King James Version
What Does Jonah 4:7 Mean?
“But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.”
Context
5
So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.
6
And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. gourd: or, palmcrist: Heb. Kikajon was: Heb. rejoiced with great joy
7
But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.
8
And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. vehement: or, silent
9
And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death. Doest: or, Art thou greatly angry? I do well: or, I am greatly angry
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **A worm.**—Possibly to be taken collectively, as in Isaiah 14:11, for a swarm of caterpillars.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Jonah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Jonah 4:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Jonah 4:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge