Jonah 4:8

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֣י׀

H1961

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

כִּזְרֹ֣חַ

H2224

did arise

properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e., to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)

הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ

H8121

And it came to pass when the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

וַיְמַ֨ן

H4487

prepared

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

אֱלֹהִ֜ים

H430

that 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

ר֤וּחַ

H7307

wind

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

קָדִים֙

H6921

east

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

חֲרִישִׁ֔ית

H2759

a vehement

quiet, i.e., sultry (as feminine noun, the sirocco or hot east wind)

וַתַּ֥ךְ

H5221

beat

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#10

הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ

H8121

And it came to pass when the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

#11

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

רֹ֥אשׁ

H7218

upon the head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#13

יוֹנָ֖ה

H3124

of Jonah

jonah, an israelite

#14

וַיִּתְעַלָּ֑ף

H5968

that he fainted

to veil or cover; figuratively, to be languid

#15

וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל

H7592

and wished

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

#16

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

נַפְשׁוֹ֙

H5315

in himself

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#18

לָמ֔וּת

H4191

to die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#19

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#20

ט֥וֹב

H2896

It is better

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#21

מוֹתִ֖י

H4194

for me to die

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#22

מֵחַיָּֽי׃

H2416

than to live

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jonah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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