Jonah
Jonah front
Jonah front:intro
Introduction to Jonah
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Book of Jonah
- Jonah tries to run away from Yahweh (1:1-2:10)
- Jonah disobeys Yahweh's first call to go to Nineveh (1:1–3)
- Jonah and the Gentile sailors (1:4–16)
- Yahweh provides a large fish to swallow Jonah (1:17)
- Jonah prays from inside the fish and is rescued (2:1–10)
- Jonah in Nineveh (3:1-4:11)
- Yahweh again calls Jonah to go to Nineveh, and Jonah proclaims Yahweh's message (3:1–4)
- Nineveh repents (3:5-9)
- Yahweh decides not to destroy Nineveh (3:10)
- Jonah is very angry with Yahweh (4:1–3)
- Yahweh teaches Jonah about grace and mercy (4:4–11)
What is the Book of Jonah about?
Jonah, son of Amittai, was a prophet from Gath Hepher (2 Kings 14:25). This book tells about what happened to Jonah. It tells how Yahweh shows mercy and grace to Gentiles. It also tells how the Ninevites repented and called out to Yahweh for mercy. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/mercy.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/grace.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]])
Yahweh sent Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh that he was ready to punish them. Yahweh said that if they would repent he would not harm them. However, Jonah was an Israelite and he did not want the Ninevites to repent. So Jonah tried to sail away in the opposite direction instead of doing what Yahweh told him to do. But Yahweh stopped him by sending a storm and a large fish to swallow him.
Jonah repented and warned the Ninevites. As a result, Yahweh taught him that he is concerned about all people, not just the Israelites.
How should the title of this book be translated?
This book is traditionally titled "The Book of Jonah" or just "Jonah." Translators may decide to use a clearer title such as "The Book about Jonah." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])
Who wrote the Book of Jonah?
Jonah was probably involved in the writing of this book. However, scholars do not know who actually wrote it.
Jonah lived in the northern kingdom of Israel. He prophesied sometime between 800 and 750 B.C. during the reign of King Jeroboam II.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What was the nation of Assyria?
During the time of Jonah, Assyria was the most powerful kingdom in the ancient Near East. Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria.
Assyria was cruel to its enemies. Eventually, Yahweh punished the Assyrians for the wicked things they did.
Did Assyria convert to Judaism?
Some scholars think that the Assyrians started worshiping Yahweh alone. However, most scholars think they continued to worship other false gods. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/falsegod.md]])
Jonah 1
Jonah 1:intro-0
Jonah 01 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The narrative of this chapter starts abruptly. This could cause difficulty for the translator. The translator should not attempt to smooth this introduction unless absolutely necessary.
Special concepts in this chapter
# Miracle
In verse Jonah 17, there is the mention of "a great fish." It may be difficult to imagine a sea creature big enough to swallow a man whole and who then survives for three days and nights inside. Translators should not try to explain miraculous events in an attempt to make it easier to understand. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/miracle.md]])
Important figures of speech in this chapter
# Situational irony
There is an ironic situation in this chapter. Jonah is a prophet of God and should endeavor to do God's will. Instead, he is running away from God. Although the Gentile sailors are not Israelites, they act out of faith and fear of Yahweh when sending Jonah to a "certain death" by throwing him overboard. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/willofgod.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/faith.md]])
# Sea
People in the ancient Near East also saw the sea as chaotic and did not trust it. Some of the gods they worshiped were gods of the sea. Jonah's people, the Hebrews, feared the sea greatly. However, Jonah's fear of Yahweh was not enough to keep him from going into a ship and sailing to get away from Yahweh. His actions are contrasted by the actions of the Gentiles. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-irony/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/fear.md]])
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
# Implicit information
Even though no one knows for sure where Tarshish was, the writer assumes that the reader knows that Jonah had to face away from Nineveh to go there. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
Links:
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Jonah 1:1
the word of Yahweh came
This is an idiom that means Yahweh spoke. "Yahweh spoke his message" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])
the word of Yahweh
"the message of Yahweh"
Yahweh
This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
Amittai
This is the name of Jonah's father. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])
Jonah 1:2
Get up and go to Nineveh, that great city
"Go to the important city of Nineveh"
Get up and go
This is a common expression for traveling to distant places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])
speak out against it
God is referring to the people of the city. Alternate translation: "warn the people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])
their wickedness has risen up before me
"I know they have been continually sinning"
Jonah 1:3
got up to run away from the presence of Yahweh
"ran away from Yahweh." "got up" is referring to Jonah leaving where he was. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])
the presence of Yahweh
Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])
go to Tarshish
"and went to Tarshish." Tarshish was in the opposite direction to Nineveh. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "went in the opposite direction, toward Tarshish" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
He went down to Joppa
"Jonah went to Joppa"
ship
A "ship" is a very large type of boat that can travel on the sea and carry many passengers or heavy cargo.
So he paid the fare
"There Jonah paid for the trip"
boarded the ship
"got on the ship"
with them
The word "them" refers to the others who were going on the ship.
away from the presence of Yahweh
Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. Alternate translation: "away from Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])
Jonah 1:4
Soon it appeared
It can be made explicit who thought the ship would be broken up. Alternate translation: "The men thought" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
to be broken up
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to break apart" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
Jonah 1:5
the sailors
the men who worked on the ship
his own god
Here "god" refers to false gods and idols that people worship.
They threw the ship's cargo
"The men threw the heavy things off the ship." This was done to keep the ship from sinking.
to lighten it
Making the ship lighter would make if float better. Alternate translation: "to help the ship float better"
But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship
Jonah did this before the storm started.
down into the innermost parts of the ship
"inside the ship"
was lying there deeply asleep
"was lying there fast asleep" or "was lying there and sleeping deeply." For this reason, the storm did not wake him up.
Jonah 1:6
So the captain came to him and said to him
"The man in charge of the ship went to Jonah and said"
What are you doing sleeping?
"Why are you sleeping?" He used this rhetorical question to scold Jonah. Alternate translation: "Stop sleeping!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])
Get up!
This refers to doing some activity. For Jonah, the Captain is telling him to wake up and pray to his god for safe passage. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])
Call upon your god!
"Pray to your god!" "Call" refers to getting the attention of someone. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])
Maybe your god will notice us and we will not perish
The implicit information that Jonah's god might save them could be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Maybe your god will hear and save us so that we will not die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
Jonah 1:7
They all said to each other
"The sailors all said to each other"
Come, let us cast lots, so that we may know who is the cause of this evil that is happening to us
"We should cast lots to know who has caused this trouble." The men believed that the gods would control how the lots fell in order to tell them what they wanted to know. This was a form of divination.
this evil
This refers to the terrible storm.
the lot fell to Jonah
"the lot showed that Jonah was the guilty person"
Jonah 1:8
Then they said to Jonah
"Then the men who were working on the ship said to Jonah"
Please tell us who is the cause of this evil that is happening to us.
"Who caused this bad thing that is happening to us?"
Jonah 1:9
fear Yahweh
The word "fear" refers Jonah having a deep respecting God.
Jonah 1:10
What is this that you have done?
The men on the ship used this rhetorical question to show how angry they were at Jonah. Alternate translation: "You have done a terrible thing." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])
he was running away from the presence of Yahweh
Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. Jonah was seeking to escape Yahweh as if Yahweh was present only in the land of Israel. Alternate translation: "Jonah was running away from Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])
because he had told them.
What he told them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "because he had said to them, 'I am trying to get away from Yahweh.'" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
Jonah 1:11
they said to Jonah
"the men on the ship said to Jonah" or "the sailors said to Jonah"
do to you so that the sea will calm down
"do with you in order to make the sea become calm"
the sea became more and more violent
This was the reason that the men asked Jonah what they should do. This reason can also be put at the beginning of verse 11 as in the UDB.
Jonah 1:12
for I know that it is because of me that this great storm is happening to you
"because I know this huge storm is my fault"
Jonah 1:13
Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get them back to the land
The men did not want to throw Jonah into the sea, so they rowed hard as if they were digging into the water to get back to land. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
the sea was becoming more and more violent
"the storm became worse, and the waves became bigger"
Jonah 1:14
Therefore
"Because of this" or "Because the sea became more violent"
they cried out to Yahweh
"the men prayed to Yahweh"
do not let us perish on account of this man's life
"Please do not kill us because we caused this man to die" or "We are going to cause this man to die. But please do not kill us"
do not lay upon us the guilt of his death
"please do not blame us for his death" or "do not consider us guilty when this man dies." The author speaks of "guilt" as if it were an object that can be placed on top of a person. It refers to making that person accountable for their actions. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
Jonah 1:15
the sea stopped raging
"the sea stopped moving violently" or "the sea became calm"
Jonah 1:16
feared Yahweh very much
"became greatly awed at Yahweh's power"
Jonah 1:17
General Information:
Some versions number this verse as the first verse of chapter 2. You may want to number the verses according to the main version that your language group uses.
Now
This word is used in English to introduce a new part of the story.
three days and three nights
"three days and nights"
Jonah 2
Jonah 2:intro-0
Jonah 02 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins with a prayer by Jonah, and many translators have chosen to set it apart by setting its lines farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. Translators can follow this practice, but they are not obligated to.
Special concepts in this chapter
# Sea
This chapter contains many terms from the sea.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
# Poetry
Prayers in Scripture often contain a poetic form. Poetry frequently uses metaphors to communicate something with a special meaning. For example, since Jonah was in a fish in the sea, being trapped is compared to a prison. Jonah is overwhelmed by the depth of the sea and expresses this by speaking about the at the "base of the mountains" and in the "belly of Sheol." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
# Repentance
Scholars are divided over whether Jonah's repentance was genuine or whether he was trying to save his life. In light of his attitude in chapter 4, it is uncertain if he was genuinely repentant. If possible, it is best for translators to avoid making a definitive stance on whether Jonah's repentance was genuine. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/save.md]])
Links:
Jonah 2:1
Yahweh his God
This means "Yahweh, the God he worshiped." The word "his" does not mean that Jonah owned God.
Jonah 2:2
He said
"Jonah said"
I called out to Yahweh about my distress
"I prayed to Yahweh about my great trouble." Even though Jonah was praying to Yahweh, he used Yahweh's name here and not "you." Alternate translation: "Yahweh, I called out to you about my distress"
he answered me
"Yahweh responded to me" or "he helped me"
from the belly of Sheol
"from the center of Sheol" or "from the deep part of Sheol." Possible meanings are 1) Jonah was speaking as being in the belly of the whale was being in Sheol or 2) Jonah believed that he was about to die and go to Sheol or 3) He spoke as if he already had died and gone there. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
Jonah 2:3
General Information:
This is a continuation of Jonah's prayer that started in Jonah 2:2. In verse 4 Jonah spoke of something he had prayed before this prayer.
into the depths, into the heart of the seas
This speaks of the vastness of the ocean Jonah was in. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])
into the heart of the seas
"to the bottom of the sea"
the currents surrounded me
"the sea water closed in around me"
waves and billows
These are disturbances on the surface of the ocean. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])
Jonah 2:4
I am driven out
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You have driven me away" or "You have sent me away" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
from before your eyes
Here Yahweh is represented by his "eyes." Alternate translation: "from you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])
yet I will again look toward your holy temple
Jonah has hope that, in spite of all he is going through, he will see the temple. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])
Jonah 2:5
General Information:
This is a continuation of Jonah's prayer that started in Jonah 2:2.
The waters
"The waters" refers to the sea.
my neck
Some versions understand the Hebrew word in this expression to mean "my life." In that interpretation, the waters were about to take away Jonah's life.
the deep was all around me
"the deep water was all around me"
seaweed
grass that grows in the sea
Jonah 2:6
the earth with its bars closed upon me forever
Jonah used a metaphor to compare the earth to a prison. Alternate translation: "the earth was like a prison that was about to lock me in forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
Yet you brought up my life from the pit
Jonah speaks of the place of the dead as if it were a pit. Alternate translation: "But you saved my life from the place of the dead" or "But you saved me from the place where the dead people are" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
Yahweh, my God!
In some languages, it may be more natural to put this at the beginning of the sentence or next to the word "you."
Jonah 2:7
General Information:
This is a continuation of Jonah's prayer that started in Jonah 2:2.
I called Yahweh to mind
Since Jonah was praying to Yahweh, it might be more clear in some languages to say "I thought about you, Yahweh" or "Yahweh, I thought about you."
then my prayer came to you, to your holy temple
Jonah speaks as if his prayers could travel to God and his temple. Alternate translation: "then you in your holy temple heard my prayer" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
Jonah 2:8
They give attention to meaningless gods
"People pay attention to meaningless gods"
forsake covenant faithfulness
"are rejecting you, who would be faithful to them"
Jonah 2:9
General Information:
This is a continuation of Jonah's prayer that started in Jonah 2:2.
But as for me, I
This expression in English shows that there is a contrast between the people Jonah had just spoken about and himself. They paid attention to useless gods, but he would worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: "But I"
I will sacrifice to you with a voice of thanksgiving
This means that Jonah would thank God while he offered a sacrifice to him. It is not clear whether Jonah planned to thank God by singing or shouting joyfully.
Salvation comes from Yahweh
This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "salvation" is expressed as the verb "save." "Yahweh is the one who saves people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])
Jonah 2:10
upon the dry land
"upon the ground" or "onto the shore"
Jonah 3
Jonah 3:intro-0
Jonah 03 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter returns to a narrative of Jonah's life.
Special concepts in this chapter
# Animals
According to the king's proclamation, the animals had to participate in the fast he ordered. This most likely reflects their pagan mindset. There was nothing in the law of Moses that instructed the people to have the animals participate in any religious acts. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]])
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
# Size of Nineveh
When the author talks about the size of Nineveh, the measurements he gives are confusing. The phrase "three days' journey" is ambiguous in Hebrew, as many scholars have remarked. In Jonah's day, cities were not as big as they are today. So although Nineveh was a big city, it was not as big as most modern cities.
# God repenting or relenting
The last verse of this chapter says, "So then God changed his mind about the punishment that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it." This concept of God changing his mind may be troubling for some translators and people may struggle to understand it. God's character is consistent. This whole book is written from a human viewpoint and so it is hard to understand the mind of God.
Yahweh is just and merciful so even though God did not follow through with a judgment in this instance, God's plan is always to punish evil. Later in history this nation did fall and was destroyed. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/mercy.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/judge.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/evil.md]])
Links:
Jonah 3:1
The word of Yahweh came
This is an idiom that means Yahweh spoke. See how you translated this in Jonah 1:1. Alternate translation: "Yahweh spoke his message" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])
Jonah 3:2
Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city
"Go to the important city of Nineveh"
Get up
This refers to leaving the place one is at. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])
proclaim to it the message that I command you to give
"tell the people what I tell you to tell them"
Jonah 3:3
the word of Yahweh
Here "word" represents Yahweh's message. Alternate translation: "the message of Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])
So Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, according to the word of Yahweh
"This time Jonah obeyed Yahweh and went to Nineveh"
Jonah got up
"Jonah left the beach." The words "got up" refer to preparing to go somewhere. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])
Now
This word is used here to mark a change from the story to information about Nineveh.
one of three days' journey
"a city of three days' journey." A person had to walk for three days to completely go through it. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])
Jonah 3:4
after a day's journey he called out
Possible meanings are 1) "after Jonah walked a day's journey he called out" or 2) "while Jonah walked on the first day, he called out."
after a day's journey
"after a day's walk." A day's journey is the distance that people would normally travel in one day. Alternate translation: "after Jonah walked for one day"
he called out and said
"he proclaimed" or "he shouted"
forty days
"40 days" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])
Jonah 3:5
They all put on sackcloth
Why people put on sackcloth can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "They also put on coarse cloth to show that they were sorry for having sinned" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
from the greatest of them down to the least of them
"from the most significant to the least significant people" or "including all the important people and all the unimportant people"
Jonah 3:6
the news
"Jonah's message"
He rose up from his throne
"He got up from his throne" or "He stood up from his throne." The king left his throne to show that he was acting humbly.
throne
A throne is a chair that the king sits on. It shows that he is the king.
Jonah 3:7
He sent out a proclamation that said
"He sent out an official announcement that said" or "He sent his messengers to announce to the people in Nineveh"
nobles
important men who helped the king rule the city
herd nor flock
This refers to two kinds of animals that people care for. Alternate translation: "cattle or sheep"
Let them not eat, nor drink water
"They must not eat nor drink anything." The reason they were not to eat or drink anything can be made explicit by adding "in order to show that they are sorry for their sins." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
Jonah 3:8
General Information:
This is a continuation of what the king told the people of Nineveh.
But let both
"Let both"
let both man and animal be covered with sackcloth
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let people and animals wear sackcloth" or "let people cover themselves and their animals with sackcloth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
animal
The word "animal" refers to animals that people own.
cry out loudly to God
"pray earnestly to God." What they were to pray for can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "cry out loudly to God and ask for mercy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
the violence that is in his hands
This means "the violent things that he does"
Jonah 3:9
Who knows?
The king used this rhetorical question to get the people to think about something that they might not have thought possible, that if they would stop sinning, God might not kill them. It could be translated as a statement: "We do not know." Or it could be stated as a word and be part of the next sentence: "Perhaps." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])
God may relent and change his mind
"God may decide to do something different" or "God may not do what he said he will do"
we do not perish
"we do not die." Here perish equates to drowning at sea.
Jonah 3:10
God saw what they did
"God understood that they stopped doing evil actions"
they turned from their evil ways
The author speaks of the people stop sinning as if they turned their back to an object. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
God changed his mind about the punishment that he had said he would do to them
Here God deciding not to do the punishment he had planned is spoken of is if he changed his mind. Alternate translation: "God changed his thinking about the punishment that he had said he would do to them" or "God decided not to punish them as he had said he would" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
he did not do it
What God was to do can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "he did not punish them" or "he did not destroy them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
Jonah 4
Jonah 4:intro-0
Jonah 04 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Jonah continues the narrative while bringing the book to what seems like an unusual end. This emphasizes that the book is not really about Jonah. It is about God's desire to be merciful on anyone, whether Jew or pagan. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/mercy.md]])
Special concepts in this chapter
# Jonah's anger
It is important to see the relationship between a prophet and Yahweh. Aprophet was to prophesy for Yahweh, and his words must come true. According to the law of Moses, if that did not happen, the penalty was death. When Jonah told the city of Nineveh that it was going to be destroyed in forty days, he was certain it was going to happen. When it did not happen, Jonah was angry with God because he hated the people of Nineveh. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/prophet.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]])
Important figures of speech in this chapter
# Rhetorical questions
As in other places, Jonah asks rhetorical questions to show how angry he was at Yahweh. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])
# Parallel to Mount Sinai
In verse 2, Jonah attributes a series of characteristics to God. A Jewish reader of this book would recognize this as a formula Moses used in speaking about God when he was meeting God on Mount Sinai. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
# God's grace
When Jonah went outside the city, he got very hot and God graciously provided some relief through the plant. God was trying to teach Jonah through an object lesson. It is important for the reader to see this clearly. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/grace.md]])
Links:
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Jonah 4:1
General Information:
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Jonah 4:2
Ah, Yahweh
The word "Ah" expresses Jonah's feeling of frustration.
is this not just what I said when I was back in my own country?
Jonah used this rhetorical question to show God how angry he was. Also, what Jonah said when he was back in his own country can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "When I was still in my own country I knew that if I warned the people of Nineveh, they would repent, and you would not destroy them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
because I knew that you are a gracious God ... and you hold back from sending disaster
This was Jonah's reason for going to Tarshish instead of to Nineveh. He did not want to go to Nineveh and preach to the people there, because he did not want them to turn from their sins, and he did not want God to be kind to them.
abounding in steadfast love
The abstract noun "love" can be expressed with the verb "love." Alternate translation: "always willing to love people without ceasing" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])
you hold back from sending disaster
God sends disaster on sinners to punish them. But if sinners repent from their sin, he forgives them and does not send disaster. This implicit information can be expressed more clearly. Alternate translation: "you forgive people and do not send disaster on them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
Jonah 4:3
take my life from me
Jonah's reason for wanting to die can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "since you will not destroy Nineveh as you said you would, please allow me to die" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
for it is better for me to die than to live
"I would prefer to die than live" or "because I want to die. I do not want to live"
Jonah 4:4
Is it good that you are so angry?
God used this rhetorical question to scold Jonah for being angry about something he should not have been angry about. Alternate translation: "Your anger is not good." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])
Jonah 4:5
went out of the city
"left the city of Nineveh"
what might become of the city
"what would happen to the city." Jonah wanted to see if God would destroy the city or not destroy it.
Jonah 4:6
over Jonah so that it might be a shade over his head
"over Jonah's head for shade"
to relieve his distress
"to protect Jonah from the heat of the sun"
Jonah 4:7
But God prepared a worm
"God sent a worm"
It attacked the plant
"The worm chewed the plant"
the plant withered
The plant became dry and died. Alternate translation: "the plant died"
Jonah 4:8
God prepared a hot east wind
God caused a hot wind from the east to blow on Jonah. If wind can only mean a cool or cold wind then you can try this. Alternate translation: "God sent a very hot warmth from the east to Jonah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
the sun beat down
"the sun was very hot"
on Jonah's head
Jonah may have felt the heat most on his head. Alternate translation: "on Jonah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])
he became faint
"he became very weak" or "he lost his strength"
It is better for me to die than to live
"I would prefer to die than live" or "Because I want to die. I do not want to live." See how you translated this in Jonah 4:3.
Jonah 4:9
Is it good that you are so angry about the plant?
God challenges Jonah for being angry that the plant died and yet wanted God to kill the people of Nineveh. Alternate translation: "Your anger about the plant dying is not good." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])
Is it good that you are so angry about the plant?
implicit information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "You should be more concerned about the people in Nineveh dying than about the plant dying." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
It is good that I am angry, even to death.
"It is good that I am angry. Now I am angry enough to die!"
Jonah 4:10
Yahweh said
It may be helpful to say that Yahweh was speaking to Jonah. Alternate translation: "Yahweh said to Jonah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
Jonah 4:11
should I not have compassion for Nineveh, that great city ... animals?
God used this question to emphasize his claim that he should have compassion on Nineveh. Alternate translation: "I certainly should have compassion for Nineveh, that important city ... animals." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])
in which there are more
This can also be the beginning of a new sentence. Alternate translation: "There are more" or "It has more"
who do not know the difference between their right hand and their left hand
This may be a way of saying "they cannot tell the difference between right and wrong."
also many animals
The author is pointing out the depth of Nineveh's repentance to the extent that Yahweh takes note of the animals' participation in the act of repentance. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])