Jonah 4:5

Authorized King James Version

So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּצֵ֤א

H3318

went out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

יוֹנָה֙

H3124

So Jonah

jonah, an israelite

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

בָּעִֽיר׃

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיֵּ֤שֶׁב

H3427

and sat

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

מִקֶּ֣דֶם

H6924

on the east side

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

בָּעִֽיר׃

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיַּעַשׂ֩

H6213

and there made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ל֨וֹ

#10

שָׁ֜ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#11

סֻכָּ֗ה

H5521

him a booth

a hut or lair

#12

וַיֵּ֤שֶׁב

H3427

and sat

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#13

תַּחְתֶּ֙יהָ֙

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#14

בַּצֵּ֔ל

H6738

under it in the shadow

shade, whether literal or figurative

#15

עַ֚ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#16

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#17

יִרְאֶ֔ה

H7200

till he might see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#18

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#19

יִּהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#20

בָּעִֽיר׃

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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