Jonah 3:6

Authorized King James Version

For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּגַּ֤ע
came
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#2
הַדָּבָר֙
For word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מֶ֣לֶך
unto the king
a king
#5
נִֽינְוֵ֔ה
of Nineveh
nineveh, the capital of assyria
#6
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
and he arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#7
מִכִּסְא֔וֹ
from his throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#8
וַיַּעֲבֵ֥ר
and he laid
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#9
אַדַּרְתּ֖וֹ
his robe
something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress)
#10
מֵֽעָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
וַיְכַ֣ס
from him and covered
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#12
שַׂ֔ק
him with sackcloth
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
#13
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב
and sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
הָאֵֽפֶר׃
in ashes
ashes

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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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