Jonah 3:8

Authorized King James Version

But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיִתְכַּסּ֣וּ
be covered
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#2
שַׂקִּ֗ים
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
#3
הָֽאָדָם֙
But let man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
וְהַבְּהֵמָ֔ה
and beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#5
וְיִקְרְא֥וּ
and cry
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
unto 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
#8
בְּחָזְקָ֑ה
mightily
vehemence (usually in a bad sense)
#9
וְיָשֻׁ֗בוּ
yea let them turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
אִ֚ישׁ
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)
#11
מִדַּרְכּ֣וֹ
way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#12
הָֽרָעָ֔ה
from his evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#13
וּמִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#14
הֶחָמָ֖ס
and from the violence
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
#15
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
בְּכַפֵּיהֶֽם׃
that is in their hands
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jonah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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