King James Version

What Does Jonah 4:9 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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

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

Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night , and perished in a night : had pity: or, spared came: Heb. was the son of the night

And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Doest thou well **. . .?—See Note to Jonah 4:4. Jonah was really hurt at the loss of his shade, not sorry for the destruction of the gourd. But it is very true to nature that the moment a worthier excuse is suggested, he accepts it, without perceiving that by so doing he prepared the way for his own condemnation. The lesson is to all who would sacrifice the cause of humanity to some professional or theological difficulty.

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 4:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.