en_tn/en_tn_32-JON.tsv

47 KiB
Raw Permalink Blame History

1BookChapterVerseIDSupportReferenceOrigQuoteOccurrenceGLQuoteOccurrenceNote
2JONfrontintrohk4p0

Introduction to Jonah

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Jonah

  1. Jonah tries to run away from Yahweh (1:1-2:10)
    • Jonah disobeys Yahwehs first call to go to Nineveh (1:13)
    • Jonah and the Gentile sailors (1:416)
    • Yahweh provides a large fish to swallow Jonah, and he prays and is rescued (1:172:10)
  2. Jonah in Nineveh (3:1-4:11)
    • Yahweh again calls Jonah to go to Nineveh, and Jonah proclaims Yahwehs message (3:14)
    • Nineveh repents (3:5-9)
    • Yahweh decides not to destroy Nineveh (3:10)
    • Jonah is very angry with Yahweh (4:13)
    • Yahweh teaches Jonah about grace and mercy (4:411)

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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])

3JON1introxvp20

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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/miracle]])

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 Gods 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/willofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

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. Jonahs people, the Hebrews, feared the sea greatly. However, Jonahs 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fear]])

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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

4JON11jdr1writing-neweventוַֽ⁠יְהִי֙ דְּבַר־יְהוָ֔ה1Now the word of Yahweh came

This phrase introduces the first half of the story of Jonah. The same phrase introduces the second half of the story (3:1). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

5JON11ll6cfigs-idiomוַֽ⁠יְהִי֙ דְּבַר־יְהוָ֔ה1Now the word of Yahweh came

This is an idiom that means Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

6JON11qa3zדְּבַר־יְהוָ֔ה1the word of Yahweh

the message of Yahweh

7JON11s6avיְהוָ֔ה1Yahweh

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.

8JON11jv8ctranslate-namesאֲמִתַּ֖י1Amittai

This is the name of Jonahs father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

9JON12x5uaק֠וּם לֵ֧ךְ אֶל־נִֽינְוֵ֛ה הָ⁠עִ֥יר הַ⁠גְּדוֹלָ֖ה1Get up and go to Nineveh, the great city

Go to the important city of Nineveh

10JON12v2xtfigs-idiomק֠וּם לֵ֧ךְ1Get up and go

This is a common expression for traveling to distant places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

11JON12jqz9figs-metonymyוּ⁠קְרָ֣א עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ1speak out against it

God is referring to the people of the city. Alternate translation: “warn the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

12JON12rki2עָלְתָ֥ה רָעָתָ֖⁠ם לְ⁠פָנָֽ⁠1their wickedness has risen up before me

I know they have been continually sinning

13JON13f5srfigs-idiomוַ⁠יָּ֤קָם יוֹנָה֙ לִ⁠בְרֹ֣חַ1But Jonah got up to run away

But ran away from Yahweh. got up is referring to Jonah leaving where he was. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

14JON13n96tfigs-metonymyמִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֖י יְהוָ֑ה-1from the presence of Yahweh

Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

15JON13g66vfigs-explicitלִ⁠בְרֹ֣חַ תַּרְשִׁ֔ישָׁ⁠ה1to go to Tarshish

to flee to Tarshish. Tarshish was in the opposite direction to Nineveh. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and went in the opposite direction, toward Tarshish, away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

16JON13djv1וַ⁠יֵּ֨רֶד יָפ֜וֹ1He went down to Joppa

Jonah went to Joppa

17JON13w3ucאָנִיָּ֣ה1ship

A ship is a very large type of boat that can travel on the sea and carry many passengers or heavy cargo.

18JON13pz67וַ⁠יִּתֵּ֨ן שְׂכָרָ֜⁠הּ1So he paid the fare

There Jonah paid for the trip

19JON13g5xpוַ⁠יֵּ֤רֶד בָּ⁠הּ֙1went down into it

got on the ship

20JON13i6biעִמָּ⁠הֶם֙1with them

The word them refers to the others who were going on the ship.

21JON13sw66figs-metonymyמִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֖י יְהוָֽה1from the presence of Yahweh

Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. Alternate translation: “from Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

22JON14jdr2writing-neweventוַֽ⁠יהוָ֗ה הֵטִ֤יל רֽוּחַ־גְּדוֹלָה֙ אֶל־הַ⁠יָּ֔ם1But Yahweh sent out a great wind on the sea

This clause introduces the new event of Yahwehs response to Jonah running away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

23JON14jl77figs-activepassiveלְ⁠הִשָּׁבֵֽר1to be broken up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to break apart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

24JON15d13rהַ⁠מַּלָּחִ֗ים1the sailors

the men who worked on the ship

25JON15u2bjאֱלֹהָי⁠ו֒1his own god

Here god refers to false gods and idols that people worship.

26JON15sh1bוַ⁠יָּטִ֨לוּ אֶת־הַ⁠כֵּלִ֜ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר בָּֽ⁠אֳנִיָּה֙1They threw the cargo that was in the ship

The men threw the heavy things off the ship. This was done to keep the ship from sinking.

27JON15tg27לְ⁠הָקֵ֖ל מֵֽ⁠עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם1to lighten it

Making the ship lighter would make if float better. Alternate translation: “to help the ship float better”

28JON15uzt4writing-backgroundוְ⁠יוֹנָ֗ה יָרַד֙ אֶל־יַרְכְּתֵ֣י הַ⁠סְּפִינָ֔ה1But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship

Jonah did this before the storm started. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

29JON15f63rיַרְכְּתֵ֣י הַ⁠סְּפִינָ֔ה1the innermost parts of the ship

inside the ship

30JON15g4y4וַ⁠יִּשְׁכַּ֖ב וַ⁠יֵּרָדַֽם1and had lain down and was deeply asleep

and was lying there fast asleep or and was lying there and sleeping deeply. For this reason, the storm did not wake him up.

31JON16laa3וַ⁠יִּקְרַ֤ב אֵלָי⁠ו֙ רַ֣ב הַ⁠חֹבֵ֔ל וַ⁠יֹּ֥אמֶר ל֖⁠וֹ1So the captain came to him and said to him

The man in charge of the ship went to Jonah and said

32JON16yx7efigs-rquestionמַה־לְּ⁠ךָ֣ נִרְדָּ֑ם1What are you doing sleeping?

Why are you sleeping? He used this rhetorical question to scold Jonah. Alternate translation: “Stop sleeping!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

33JON16bd4ffigs-idiomק֚וּם1Get 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

34JON16k7a5figs-idiomקְרָ֣א אֶל־אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ1Call upon your god!

Pray to your god! Call refers to getting the attention of someone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

35JON16sk7ifigs-explicitאוּלַ֞י יִתְעַשֵּׁ֧ת הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֛ים לָ֖⁠נוּ וְ⁠לֹ֥א נֹאבֵֽד1Maybe your god will notice us and we will not perish

The implicit information that Jonahs 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

36JON17sc57וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵ֗⁠הוּ1They all said to each other

The sailors all said to each other

37JON17l5xqלְכוּ֙ וְ⁠נַפִּ֣ילָה גֽוֹרָל֔וֹת וְ⁠נֵ֣דְעָ֔ה בְּ⁠שֶׁ⁠לְּ⁠מִ֛י הָ⁠רָעָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את לָ֑⁠נוּ1Come, let us cast lots, so that we may know on whose account this evil 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.

38JON17d726הָ⁠רָעָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את1this evil

This refers to the terrible storm.

39JON17at67וַ⁠יִּפֹּ֥ל הַ⁠גּוֹרָ֖ל עַל־יוֹנָֽה1the lot fell to Jonah

the lot showed that Jonah was the guilty person

40JON18wkh6וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֔י⁠ו1Then they said to him

Then the men who were working on the ship said to Jonah

41JON18e7wbהַגִּידָ⁠ה־נָּ֣א לָ֔⁠נוּ בַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לְ⁠מִי־הָ⁠רָעָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את לָ֑⁠נוּ1Please tell us on whose account this evil is happening to us

Who caused this bad thing that is happening to us?

42JON19wav5יְהוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֤י הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ אֲנִ֣י יָרֵ֔א1I fear Yahweh, the God of heaven

The word fear refers to Jonah having a deep respect for God.

43JON110peg3figs-rquestionמַה־זֹּ֣את עָשִׂ֑יתָ1What 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

44JON110us1rfigs-metonymyמִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙1from the presence of Yahweh

Here Yahweh is represented by his presence. Alternate translation: “from Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

45JON110hw1pfigs-explicitכִּ֥י הִגִּ֖יד לָ⁠הֶֽם1because 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

46JON111kb4cוַ⁠יֹּאמְר֤וּ אֵלָי⁠ו֙1Then they said to him

Then the men on the ship said to Jonah or Then the sailors said to Jonah

47JON111ik6dמַה־נַּ֣עֲשֶׂה לָּ֔⁠ךְ וְ⁠יִשְׁתֹּ֥ק הַ⁠יָּ֖ם מֵֽ⁠עָלֵ֑י⁠נוּ1What should we do to you so that the sea will calm down for us?

What should we do with you in order to make the sea become calm?

48JON111wxr7הַ⁠יָּ֖ם הוֹלֵ֥ךְ וְ⁠סֹעֵֽר1the 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 UST.

49JON112h982כִּ֚י יוֹדֵ֣עַ אָ֔נִי כִּ֣י בְ⁠שֶׁ⁠לִּ֔⁠י הַ⁠סַּ֧עַר הַ⁠גָּד֛וֹל הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה עֲלֵי⁠כֶֽם1for I know that this great storm is happening to you because of me

because I know this huge storm is my fault

50JON113lcd3figs-explicitוַ⁠יַּחְתְּר֣וּ הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֗ים לְ⁠הָשִׁ֛יב אֶל־הַ⁠יַּבָּשָׁ֖ה1Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

51JON113m3iqהַ⁠יָּ֔ם הוֹלֵ֥ךְ וְ⁠סֹעֵ֖ר1the sea was becoming more and more violent

the storm became worse, and the waves became bigger

52JON114ap77וַ⁠יִּקְרְא֨וּ1Therefore they cried out

Because of this or Because the sea became more violent

53JON114q2xqוַ⁠יִּקְרְא֨וּ אֶל־יְהוָ֜ה1Therefore they cried out to Yahweh

Therefore the men prayed to Yahweh

54JON114jdr3figs-exclamationsאָנָּ֤ה 1Ah!

In this context, the word Ah! shows intense desperation. Represent this emotion in the most natural way for your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

55JON114wz6zאָנָּ֤ה יְהוָה֙ אַל־נָ֣א נֹאבְדָ֗ה בְּ⁠נֶ֨פֶשׁ֙ הָ⁠אִ֣ישׁ הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה1O Yahweh, we beg you, do not let us perish on account of the soul of this man

O Yahweh, please do not kill us because we caused this man to die or O Yahweh, we are going to cause this man to die. But please do not kill us

56JON114vv5tfigs-metaphorוְ⁠אַל־תִּתֵּ֥ן עָלֵ֖י⁠נוּ דָּ֣ם נָקִ֑יא1and do not accuse us of shedding innocent blood

and please do not blame us for his death or and 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

57JON115l9cfוַ⁠יַּעֲמֹ֥ד הַ⁠יָּ֖ם מִ⁠זַּעְפּֽ⁠וֹ1the sea stopped raging

the sea stopped moving violently or the sea became calm

58JON116r3gsוַ⁠יִּֽירְא֧וּ הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֛ים יִרְאָ֥ה גְדוֹלָ֖ה אֶת־יְהוָ֑ה1Then the men feared Yahweh with a great fear

Then the men became greatly awed at Yahwehs power

59JON117q87y0General 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.

60JON117jdr4writing-neweventוַ⁠יְמַ֤ן יְהוָה֙ דָּ֣ג גָּד֔וֹל לִ⁠בְלֹ֖עַ אֶת־יוֹנָ֑ה1Now Yahweh had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah,

This clause introduces the next part of the story, where Yahweh saves Jonah from the sea, and Jonah prays. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

61JON117fle4writing-neweventוַ⁠יְמַ֤ן1Now…had prepared

The word Now is used in English to introduce a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

62JON117cjb6שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה יָמִ֖ים וּ⁠שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה לֵילֽוֹת1three days and three nights

three days and nights

63JON2introae4k0

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 at the base of the mountains and in the belly of Sheol. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Repentance

Scholars are divided over whether Jonahs 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 Jonahs repentance was genuine. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

64JON21alr2יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהָ֑י⁠ו1Yahweh his God

This means Yahweh, the God he worshiped. The word his does not mean that Jonah owned God.

65JON22al5bוַ⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר1He said

Jonah said

66JON22s7fiקָ֠רָאתִי מִ⁠צָּ֥רָה לִ֛⁠י אֶל־יְהוָ֖ה1I called out to Yahweh from my distress

I prayed to Yahweh about my great trouble. Even though Jonah was praying to Yahweh, he used Yahwehs name here and not you. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, I called out to you about my distress”

67JON22wdr4וַֽ⁠יַּעֲנֵ֑⁠נִי1he answered me

Yahweh responded to me or he helped me

68JON22w8wnfigs-metaphorמִ⁠בֶּ֧טֶן שְׁא֛וֹל1from 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

69JON23bz4yfigs-parallelismמְצוּלָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבַ֣ב יַמִּ֔ים1into the depths, into the heart of the seas

Jonah uses two similar phrases to speak of the vastness of the ocean he was in. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

70JON23glp2בִּ⁠לְבַ֣ב יַמִּ֔ים1into the heart of the seas

to the bottom of the sea

71JON23abc1figs-parallelismוְ⁠נָהָ֖ר יְסֹבְבֵ֑⁠נִי כָּל־מִשְׁבָּרֶ֥י⁠ךָ וְ⁠גַלֶּ֖י⁠ךָ עָלַ֥⁠י עָבָֽרוּ1and the currents surrounded me; all your billows and your waves passed over me

Jonah uses two similar phrases to speak of the waters of the sea that closed in around him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

72JON23p8fdוְ⁠נָהָ֖ר יְסֹבְבֵ֑⁠נִי1the currents surrounded me

the sea water closed in around me

73JON23c6jxfigs-doubletמִשְׁבָּרֶ֥י⁠ךָ וְ⁠גַלֶּ֖י⁠ךָ1your billows and your waves

These are disturbances on the surface of the ocean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

74JON24jdr5grammar-connect-words-phrasesוַ⁠אֲנִ֣י1But as for me,

This expression in English shows that there is a contrast between the actions of Yahweh, which Jonah had just talked about, and his own response. Alternate translation: “Then I” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

75JON24x1w9figs-activepassiveנִגְרַ֖שְׁתִּי1I am driven out

ssion 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”

76JON24z1yxfigs-synecdocheמִ⁠נֶּ֣גֶד עֵינֶ֑י⁠ךָ1from before your eyes

Here Yahweh is represented by his eyes. Alternate translation: “from you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

77JON24b8vkאַ֚ךְ אוֹסִ֣יף לְ⁠הַבִּ֔יט אֶל־הֵיכַ֖ל קָדְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ1yet 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.

78JON25abc2figs-parallelismאֲפָפ֤וּ⁠נִי מַ֨יִם֙ עַד־נֶ֔פֶשׁ תְּה֖וֹם יְסֹבְבֵ֑⁠נִי1The waters surrounded me up to my soul; the deep swirled around me;

Jonah uses two similar phrases to speak of his hopeless situation as he was drowning in the sea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

79JON25rf4bמַ֨יִם֙1The waters

The waters refers to the sea.

80JON25ca31נֶ֔פֶשׁ1my soul

Some versions understand the Hebrew word in this expression to mean my life. In that interpretation, the waters were about to take away Jonahs life.

81JON25nr3vתְּה֖וֹם יְסֹבְבֵ֑⁠נִי1the deep swirled around me

the deep water was all around me

82JON25p1fwס֖וּף1seaweed

grass that grows in the sea

83JON26z36ifigs-metaphorהָ⁠אָ֛רֶץ בְּרִחֶ֥י⁠הָ בַעֲדִ֖⁠י לְ⁠עוֹלָ֑ם1the 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

84JON26dc3rfigs-metaphorוַ⁠תַּ֧עַל מִ⁠שַּׁ֛חַת חַיַּ֖⁠י1Yet 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

85JON26i3mxיְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהָֽ⁠י1Yahweh, 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.

86JON27jdr6grammar-connect-time-simultaneousבְּ⁠הִתְעַטֵּ֤ף עָלַ⁠י֙ נַפְשִׁ֔⁠י1When my soul fainted within me,

Jonahs says that he remembered Yahweh when he had lost hope of being rescued from the sea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])

87JON27l2b6אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה זָכָ֑רְתִּי1I remembered Yahweh

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.”

88JON27ue9gfigs-metaphorוַ⁠תָּב֤וֹא אֵלֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ תְּפִלָּתִ֔⁠י אֶל־הֵיכַ֖ל קָדְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ1then 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

89JON28u1l9מְשַׁמְּרִ֖ים הַבְלֵי־שָׁ֑וְא1Those who give attention to useless idols

People who pay attention to useless gods

90JON28fac9חַסְדָּ֖⁠ם יַעֲזֹֽבוּ1forsake loving faithfulness

are rejecting you, who would be faithful to them

91JON29q3ybgrammar-connect-words-phrasesוַ⁠אֲנִ֗י1But as for me,

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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

92JON29nfd2בְּ⁠ק֤וֹל תּוֹדָה֙ אֶזְבְּחָה־לָּ֔⁠ךְ1I 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.

93JON29r4j4figs-abstractnounsיְשׁוּעָ֖תָ⁠ה לַ⁠יהוָֽה1Salvation is from Yahweh

This can be reworded so that the abstract noun salvation is expressed as the verb save. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the one who saves people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

94JON210dz3jאֶל־הַ⁠יַּבָּשָֽׁה1upon the dry land

upon the ground or onto the shore

95JON3introz3ut0

Jonah 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter returns to a narrative of Jonahs life.

Special concepts in this chapter

Animals

According to the kings 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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

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 Jonahs 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. Gods 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, Gods plan is always to punish evil. Later in history this nation did fall and was destroyed. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])

96JON31jdr7writing-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֧י דְבַר־יְהוָ֛ה1The word of Yahweh came

This phrase introduces the second half of the story of Jonah. The same phrase introduces the first half of the story (1:1). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

97JON31xj6nfigs-idiomוַ⁠יְהִ֧י דְבַר־יְהוָ֛ה1The word of Yahweh came

This is an idiom that means Yahweh spoke. See how you translated this in 1:1. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke his message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

98JON32ve4iק֛וּם לֵ֥ךְ אֶל־נִֽינְוֵ֖ה הָ⁠עִ֣יר הַ⁠גְּדוֹלָ֑ה1Get up, go to Nineveh, the great city

Go to the important city of Nineveh

99JON32cl3bfigs-idiomק֛וּם1Get up

This refers to leaving the place one is at. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

100JON32ir79וִּ⁠קְרָ֤א אֵלֶ֨י⁠הָ֙ אֶת־הַ⁠קְּרִיאָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י דֹּבֵ֥ר אֵלֶֽי⁠ךָ1proclaim to it the message that I tell you

tell the people what I tell you to tell them

101JON33k7k9וַ⁠יָּ֣קָם יוֹנָ֗ה וַ⁠יֵּ֛לֶךְ אֶל־נִֽינְוֶ֖ה כִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה1So Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, according to the word of Yahweh

This time Jonah obeyed Yahweh and went to Nineveh

102JON33g4nkfigs-metonymyכִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה1the word of Yahweh

Here word represents Yahwehs message. Alternate translation: “the message of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

103JON33j8x1figs-idiomוַ⁠יָּ֣קָם יוֹנָ֗ה1So Jonah got up

So Jonah left the beach. The words got up refer to preparing to go somewhere. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

104JON33dt1bwriting-backgroundוְ⁠נִֽינְוֵ֗ה הָיְתָ֤ה עִיר־גְּדוֹלָה֙ לֵֽ⁠אלֹהִ֔ים מַהֲלַ֖ךְ שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים1Now Nineveh was a very large city, a journey of three days.

This sentence gives background information about the city of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

105JON33ye82figs-idiomעִיר־גְּדוֹלָה֙ לֵֽ⁠אלֹהִ֔ים מַהֲלַ֖ךְ שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים1a very large city, a journey of three days

a very large city that was three days across. A person had to walk for three days to completely go through it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

106JON34r2alמַהֲלַ֖ךְ י֣וֹם אֶחָ֑ד וַ⁠יִּקְרָא֙1after a journey of one day, and he cried out

Possible meanings are 1) after Jonah walked a days journey he called out or 2) while Jonah walked on the first day, he called out.

107JON34e1b9מַהֲלַ֖ךְ י֣וֹם אֶחָ֑ד1after a journey of one day

after a days walk. A days journey is the distance that people would normally travel in one day. Alternate translation: “after Jonah walked for one day”

108JON34r94kוַ⁠יִּקְרָא֙ וַ⁠יֹּאמַ֔ר1and he called out and said

and he proclaimed or and he shouted

109JON34q2nctranslate-numbersאַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם140 days

forty days (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

110JON35e5lmfigs-explicitוַ⁠יִּלְבְּשׁ֣וּ שַׂקִּ֔ים1and 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

111JON35isk5מִ⁠גְּדוֹלָ֖⁠ם וְ⁠עַד־קְטַנָּֽ⁠ם1from 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

112JON36pna3הַ⁠דָּבָר֙1word

Jonahs message

113JON36h9wzוַ⁠יָּ֨קָם֙ מִ⁠כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ1He 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.

114JON36pvp7מִ⁠כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ1throne

A throne is a chair that the king sits on. It shows that he is the king.

115JON37v29bוַ⁠יַּזְעֵ֗ק וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙…לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר1He proclaimed and said

He sent out an official announcement that said or He sent his messengers to announce to the people in Nineveh

116JON37n5fnוּ⁠גְדֹלָ֖י⁠ו1nobles

important men who helped the king rule the city

117JON37xw6cהַ⁠בָּקָ֣ר וְ⁠הַ⁠צֹּ֗אן1herd nor flock

This refers to two kinds of animals that people care for. Alternate translation: “cattle nor sheep”

118JON37fw18figs-explicitאַ֨ל־יִרְע֔וּ וּ⁠מַ֖יִם אַל־יִשְׁתּֽוּ1Let 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

119JON38bmf5figs-activepassiveוְ⁠יִתְכַּסּ֣וּ שַׂקִּ֗ים הָֽ⁠אָדָם֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֔ה1But let man and animal be covered with sackcloth

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But let people and animals wear sackcloth” or “But let people cover themselves and their animals with sackcloth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

120JON38x6ctוְ⁠יִתְכַּסּ֣וּ…הָֽ⁠אָדָם֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֔ה1But let man and animal

But let both

121JON38mzx6וְ⁠הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֔ה1animal

The word animal refers to animals that people own.

122JON38jh7efigs-explicitוְ⁠יִקְרְא֥וּ אֶל־אֱלֹהִ֖ים בְּ⁠חָזְקָ֑ה1let them cry out loudly to God

pray earnestly to God. What they were to pray for can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “let them cry out loudly to God and ask for mercy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

123JON38n3lsהֶ⁠חָמָ֖ס אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּ⁠כַפֵּי⁠הֶֽם1the violence that is in his hands

This means the violent things that he does. This refers to each of the people of Nineveh, and not to God.

124JON39wbt6figs-rquestionמִֽי־יוֹדֵ֣עַ1Who 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

125JON39z3jjיָשׁ֔וּב וְ⁠נִחַ֖ם הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים1God may turn and relent

God may decide to do something different or God may not do what he said he will do

126JON39uvp9וְ⁠לֹ֥א נֹאבֵֽד1so that we do not perish

so we do not die

127JON310w3uuוַ⁠יַּ֤רְא הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶֽת־מַ֣עֲשֵׂי⁠הֶ֔ם1God saw their works

God understood that they stopped doing evil actions

128JON310k8amfigs-metaphorשָׁ֖בוּ מִ⁠דַּרְכָּ֣⁠ם הָ⁠רָעָ֑ה1they turned from their evil

The author speaks of the people stop sinning as if they turned their back to an object. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

129JON310i1gpfigs-metaphorוַ⁠יִּנָּ֣חֶם הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֗ים עַל־הָ⁠רָעָ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר לַ⁠עֲשׂוֹת־לָ⁠הֶ֖ם1So God relented concerning the disaster 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: “So God changed his thinking about the punishment that he had said he would do to them” or “Then God decided not to punish them as he had said he would” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

130JON310it1afigs-explicitוְ⁠לֹ֥א עָשָֽׂה1and he did not do it

What God did not do can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and he did not punish them” or “and he did not destroy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

131JON4introys570

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 Gods desire to be merciful on anyone, whether Jew or pagan. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Jonahs 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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Gods 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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]])

132JON41jdr8writing-neweventוַ⁠יֵּ֥רַע אֶל־יוֹנָ֖ה רָעָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה וַ⁠יִּ֖חַר לֽ⁠וֹ׃1But this was evil to Jonah—extremely evil—and he burned with anger.

This sentence introduces the next part of the story where Jonah responds to God saving the city of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

133JON41abc3figs-metaphorוַ⁠יִּ֖חַר1and burned with anger

Here Jonah's anger is spoken of as if was a fire burning inside him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

134JON42q6bbfigs-exclamationsאָנָּ֤ה 1Ah!

In this context, the word Ah! shows intense frustration. Represent this emotion in the most natural way for your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

135JON42k24bfigs-rquestionאָנָּ֤ה יְהוָה֙ הֲ⁠לוֹא־זֶ֣ה דְבָרִ֗⁠י עַד־הֱיוֹתִ⁠י֙ עַל־אַדְמָתִ֔⁠י1O, Yahweh, was this not my word when I was in my 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: “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.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

136JON42jv5cוְ⁠רַב־חֶ֔סֶד1and abundant in covenant faithfulness

and very faithful or and you love people very much

137JON42wl7jוְ⁠נִחָ֖ם עַל־הָ⁠רָעָֽה1and one who relents from sending disaster

This means and you say that you will send disaster on sinners, but then you decide not to. Alternate translation: “and you decide not to punish people who sin”

138JON43dm5tfigs-explicitקַח־נָ֥א אֶת־נַפְשִׁ֖⁠י מִמֶּ֑⁠נִּי1take my soul from me

Jonahs 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

139JON43yk5vכִּ֛י ט֥וֹב מוֹתִ֖⁠י מֵ⁠חַיָּֽ⁠י1for it is better for me to die than for me to live

I would prefer to die than live or because I want to die. I do not want to live

140JON44eb4afigs-rquestionהַ⁠הֵיטֵ֖ב חָ֥רָה לָֽ⁠ךְ1Is it good for you to burn with anger?

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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

141JON45q1f7וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֤א יוֹנָה֙ מִן־הָ⁠עִ֔יר1Then Jonah went out of the city

Then Jonah left the city of Nineveh

142JON45af46מַה־יִּהְיֶ֖ה בָּ⁠עִֽיר1what might happen to the city

what would become of the city. Jonah wanted to see if God would destroy the city or not destroy it. Alternate translation: “what God would do to the city”

143JON46i4r4מֵ⁠עַ֣ל לְ⁠יוֹנָ֗ה לִֽ⁠הְי֥וֹת צֵל֙ עַל־רֹאשׁ֔⁠וֹ1over Jonah so that it might be shade over his head

over Jonahs head for shade

144JON46t21kלְ⁠הַצִּ֥יל ל֖⁠וֹ מֵ⁠רָֽעָת֑⁠וֹ1to rescue him from his distress

to protect Jonah from the heat of the sun

145JON47t7ilוַ⁠יְמַ֤ן הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִים֙ תּוֹלַ֔עַת1But God prepared a worm

But God sent a worm

146JON47rw7zוַ⁠תַּ֥ךְ אֶת־הַ⁠קִּֽיקָי֖וֹן1It attacked the plant

The worm chewed the plant

147JON47d16mוַ⁠יִּיבָֽשׁ1so that it withered

The plant became dry and died. Alternate translation: “so that the plant died”

148JON48jdr9grammar-connect-time-backgroundוַ⁠יְהִ֣י׀ כִּ⁠זְרֹ֣חַ הַ⁠שֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ1It came about that when the sun rose,

The hot wind from the east started blowing shortly after the sun rose. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])

149JON48hmi4figs-explicitוַ⁠יְמַ֨ן אֱלֹהִ֜ים ר֤וּחַ קָדִים֙ חֲרִישִׁ֔ית1God 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

150JON48mnu9וַ⁠תַּ֥ךְ הַ⁠שֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ1the sun beat down

the sun was very hot

151JON48u2plfigs-synecdocheעַל־רֹ֥אשׁ יוֹנָ֖ה1on the head of Jonah

Jonah may have felt the heat most on his head. Alternate translation: “on Jonah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

152JON48z95vוַ⁠יִּתְעַלָּ֑ף1and he became faint

and he became very weak or and he lost his strength

153JON48eln6ט֥וֹב מוֹתִ֖⁠י מֵ⁠חַיָּֽ⁠י1It is better for me to die than for me to live

I would prefer to die than live or I want to die. I do not want to live. See how you translated this in 4:3.

154JON49a5f5figs-rquestionהַ⁠הֵיטֵ֥ב חָרָֽה־לְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠קִּֽיקָי֑וֹן1Is it good for you to burn with anger 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

155JON49w24zfigs-explicitהַ⁠הֵיטֵ֥ב חָרָֽה־לְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠קִּֽיקָי֑וֹן1Is it good for you to burn with anger 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

156JON49h43aהֵיטֵ֥ב חָֽרָה־לִ֖⁠י עַד־מָֽוֶת1It is good for me to burn with anger, even to death.

It is good that I am angry. Now I am angry enough to die!

157JON410gkz7figs-explicitוַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה1Yahweh said

It may be helpful to say that Yahweh was speaking to Jonah. Alternate translation: “Yahweh said to Jonah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

158JON411jdr0grammar-connect-words-phrasesוַֽ⁠אֲנִי֙ 1So as for me,

The expression in English shows a comparison between Jonahs attitude toward the plant and Yahwehs attitude toward the people of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

159JON411ecl1figs-rquestionוַֽ⁠אֲנִי֙ לֹ֣א אָח֔וּס עַל־נִינְוֵ֖ה הָ⁠עִ֣יר הַ⁠גְּדוֹלָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֶשׁ־בָּ֡⁠הּ הַרְבֵּה֩ מִֽ⁠שְׁתֵּים־עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה רִבּ֜וֹ אָדָ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־יָדַע֙ בֵּין־יְמִינ֣⁠וֹ לִ⁠שְׂמֹאל֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֖ה רַבָּֽה1So as for me, should I not 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?

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 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.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

160JON411dqi1אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֶשׁ־בָּ֡⁠הּ הַרְבֵּה֩1in which there are more than

This can also be the beginning of a new sentence. Alternate translation: There are more than or It has more than

161JON411c3b7translate-numbersמִֽ⁠שְׁתֵּים־עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה רִבּ֜וֹ אָדָ֗ם1120,000 people

one hundred and twenty thousand people (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

162JON411j35hאֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־יָדַע֙ בֵּין־יְמִינ֣⁠וֹ לִ⁠שְׂמֹאל֔⁠וֹ1who cannot distinguish between their right hand and their left hand

This may be a way of saying who cannot tell the difference between right and wrong.

163JON411q55iwriting-backgroundוּ⁠בְהֵמָ֖ה רַבָּֽה1and also many cattle

The author is pointing out the depth of Ninevehs repentance to the extent that Yahweh takes note of the beasts participation in the act of repentance. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])