Jonah 3:9

Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִֽי

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יוֹדֵ֣עַ

H3045

Who can tell

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וְשָׁ֛ב

H7725

and turn away

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְנִחַ֖ם

H5162

and repent

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

הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

if 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

וְשָׁ֛ב

H7725

and turn away

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֵחֲר֥וֹן

H2740

from his fierce

a burning of anger

אַפּ֖וֹ

H639

anger

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

נֹאבֵֽד׃

that we perish

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jonah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Jonah chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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