But the LORD replied
This phrase introduces the divine response to Jonah's anger. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "YHWH," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This name is deeply rooted in the history of Israel, signifying God's faithfulness and His personal relationship with His people. The use of "replied" indicates a direct communication from God, highlighting His willingness to engage with Jonah despite Jonah's flawed perspective. This interaction underscores the personal nature of God, who is not distant but actively involved in the lives of His followers.

Have you any right
The phrase "Have you any right" challenges Jonah's sense of justice and entitlement. The Hebrew root for "right" here can be understood as "to be good" or "to be well," questioning the moral standing of Jonah's anger. This rhetorical question serves to provoke self-reflection in Jonah, urging him to consider the righteousness of his emotions and actions. It reflects a common biblical theme where God questions His people to lead them to greater understanding and repentance.

to be angry?
The focus on "to be angry" addresses Jonah's emotional state. The Hebrew word for "angry" is "charah," which conveys a burning or kindling of anger. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe human anger, which is frequently contrasted with God's righteous indignation. Jonah's anger is portrayed as misguided, especially in light of God's mercy towards Nineveh. This question from God invites Jonah to examine the source and justification of his anger, encouraging a transformation of heart that aligns with God's compassionate character. The verse as a whole serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning our emotions with God's will, recognizing His sovereignty and grace.

1. Jonah
A prophet of God who was called to deliver a message of repentance to the city of Nineveh. Jonah initially fled from God's command but eventually obeyed after being swallowed by a great fish.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who is sovereign and compassionate. He engages directly with Jonah, questioning his anger and teaching him about divine mercy.

3. Nineveh
The capital city of Assyria, known for its wickedness. God sent Jonah to warn them of impending judgment, leading to their repentance and God's mercy.

4. The Plant
In the broader context of Jonah 4, God provides a plant to give Jonah shade, which later withers. This event is used by God to teach Jonah about compassion.

5. The East Wind
A scorching wind sent by God, contributing to Jonah's discomfort and further illustrating God's control over nature and circumstances.God's Sovereignty and Mercy
God is sovereign in His decisions and extends mercy according to His will. Jonah's anger reveals a struggle to accept God's compassion towards Nineveh, reminding us to trust in God's perfect judgment.

Self-Examination
Jonah's anger serves as a call for self-examination. Believers should reflect on their own hearts and attitudes, especially when they conflict with God's will.

Compassion Over Judgment
God's question to Jonah challenges us to prioritize compassion over judgment. We are called to love others and rejoice in their repentance and salvation.

Understanding God's Heart
The account encourages us to seek understanding of God's heart for the lost and align our desires with His, embracing His love for all people.

Anger and Righteousness
Anger can hinder our relationship with God and others. We must learn to manage our emotions and seek God's perspective in all situations.(4) Doest thou well? . . .--This rendering may be supported by Deuteronomy 5:28; Jeremiah 1:12, and agrees better with the context than the marginal translation, which follows the LXX., and is undoubtedly a very likely rendering of the Hebrew idiom if taken by itself. Jonah apparently gave his own interpretation to the question, one that suited his mood, "Is thine anger just?" Such a question might imply that the doom of the city was only deferred, and that he had been too hasty in giving up the fulfilment of his prediction. Accordingly he went outside the walls, and sat down to watch what the issue would be. On the other hand, the rendering "Art thou so very angry?" suits best the reply in Jonah 4:9, "I am very angry, even to death." Probably the Hebrew word, like the French bien, kept both its original and derived meaning, and must be rendered well or very, according to the context.

Verse 4 - Doest thou well to be angry? Septuagint, Αἰ σφόδρα λελύπησαι σύ; "Hast thou been greatly grieved?" Vulgate, Putasne bene irasceris tu? The English Version is doubtless correct. God bids him consider with himself whether his anger is reasonable. The version of the LXX., however grammatically permissible, is somewhat pointless.

Parallel Commentaries ...


But the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

replied,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Have you
לָֽךְ׃ (lāḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

any right
הַהֵיטֵ֖ב (ha·hê·ṭêḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

to be angry?”
חָ֥רָה (ḥā·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2734: To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy


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OT Prophets: Jonah 4:4 Yahweh said Is it right for you (Jon. Jh)