Jonah
Jonah front
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, who prays and is rescued. (1:17–2:10)
- 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: милість, бути помилуваним, милостивий, благодать, милість, добрий and каятися, покаяння)
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: Как переводить имена и названия)
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: бог (хибний), свої боги)
Jonah 1
Jonah 1 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 1:17, there is the mention of “a great fish.” It may be difficult to imagine a sea creature big enough to swallow a man whole. Jonah then survives for three days and nights inside the fish. Translators should not try to explain miraculous events in an attempt to make it easier to understand. (See: чудо, чудеса, знамення, знак)
Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter
Situational irony
There is an ironic situation in this chapter. This means that people do or say things that are the opposite of what one would expect them to do. Jonah is a prophet of God, and as such, he should endeavor to do God’s will. Instead, he runs away from God. Although the Gentile sailors are not Israelites, they act out of faith and fear of Yahweh when sending Jonah to an almost certain death by throwing him overboard. (See: Ирония, пророк, пророчиця, пророцтво, пророкувати and воля Божа, воля Бога, Його воля and віра, вірність)
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 sailing on a ship to get away from Yahweh. His actions are contrasted to the actions of the Gentiles. (See: Ирония and страх, страх, трепет, боятися, злякатися,)
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: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
Jonah 1:1
Now the word of Yahweh came
Quote: וַֽיְהִי֙ דְּבַר־יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This phrase introduces the first half of the story of Jonah. The same phrase introduces the second half of the story (3:1). This is a common way of beginning a historical story about a prophet. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event.
Now the word of Yahweh came
Quote: וַֽיְהִי֙ דְּבַר־יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom meaning that Yahweh spoke or communicated his message in some way. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his message”
the word of Yahweh
Quote: דְּבַר־יְהוָ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh”
Amittai
Quote: אֲמִתַּ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Amittai is the name of Jonah’s father.
Jonah 1:2
Get up, go to Nineveh, the great city
Quote: ק֠וּם לֵ֧ךְ אֶל־נִֽינְוֵ֛ה הָעִ֥יר הַגְּדוֹלָ֖ה (1)Alternate translation: “Arise and go to the large and important city, Nineveh”
Get up
Quote: ק֠וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Get up is an idiom that means that Jonah should take action and go. It does not mean that he was sitting or lying down at the time that God spoke to him. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Many languages would use only one verb, such as “go.”
and call out against it
Quote: וּקְרָ֣א עָלֶ֑יהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word it here, meaning the city of Nineveh, refers to the people living in and around the city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and warn the people”
their wickedness has risen up before my face
Quote: עָלְתָ֥ה רָעָתָ֖ם לְפָנָֽי (1)Alternate translation: “I know they have been continually sinning” or “I know that their sin has been getting worse and worse”
before my face
Quote: לְפָנָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is an expression that uses the face of Yahweh to represent his presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The idea of Yahweh’s presence also includes his knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Yahweh is saying that he has noticed how wicked the people of Nineveh have become.
Jonah 1:3
But Jonah got up to run away
Quote: וַיָּ֤קָם יוֹנָה֙ לִבְרֹ֣חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the words got up mean that Jonah took action in response to God’s command, but his action was to disobey instead of to obey. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this idiom in 1:2. Alternate translation: “but Jonah ran away”
from before the face of Yahweh. … away from before the face of Yahweh
Quote: מִלִּפְנֵ֖י יְהוָ֑ה & מִלִּפְנֵ֖י יְהוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The expression the face of Yahweh represents his presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The idea of Yahweh’s presence also includes his knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. By running away, Jonah is hoping that Yahweh will not notice that he is disobeying. Alternate translation: “from the presence of Yahweh” … “away from Yahweh”
to run away to Tarshish
Quote: לִבְרֹ֣חַ תַּרְשִׁ֔ישָׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This city named Tarshish was in the direction opposite to Nineveh. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and went in the opposite direction, toward Tarshish, away”
And he went down to Joppa
Quote: וַיֵּ֨רֶד יָפ֜וֹ (1)Alternate translation: “Jonah went to Joppa”
a ship
Quote: אָנִיָּ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A ship is a a very large type of boat that can travel on the sea and carry many passengers or heavy cargo. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of boat, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term.
So he paid the fare
Quote: וַיִּתֵּ֨ן שְׂכָרָ֜הּ (1)Alternate translation: “There Jonah paid the cost of his trip”
and went down into it
Quote: וַיֵּ֤רֶד בָּהּ֙ (1)Alternate translation: “and got on the ship”
with them
Quote: עִמָּהֶם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun them refers to the others who were going on the ship. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “the crew and passengers"
away from before the face of Yahweh
Quote: מִלִּפְנֵ֖י יְהוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is an expression that refers to the face of Yahweh to represent his presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The idea of Yahweh’s presence also includes his knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. By running away, Jonah may be hoping that Yahweh will not notice that he is disobeying. Alternate translation: “out of the presence of Yahweh” or “away from Yahweh”
Jonah 1:4
But Yahweh sent out a great wind on the sea
Quote: וַֽיהוָ֗ה הֵטִ֤יל רֽוּחַ־גְּדוֹלָה֙ אֶל־הַיָּ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This clause introduces the new event of Yahweh’s response to Jonah's disobedience. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Translate this so that your readers know that this event brings a change in the story.
so that the ship was thinking to be broken apart
Quote: וְהָ֣אֳנִיָּ֔ה חִשְּׁבָ֖ה לְהִשָּׁבֵֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here, the author speaks of the ship as if it were a person who could think. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. The clause means that the storm was so severe that the ship was close to breaking apart. Alternate translation: “so that the ship was almost breaking apart”
to be broken apart
Quote: לְהִשָּׁבֵֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to break apart”
Jonah 1:5
the sailors
Quote: הַמַּלָּחִ֗ים (1)Alternate translation: “the men who worked on the ship” or "the crew"
his own god
Quote: אֱלֹהָיו֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The author assumes that his audience will know that by his own god he does not mean the true God, Yahweh. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: "the idol or false god that he worshiped"
to lighten it from upon them
Quote: לְהָקֵ֖ל מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) to make the ship lighter so that it would float better, Alternate translation: “to help the ship float better” or (2) to lighten or relieve a dangerous situation, Alternate translation: “to lessen the danger they were in”
But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship
Quote: וְיוֹנָ֗ה יָרַד֙ אֶל־יַרְכְּתֵ֣י הַסְּפִינָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This verse provides background information about Jonah's circumstances to help readers understand what happens next in the story. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information and that Jonah had already done this before the storm started.
the innermost parts of the ship
Quote: יַרְכְּתֵ֣י הַסְּפִינָ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: “the interior of the ship”
and had lain down, and was deeply asleep
Quote: וַיִּשְׁכַּ֖ב וַיֵּרָדַֽם (1)Alternate translation: “and was lying there fast asleep” or “and lay sound asleep”
Jonah 1:6
Then the captain of the crew came to him and said to him
Quote: וַיִּקְרַ֤ב אֵלָיו֙ רַ֣ב הַחֹבֵ֔ל וַיֹּ֥אמֶר ל֖וֹ (1)Alternate translation: “Then the man in charge of the men working on the ship went to Jonah and said”
What are you doing sleeping
Quote: מַה־לְּךָ֣ נִרְדָּ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The captain is using the question form to scold Jonah. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Stop sleeping!”
Get up
Quote: ק֚וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a command to begin some activity, which is named in the sentence following this word. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this idiom in 1:2 and 1:3. In this verse, the captain is telling Jonah to pray to his god. Because Jonah was lying down, the captain may also be telling Jonah literally to stand up.
Cry out to your god
Quote: קְרָ֣א אֶל־אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To Cry out to someone means to loudly ask him for help. Alternate translation: “Pray to your god”
Maybe that god will notice us and we will not perish
Quote: אוּלַ֞י יִתְעַשֵּׁ֧ת הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים לָ֖נוּ וְלֹ֥א נֹאבֵֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that Jonah's god might save them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Maybe your god will hear and save us so that we will not die”
and we will not perish
Quote: וְלֹ֥א נֹאבֵֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb perish. Alternate translation: “and he will save us” or "and we will survive"
Jonah 1:7
Then every man said to his friend
Quote: וַיֹּאמְר֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵ֗הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase every man said to his friend is an idiom expressing reciprocal action. This means that all the men in the group were saying this to each other. Alternate translation: “the sailors all said to each other”
Come, and let us cast lots, so that we may know on whose account this evil is happening to us
Quote: לְכוּ֙ וְנַפִּ֣ילָה גֽוֹרָל֔וֹת וְנֵ֣דְעָ֔ה בְּשֶׁלְּמִ֛י הָרָעָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לָ֑נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase so that we may know implies that 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. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “We should cast lots to know who has caused this trouble”
this evil
Quote: הָרָעָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את (1)Alternate translation: "this terrible storm"
and the lot fell on Jonah
Quote: וַיִּפֹּ֥ל הַגּוֹרָ֖ל עַל־יוֹנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression the lot fell on Jonah is an idiom meaning that when the men cast lots, the result indicated Jonah. This does not mean that the lot literally fell down on top of Jonah. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the lot showed that Jonah was the guilty person”
Jonah 1:8
Then they said to him
Quote: וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֔יו (1)Alternate translation: “Then the men who were working on the ship said to Jonah”
Please tell us on whose account this evil is happening to us
Quote: הַגִּידָה־נָּ֣א לָ֔נוּ בַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר לְמִי־הָרָעָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לָ֑נוּ (1)Alternate translation: “Reveal to us who caused this bad thing that is happening to us”
Jonah 1:9
I fear Yahweh, the God of heaven
Quote: יְהוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֤י הַשָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ אֲנִ֣י יָרֵ֔א (1)Here, I fear Yahweh is an idiom that means “I worship Yahweh and not any other god.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly.
Jonah 1:10
Then the men were afraid with great fear
Quote: וַיִּֽירְא֤וּ הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ יִרְאָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: “Then the men were extremely frightened”
What is this that you have done
Quote: מַה־זֹּ֣את עָשִׂ֑יתָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The men on the ship use a rhetorical question to show how afraid and angry they were that Jonah was causing so much trouble for all of them. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have done a terrible thing!”
from before the face of Yahweh
Quote: מִלִּפְנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is an expression that refers to the face of Yahweh to represent his presence. The idea of Yahweh’s presence also includes his knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. By running away, Jonah is hoping that Yahweh will not notice that he is disobeying. Alternate translation: “from the presence of Yahweh” or “from Yahweh”
because he had told them
Quote: כִּ֥י הִגִּ֖יד לָהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background
This verse provides background information about Jonah's disobedience to help readers understand what happens next in the story. Before the sailors cast lots, Jonah had already told them that he was running away from Yahweh, the God he worshiped. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.
because he had told them
Quote: כִּ֥י הִגִּ֖יד לָהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
What he told them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “because he had said to them, ‘I am trying to get away from Yahweh’”
Jonah 1:11
Then they said to him
Quote: וַיֹּאמְר֤וּ אֵלָיו֙ (1)Alternate translation: “Then the men on the ship said to Jonah” or “Then the sailors said to Jonah”
What should we do to you so that the sea will calm down from upon us
Quote: מַה־נַּ֣עֲשֶׂה לָּ֔ךְ וְיִשְׁתֹּ֥ק הַיָּ֖ם מֵֽעָלֵ֑ינוּ (1)Alternate translation: “What should we do with you in order to make the sea become calm?”
the sea was going forward and storming
Quote: הַיָּ֖ם הוֹלֵ֥ךְ וְסֹעֵֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means that the sea was becoming increasingly stormy. Alternate translation: “the strength of the storm was increasing”
the sea was going forward and storming
Quote: הַיָּ֖ם הוֹלֵ֥ךְ וְסֹעֵֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
This was the reason that the men asked Jonah what they should do. If it is more clear in your language to put the reason first, this can be stated at the beginning of verse 11, connecting to the result with a word like “so” or “therefore.”
Jonah 1:12
for I know that this great storm is upon you because of me
Quote: כִּ֚י יוֹדֵ֣עַ אָ֔נִי כִּ֣י בְשֶׁלִּ֔י הַסַּ֧עַר הַגָּד֛וֹל הַזֶּ֖ה עֲלֵיכֶֽם (1)Alternate translation: “because I know that this huge storm is my fault”
Jonah 1:13
But the men rowed hard to return themselves to the land
Quote: וַיַּחְתְּר֣וּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים לְהָשִׁ֛יב אֶל־הַיַּבָּשָׁ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
They did not do as Jonah suggested. The implication is that the men did not want to throw Jonah into the sea. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers.
the sea was going forward and storming
Quote: הַיָּ֔ם הוֹלֵ֥ךְ וְסֹעֵ֖ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated this idiom in 1:11. Alternate translation: “the storm became worse, and even taller waves broke”
Jonah 1:14
So they cried out
Quote: וַיִּקְרְא֨וּ (1)Alternate translation: “Because of that they called out” or “Because the sea became more violent, they called loudly”
So they cried out to Yahweh
Quote: וַיִּקְרְא֨וּ אֶל־יְהוָ֜ה (1)Alternate translation: “Therefore, the men prayed loudly to Yahweh”
Ah
Quote: אָנָּ֤ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Ah! is an exclamation that is expressing intense desperation. Use an exclamation that would communicate that meaning in your language.
Ah! Yahweh, please do not let us perish on account of the life of this man
Quote: אָנָּ֤ה יְהוָה֙ אַל־נָ֣א נֹאבְדָ֗ה בְּנֶ֨פֶשׁ֙ הָאִ֣ישׁ הַזֶּ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: “O Yahweh, please do not kill us because we caused this man to die” or “O Yahweh, even though we are going to cause this man to die, please do not kill us”
and do not put innocent blood upon us
Quote: וְאַל־תִּתֵּ֥ן עָלֵ֖ינוּ דָּ֣ם נָקִ֑יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, do not put innocent blood upon us is an idiom that means ““do not consider us guilty of killing an innocent person.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and please do not blame us for his death” or “and do not hold us accountable for having killed someone who did not deserve to die”
you, Yahweh, have done just as you desired
Quote: אַתָּ֣ה יְהוָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר חָפַ֖צְתָּ עָשִֽׂיתָ (1)Alternate translation: “you, Yahweh, have chosen to do things in this way” or “you, Yahweh, have caused all this to happen”
Jonah 1:15
and the sea ceased from its raging
Quote: וַיַּעֲמֹ֥ד הַיָּ֖ם מִזַּעְפּֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “the sea stopped moving violently”
Jonah 1:16
Then the men feared Yahweh with great fear
Quote: וַיִּֽירְא֧וּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֛ים יִרְאָ֥ה גְדוֹלָ֖ה אֶת־יְהוָ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “then the men became greatly awed at Yahweh’s power” or “then the men worshiped Yahweh with great awe”
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 Yahweh appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah
Quote: וַיְמַ֤ן יְהוָה֙ דָּ֣ג גָּד֔וֹל לִבְלֹ֖עַ אֶת־יוֹנָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
The author is using the word translated Now to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. The first clause introduces the next part of the story, where Yahweh saves Jonah from the sea, and Jonah prays.
three days and three nights
Quote: שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה יָמִ֖ים וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה לֵילֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Perhaps this expression is an idiom in Hebrew meaning “a couple of days” or “a few days” or something similar, but this is uncertain. Alternate translation: “three days and nights”
Jonah 2
Jonah 2 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 so trapped is compared to a prison. Jonah is overwhelmed by the depth of the sea and expresses this by speaking about being at the “base of the mountains” and in the “belly of Sheol.” (See: Метафора)
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 whether he was genuinely repentant. If possible, it is best for translators to avoid taking a definitive stance on whether Jonah’s repentance was genuine. (See: каятися, покаяння and рятувати, порятунок, рятівний, врятував)
Jonah 2:1
Yahweh his God
Quote: יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe Yahweh as the God whom Jonah worshiped. The word his does not mean that Jonah owned God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly.
Jonah 2:2
And he said
Quote: וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (1)Alternate translation: “Jonah said”
I cried out to Yahweh from my distress, and he answered me
Quote: קָ֠רָאתִי מִצָּ֥רָה לִ֛י אֶל־יְהוָ֖ה וַֽיַּעֲנֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
This is poetic language. If your language has a way to indicate poetry, you could use it here. This line begins a poem describing Jonah’s experience and prayer in the belly of the fish. The poem does not give the exact words that Jonah prayed at the time because the poem was written later, describing Jonah’s experience in the fish, his prayer, and God’s answer as if they had already happened. This first line of the poem can be understood in one of two ways: either as being addressed to Yahweh as part of the description of the prayer, or as being addressed to another person as an introduction to the description of the prayer. See also the Note concerning the phrase “Salvation belongs to Yahweh!” in 2:9.
I cried out to Yahweh from my distress
Quote: קָ֠רָאתִי מִצָּ֥רָה לִ֛י אֶל־יְהוָ֖ה (1)Alternate translation: “I prayed to Yahweh during my great trouble” or “Yahweh, I cried out to you during my distress”
and he answered me
Quote: וַֽיַּעֲנֵ֑נִי (1)Alternate translation: “and Yahweh responded to me" or "and he helped me" or "and you answered me”
from the belly of Sheol
Quote: מִבֶּ֧טֶן שְׁא֛וֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The possible meanings of the metaphor from the belly of Sheol could include: (1) that Jonah was speaking of being in the belly of the fish as being in Sheol; or (2) that Jonah believed that he was about to die and go to Sheol; or (3) that he was speaking as if he already had died and gone to Sheol.
Sheol
Quote: שְׁא֛וֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Sheol was the name of the place where people went after they died. It was thought to be a shadowy world located somewhere under the ground. The New Testament equivalent seems to be “Hades,” where the dead wait for judgment (see Rev. 20:13). If your language has a word for this place, you may want to use it here, or borrow the word “Sheol.”
you heard my voice
Quote: שָׁמַ֥עְתָּ קוֹלִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase probably has both a literal and a figurative meaning. The phrase probably means literally that Yahweh heard Jonah’s voice while he was praying inside the belly of the fish. However, the phrase “to hear someone’s voice” in the Old Testament often means “to listen and obey (comply).” In this context, Jonah is expressing that Yahweh both heard him and acted to save him. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly.
Jonah 2:3
into the heart of the seas
Quote: בִּלְבַ֣ב יַמִּ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the term heart is a metaphor for “being inside” something. The phrase “in the heart of” means to be “in the middle of” or “completely surrounded by” sea water. Alternate translation: “in the middle of the sea”
and a current surrounded me
Quote: וְנָהָ֖ר יְסֹבְבֵ֑נִי (1)Alternate translation: “the sea water flowed all around me”
your billows and your waves
Quote: מִשְׁבָּרֶ֥יךָ וְגַלֶּ֖יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both of these are disturbances on the surface of the ocean. They could be combined into one term, such as “waves.”
Jonah 2:4
But as for me
Quote: וַאֲנִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
This expression shows that there is a contrast between the actions of Yahweh, which Jonah had just talked about, and his own response. Now he is going to speak of his own response. Alternate translation: “And I”
I have been driven out
Quote: נִגְרַ֖שְׁתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You drove me out”
from before your eyes
Quote: מִנֶּ֣גֶד עֵינֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, eyes is a metonym meaning seeing, and seeing is a metonym for the knowledge, notice, and attention of God. Alternate translation: “from before you” or “from your presence” or “to where you do not notice me”
yet I might again look toward your holy temple
Quote: אַ֚ךְ אוֹסִ֣יף לְהַבִּ֔יט אֶל־הֵיכַ֖ל קָדְשֶֽׁךָ (1)Jonah still has hope that, in spite of all that he is going through, God will allow him to see the temple in Jerusalem again.
Jonah 2:5
Water had closed around me even as far as life, the deep was surrounding me
Quote: אֲפָפ֤וּנִי מַ֨יִם֙ עַד־נֶ֔פֶשׁ תְּה֖וֹם יְסֹבְבֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Jonah uses two similar phrases to express the severity and hopelessness of his situation.
Water
Quote: מַ֨יִם֙ (1)Alternate translation: "The sea"
even as far as life
Quote: עַד־נֶ֔פֶשׁ (1)Here the Hebrew term life can possibly mean “my life” or “my neck” or “my spirit.” In any case, the water was threatening to end his life. Alternate translation: “up to my neck” or “as far as my spirit”
the deep was surrounding me
Quote: תְּה֖וֹם יְסֹבְבֵ֑נִי (1)Alternate translation: “deep water was all around me”
seaweed
Quote: ס֖וּף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
Seaweed is grass that grows in the sea.
Jonah 2:6
the earth with its bars were around me forever
Quote: הָאָ֛רֶץ בְּרִחֶ֥יהָ בַעֲדִ֖י לְעוֹלָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Jonah uses 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”
but you brought up my life from the pit
Quote: וַתַּ֧עַל מִשַּׁ֛חַת חַיַּ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the term pit has more than one meaning. This could mean: (1) a way to describe being in a very deep place underground or underwater. Alternate translation: “but you saved me from dying in a deep place” (2) a metaphor meaning the place of the dead. In either case, the term probably refers to the fact that Jonah felt certain that he would die. Alternate translation: “but you saved my life from the place of the dead”
Yahweh, my God
Quote: יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
If it would be more natural in your language, you could put this at the beginning of the sentence or next to the word “you.”
Jonah 2:7
When my spirit fainted upon me
Quote: בְּהִתְעַטֵּ֤ף עָלַי֙ נַפְשִׁ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous
This phrase could mean that: (1) Jonah was already in the process of dying when he remembered Yahweh. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “when my life was fainting away from me” (2) Jonah had given up hope of being rescued and resigned himself to the fact that he would die. Alternate translation: “when my spirit inside me had fainted”
I remembered Yahweh
Quote: אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה זָכָ֑רְתִּי (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh, I thought about you”
and my prayer came to you, to your holy temple
Quote: וַתָּב֤וֹא אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ תְּפִלָּתִ֔י אֶל־הֵיכַ֖ל קָדְשֶֽׁךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Jonah speaks as if his prayers could travel to God and his temple. This means that God heard his prayer and responded to it. Alternate translation: “then you in your holy temple heard my prayer”
your holy temple
Quote: הֵיכַ֖ל קָדְשֶֽׁךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the term holy temple may have either a literal or a figurative meaning or perhaps both. Jonah might be speaking about the literal temple in Jerusalem, or he might be speaking about God’s dwelling place in heaven.
my spirit
Quote: נַפְשִׁ֔י (1)Here the Hebrew term my spirit could also mean my life.
Jonah 2:8
Those who give attention to empty vanities
Quote: מְשַׁמְּרִ֖ים הַבְלֵי־שָׁ֑וְא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the term empty vanities is probably an idiom referring to idols of false gods. Alternate translation: “Those who give attention to useless idols” or “Those who pay attention to useless gods”
forsake their covenant faithfulness
Quote: חַסְדָּ֖ם יַעֲזֹֽבוּ (1)Here, covenant faithfulness could mean: (1) the faithfulness of God. Alternate translation: “are rejecting you, who would be faithful to them” (2) the faithfulness of the people. Alternate translation: “are abandoning their commitment to you”
Jonah 2:9
But as for me
Quote: וַאֲנִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
This expression shows that there is a contrast between Jonah himself and the people about whom Jonah had just spoken. 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
Quote: בְּק֤וֹל תּוֹדָה֙ אֶזְבְּחָה־לָּ֔ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase with a voice of thanksgiving is an idiom that means “giving God praise.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. This full phrase probably 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 belongs to Yahweh
Quote: יְשׁוּעָ֖תָה לַיהוָֽה (1)This last line of the poem could be understood as: (1) being addressed to Yahweh as part of the description of the prayer. (2) being addressed to another person as a conclusion to the description of the prayer. See also the Note concerning the phrase “I cried out to Yahweh from my distress … ” in 2:2.
Salvation belongs to Yahweh
Quote: יְשׁוּעָ֖תָה לַיהוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word Salvation, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “save.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the one who saves people”
Jonah 2:10
onto the dry land
Quote: אֶל־הַיַּבָּשָֽׁה (1)Alternate translation: “upon the ground” or “onto the shore”
Jonah 3
Jonah 3 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 which he had 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: закон, закон Мойсея, Божі закони, Закон Яхве, , Закон, книга Мойсея)
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 seem inconsistent with the fact that God’s character and his plans do not change. But this whole book is written from a human viewpoint, and so it presents the actions of God as Jonah saw them. God had told Jonah to warn the Ninevites of judgment for their sin.
Yahweh is just, but he is also merciful. Because the Ninevites repented, God did not follow through with a judgment in this instance, and Jonah described that in a human way as “changing his mind.” The reader understands that this was God’s plan from the beginning. (See: справедливий, правильний, виправдовувати, бути виправданим, милість, бути помилуваним, милостивий and суд and зло, злість, злість, злий, поганий, злитися, лихо, досада, прикрий)
Jonah 3:1
Then the word of Yahweh came
Quote: וַיְהִ֧י דְבַר־יְהוָ֛ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This phrase introduces the second half of the story of Jonah. The same phrase introduced the first half of the story 1:1.
Then the word of Yahweh came
Quote: וַיְהִ֧י דְבַר־יְהוָ֛ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom meaning that Yahweh spoke in some way. See how you translated this in 1:1. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh spoke his message”
Jonah 3:2
Get up, go to Nineveh, the great city
Quote: ק֛וּם לֵ֥ךְ אֶל־נִֽינְוֵ֖ה הָעִ֣יר הַגְּדוֹלָ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “Go to the large and important city of Nineveh”
Get up
Quote: ק֛וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Get up here is an idiom intended to motivate Jonah to obey the next command, which is “go.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this in 1:2 and 1:3.
and call out to it the proclamation that I tell to you
Quote: וִּקְרָ֤א אֵלֶ֨יהָ֙ אֶת־הַקְּרִיאָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י דֹּבֵ֥ר אֵלֶֽיךָ (1)Alternate translation: “and tell the people there what I tell you to tell them”
Jonah 3:3
So Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, according to the word of Yahweh
Quote: וַיָּ֣קָם יוֹנָ֗ה וַיֵּ֛לֶךְ אֶל־נִֽינְוֶ֖ה כִּדְבַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the words got up mean that Jonah took action in response to God’s command to go, and this time he obeyed instead of disobeying. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This time Jonah obeyed Yahweh and went to Nineveh” or “So Jonah left the beach and went to Nineveh, as Yahweh had commanded him”
according to the word of Yahweh
Quote: כִּדְבַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Alternate translation: “as instructed by the message of Yahweh” or “obeying the command of Yahweh”
Now Nineveh was great city to God, a journey of three days
Quote: וְנִֽינְוֵ֗ה הָיְתָ֤ה עִיר־גְּדוֹלָה֙ לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים מַהֲלַ֖ךְ שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This verse provides background information about the city of Nineveh to help readers understand what happens next in the story. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.
great city to God
Quote: עִיר־גְּדוֹלָה֙ לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, great city is an idiom that means “the city is both extremely large and one of the largest cities in the world.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly.
a journey of three days
Quote: מַהֲלַ֖ךְ שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This appears to mean that a person had to walk for three days to completely go through it from one side of the city to the opposite side. It could also mean that it took three days to see the whole city. If this phrase does not have a similar meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a city so large that it would take a person three days to walk through it”
Jonah 3:4
So Jonah began to go into the city a journey of one day, and he called out
Quote: וַיָּ֤חֶל יוֹנָה֙ לָב֣וֹא בָעִ֔יר מַהֲלַ֖ךְ י֣וֹם אֶחָ֑ד וַיִּקְרָא֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase a journey of one day could mean: (1) Jonah walked a day’s journey into the city and then he started calling out. (2) while Jonah was walking through the city on the first day, he started calling out.
and he called out and said
Quote: וַיִּקְרָא֙ וַיֹּאמַ֔ר (1)Alternate translation: “and he proclaimed” or “and he shouted”
Until forty days
Quote: ע֚וֹד אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם (1)Alternate translation: “After 40 days” or “in 40 days” or “When 40 days have passed”
forty days
Quote: אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
forty days
Jonah 3:5
And they proclaimed a fast
Quote: וַיִּקְרְאוּ־צוֹם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The men of Nineveh proclaimed a fast as a symbolic action to show that they were repentant. People fasted to show sadness or devotion to God or both. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote.
and put on sackcloth
Quote: וַיִּלְבְּשׁ֣וּ שַׂקִּ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication for why they put on sackcloth is that they repented of their sin. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they also put on coarse cloth to show that they were sorry for having sinned”
from the greatest of them even to the least of them
Quote: מִגְּדוֹלָ֖ם וְעַד־קְטַנָּֽם (1)Alternate translation: “from the most significant to the least significant people” or “including all of the important people and all of the unimportant people”
Jonah 3:6
the word
Quote: הַדָּבָר֙ (1)Alternate translation: “Jonah’s message”
and he rose up from his throne
Quote: וַיָּ֨קָם֙ מִכִּסְא֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The king rose up from his throne as a symbolic action to show that he was acting humbly. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “he got up from his throne” or “he stood up from his throne”
from his throne
Quote: מִכִּסְא֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A throne is a a special, ceremonial chair that a king sits on when performing his official duties as king. It is reserved for only the king. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of royal seat, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: "his royal chair"
and sat down on the ash heap
Quote: וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב עַל־הָאֵֽפֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The act of sitting on the ash heap as a symbolic action meant to show deep sorrow. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: "and sat among the ashes to show his humility and deep sorrow"
Jonah 3:7
And he proclaimed and spoke … saying
Quote: וַיַּזְעֵ֗ק וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ & לֵאמֹ֑ר (1)Alternate translation: “And he sent out an official announcement … which said” or “And he sent his messengers to announce … and they said”
from a decree of the king and his nobles
Quote: מִטַּ֧עַם הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ וּגְדֹלָ֖יו (1)Alternate translation: “a command with the full authority of the king and his officials”
and his nobles
Quote: וּגְדֹלָ֖יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The term nobles refers to important men who helped the king rule the city. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of person, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term.
herd or flock
Quote: הַבָּקָ֣ר וְהַצֹּ֗אן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This refers to two groups of animals that people care for. A herd is made up of large livestock (such as oxen or cattle) and a flock is made up of small livestock (such as sheep or goats). If your readers would not be familiar with these terms, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “cattle or sheep”
they must not graze, and they must not drink water
Quote: אַ֨ל־יִרְע֔וּ וּמַ֖יִם אַל־יִשְׁתּֽוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that they were not to eat or drink anything in order to show that they are sorry for their sins. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they must not eat or drink anything”
Jonah 3:8
and every animal
Quote: וְהַבְּהֵמָ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: "and every animal that they own"
and they must cry out to God with strength
Quote: וְיִקְרְא֥וּ אֶל־אֱלֹהִ֖ים בְּחָזְקָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The writer assumes that his readers will understand that what the people were to pray for. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and they must cry out loudly to God and ask for mercy” or “and they must pray earnestly to God for mercy”
the violence that is in his hands
Quote: הֶחָמָ֖ס אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּכַפֵּיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hands represents "doing." This refers to the violence that the people of Nineveh were doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the violent things that he has done”
Jonah 3:9
Who knows
Quote: מִֽי־יוֹדֵ֣עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The king used this rhetorical question to get the people to think about something that is possible but uncertain: 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”
This god might turn back and have compassion
Quote: יָשׁ֔וּב וְנִחַ֖ם הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author speaks of God changing his mind about bringing judgment as if God were turning around and walking in the opposite direction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God may decide instead to have compassion” or “God may do the opposite of what he said and be merciful”
from the burning of his nose
Quote: מֵחֲר֥וֹן אַפּ֖וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the burning of his nose is an idiom meaning that the person is angry. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from his anger”
so that we will not perish
Quote: וְלֹ֥א נֹאבֵֽד (1)Alternate translation: “and spare our lives”
Jonah 3:10
And God saw their deeds, that they turned away from their evil ways
Quote: וַיַּ֤רְא הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ אֶֽת־מַ֣עֲשֵׂיהֶ֔ם כִּי־שָׁ֖בוּ מִדַּרְכָּ֣ם הָרָעָ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “God saw that they stopped doing evil actions”
they turned away from their evil ways
Quote: שָׁ֖בוּ מִדַּרְכָּ֣ם הָרָעָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author is speaking of them stopping their sinning as if they turned away from walking on a path toward evil ways and started walking in the opposite direction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "they repented from doing evil"
And God relented in regard to the evil
Quote: וַיִּנָּ֣חֶם הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים עַל־הָרָעָ֛ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated as “evil” here is very broad, including moral evil, physical evil, and everything that is bad. It is the same word used in the previous sentence (and verse 8) to describe the actions of the Ninevites. The author is showing that when people repent of moral evil, God relents from doing physical evil (punishment). God never does moral evil. If this is clear in your language, you may want to use the same word in both sentences. If that is not clear, you may want to use different words.
and he did not do it
Quote: וְלֹ֥א עָשָֽׂה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, what God did not do could be made explicit if it would be helpful in your language. Alternate translation: “and he did not punish them” or “and he did not destroy them”
Jonah 4
Jonah 4 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 to everyone, whether Jew or pagan. (See: милість, бути помилуваним, милостивий)
Special Concepts in this Chapter
Prophecy not coming true
It is important to see the relationship between a prophet and Yahweh. A prophet 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, because that shows that he was not a real prophet. But when Jonah told the city of Nineveh that it was going to be destroyed in 40 days, it did not happen at that time. This is because God reserves the right to be merciful. (See: пророк, пророчиця, пророцтво, пророкувати and закон, закон Мойсея, Божі закони, Закон Яхве, , Закон, книга Мойсея)
Jonah’s anger
When God did not destroy Nineveh, Jonah was angry with God because Jonah hated the people of Nineveh. They were enemies of Israel. But God wanted Jonah and the readers of this book to learn that God loves all people.
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: Риторический вопрос)
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: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter
God’s grace
When Jonah went outside the city, he got very hot; 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: благодать, милість, добрий)
Jonah 4:1
But this was evil to Jonah, a great evil, and it burned to him
Quote: וַיֵּ֥רַע אֶל־יוֹנָ֖ה רָעָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה וַיִּ֖חַר לֽוֹ׃ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
The author is using the word translated But to introduce a new event in the story. This sentence introduces the next part of the story, where Jonah responds to God saving the city of Nineveh. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Now”
and it burned to him
Quote: וַיִּ֖חַר לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase it burned to him is an idiom that speaks of Jonah’s anger as if it were a fire burning inside him. Alternate translation: “and he was very angry”
Jonah 4:2
Ah
Quote: אָנָּ֤ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This is an exclamation that is emphasizing intense frustration. Use an exclamation that would communicate that meaning in your language.
Yahweh, was this not my word while I was in my country
Quote: יְהוָה֙ הֲלוֹא־זֶ֣ה דְבָרִ֗י עַד־הֱיוֹתִי֙ עַל־אַדְמָתִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Jonah used this rhetorical question to tell God how angry he was. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, this is what I said when I was still in my own country”
Yahweh, was this not my word while I was in my country
Quote: יְהוָה֙ הֲלוֹא־זֶ֣ה דְבָרִ֗י עַד־הֱיוֹתִי֙ עַל־אַדְמָתִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that Jonah correctly foretold what would happen. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. What Jonah said when he was back in his own country can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “now Yahweh, 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”
long of nostrils
Quote: אֶ֤רֶךְ אַפַּ֨יִם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase long of nostrils is an idiom meaning that Yahweh does not get angry quickly. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “slow to get angry” or “very patient”
and abundant in covenant faithfulness
Quote: וְרַב־חֶ֔סֶד (1)Alternate translation: “and very faithful” or “and full of love for your people”
and one who relents from evil
Quote: וְנִחָ֖ם עַל־הָרָעָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, evil refers to the physical destruction of the city of Nineveh and its people. It does not refer to moral evil. In this context, this phrase means that God feels sadness about causing bad things to happen to people who sin, and he acts differently when sinners repent of their sin. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you feel sadness about causing disaster for sinners” or “and you decide not to punish sinners who repent”
Jonah 4:3
I beg you, take my life from me
Quote: קַח־נָ֥א אֶת־נַפְשִׁ֖י מִמֶּ֑נִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Jonah’s reason for wanting to die, that now God will not punish his former enemies, can be stated explicitly. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “since you will not destroy Nineveh as you said you would, please allow me to die”
for my death is better than my life
Quote: כִּ֛י ט֥וֹב מוֹתִ֖י מֵחַיָּֽי (1)Alternate translation: “for I would prefer to die rather than to live” or “because I want to die. I do not want to live”
Jonah 4:4
Is it right that it burns to you
Quote: הַהֵיטֵ֖ב חָ֥רָה לָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase it burns to you is an idiom that speaks of Jonah’s anger as if it were a fire burning inside him. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated it in 4:1. Alternate translation: “is it right for you to be angry about this”
Is it right that it burns to you
Quote: הַהֵיטֵ֖ב חָ֥רָה לָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The reason for Jonah’s anger can be made explicit. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Is it right for you to be angry that I did not destroy Nineveh”
Jonah 4:5
Then Jonah went out from the city
Quote: וַיֵּצֵ֤א יוֹנָה֙ מִן־הָעִ֔יר (1)Alternate translation: “then Jonah left the city of Nineveh”
what would transpire within the city
Quote: מַה־יִּהְיֶ֖ה בָּעִֽיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that Jonah wanted to see whether God would destroy the city or not. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “what would become of the city” or “what God would do to the city”
Jonah 4:6
from over Jonah to be a shade over his head
Quote: מֵעַ֣ל לְיוֹנָ֗ה לִֽהְי֥וֹת צֵל֙ עַל־רֹאשׁ֔וֹ (1)Alternate translation: “over Jonah’s head for shade”
in order to rescue him from his evil
Quote: לְהַצִּ֥יל ל֖וֹ מֵרָֽעָת֑וֹ (1)Here the term evil could mean two things (or both at the same time). It could mean: (1) “discomfort” or “distress,” meaning the intense heat of the sun shining on Jonah’s head. Alternate translation: “to protect Jonah from the heat of the sun” (2) “wrong,” meaning Jonah’s wrong attitude concerning God’s decision not to destroy Nineveh. Alternate translation: “to save Jonah from his wrong attitude” If both meanings can be preserved, that is preferable. Alternate translation: “to save Jonah from his wrong attitude”
Jonah 4:7
Then God appointed a worm
Quote: וַיְמַ֤ן הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ תּוֹלַ֔עַת (1)Alternate translation: “then God sent a worm”
and it attacked the plant
Quote: וַתַּ֥ךְ אֶת־הַקִּֽיקָי֖וֹן (1)Alternate translation: “and the worm chewed the plant”
and it withered
Quote: וַיִּיבָֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication of it withered is that the plant became dry and died and would no longer shelter Jonah from the hot sun. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “so that the plant died”
Jonah 4:8
And as soon as the rising of the sun happened
Quote: וַיְהִ֣י׀ כִּזְרֹ֣חַ הַשֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background
This clause provides background information about the time of day to help readers understand what happens next in the story. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.
then God appointed a hot east wind
Quote: וַיְמַ֨ן אֱלֹהִ֜ים ר֤וּחַ קָדִים֙ חֲרִישִׁ֔ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that a hot east wind will make Jonah very uncomfortable. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. If “wind” in your language can only mean a cool air, then you can try this alternate translation: “God sent a great warmth from the east to Jonah.”
and the sun beat
Quote: וַתַּ֥ךְ הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here, the author speaks of the sun as if it were a person who could beat another person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the sun was very hot” or “and the sun sent its great heat”
on the head of Jonah
Quote: עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ יוֹנָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The phrase on the head of Jonah may have a literal meaning or a figurative meaning. Perhaps Jonah felt the heat most on his head, or perhaps the phrase the head of Jonah is means Jonah’s entire body. Alternate translation: “on Jonah”
and he became faint
Quote: וַיִּתְעַלָּ֑ף (1)Alternate translation: “and he became very weak” or “and he lost his strength”
Then he asked his spirit to die
Quote: וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל אֶת־נַפְשׁוֹ֙ לָמ֔וּת (1)Alternate translation: “Then, he talked to himself of his desire for death” or “Then he told himself that he wanted to die”
My death is better than my life
Quote: ט֥וֹב מוֹתִ֖י מֵחַיָּֽי (1)Alternate translation: “I would rather die than live” or “I want to die; I do not want to live” See how you translated this in 4:3.
Jonah 4:9
Is it right that it burns to you about the plant
Quote: הַהֵיטֵ֥ב חָרָֽה־לְךָ֖ עַל־הַקִּֽיקָי֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this context, God’s question is intended to lead Jonah to draw a conclusion about his selfish attitude. The implication is that Jonah is wrong to be angry about the plant. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Is it right that you should be so angry about the plant that only gave shade to you”
It is right that it burns to me, even as far as death
Quote: הֵיטֵ֥ב חָֽרָה־לִ֖י עַד־מָֽוֶת (1)Alternate translation: “I am right to be angry. I am angry enough to die”
Jonah 4:10
Then Yahweh said
Quote: וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Yahweh is speaking to Jonah. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh said to Jonah”
it came as a son of a night, and it perished as a son of a night
Quote: שֶׁבִּן־לַ֥יְלָה הָיָ֖ה וּבִן־לַ֥יְלָה אָבָֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression son of describes a person or thing which shares the qualities of something else. This idiom, son of a night means that the plant existed only briefly. If it would be helpful, you could use an equivalent idiom from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it grew in one night and died the next” or “it grew quickly and died just as quickly”
Jonah 4:11
So as for me
Quote: וַֽאֲנִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
This expression, So as for me, paired with "As for you" in verse 4:10, shows a comparison between Yahweh’s attitude toward the people of Nineveh and Jonah’s attitude toward the plant. Express this comparison in a natural way in your language.
So as for me, should I not feel troubled about Nineveh, the great city, in which there are more than 120, 000 people who cannot distinguish between their right hand and their left hand, and many animals
Quote: וַֽאֲנִי֙ לֹ֣א אָח֔וּס עַל־נִינְוֵ֖ה הָעִ֣יר הַגְּדוֹלָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֶשׁ־בָּ֡הּ הַרְבֵּה֩ מִֽשְׁתֵּים־עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה רִבּ֜וֹ אָדָ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־יָדַע֙ בֵּין־יְמִינ֣וֹ לִשְׂמֹאל֔וֹ וּבְהֵמָ֖ה רַבָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God used this rhetorical question to emphasize his claim that he should have compassion on Nineveh. Alternate translation: “I certainly should have compassion for Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 people who cannot distinguish between their right hand and their left hand, and also many cattle”
in which there are more
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֶשׁ־בָּ֡הּ הַרְבֵּה֩ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This part of the question can also be translated as the beginning of a new sentence. To do that, end the previous phrase, the great city, with a question mark, and end this new sentence with a period. Alternate translation: “There are more” or “It has more”
than 120, 000 people
Quote: מִֽשְׁתֵּים־עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה רִבּ֜וֹ אָדָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
Alternate translation: "one hundred twenty thousand people"
who cannot distinguish between their right hand and their left hand
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־יָדַע֙ בֵּין־יְמִינ֣וֹ לִשְׂמֹאל֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means “who do not know the difference between right and wrong.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly.