Jonah 4:7

Authorized King James Version

But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְמַ֤ן
prepared
properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll
#2
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙
But 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
תּוֹלַ֔עַת
a worm
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
#4
בַּעֲל֥וֹת
rose
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#5
הַשַּׁ֖חַר
when the morning
dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)
#6
לַֽמָּחֳרָ֑ת
the next day
the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow
#7
וַתַּ֥ךְ
and it smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַקִּֽיקָי֖וֹן
the gourd
the gourd (as nauseous)
#10
וַיִּיבָֽשׁ׃
that it withered
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

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 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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