorized King James Version

And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֤רְא
H7200
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים
H430
And 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
#3
אֶֽת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
מַ֣עֲשֵׂיהֶ֔ם
H4639
their works
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#5
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
שָׁ֖בוּ
H7725
that they turned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
מִדַּרְכָּ֣ם
H1870
way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
הָרָעָ֛ה
H7451
from their evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#9
וַיִּנָּ֣חֶם
H5162
repented
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
#10
הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים
H430
And 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
#11
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
הָרָעָ֛ה
H7451
from their evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#13
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
דִּבֶּ֥ר
H1696
that he had said
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#15
עָשָֽׂה׃
H6213
that he would do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#16
לָהֶ֖ם
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#17
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
עָשָֽׂה׃
H6213
that he would do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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