Jonah 4:8
New International Version
When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”

New Living Translation
And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.

English Standard Version
When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”

Berean Standard Bible
As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint and wished to die, saying, “It is better for me to die than to live.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”

New American Standard Bible
And when the sun came up God designated a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he became faint, and he begged with all his soul to die, saying, “Death is better to me than life!”

NASB 1995
When the sun came up God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he became faint and begged with all his soul to die, saying, “Death is better to me than life.”

NASB 1977
And it came about when the sun came up that God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he became faint and begged with all his soul to die, saying, “Death is better to me than life.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then it happened that as the sun rose up, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun struck down on Jonah’s head so that he became faint and asked with all his soul to die and said, “Death is better to me than life.”

Amplified Bible
When the sun came up God prepared a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he fainted and he wished to die, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”

Christian Standard Bible
As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind. The sun beat down on Jonah’s head so much that he almost fainted, and he wanted to die. He said, “It’s better for me to die than to live.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind. The sun beat down so much on Jonah’s head that he almost fainted, and he wanted to die. He said, “It’s better for me to die than to live.”

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when the sun arose, that God prepared a sultry east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and requested for himself that he might die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.

Contemporary English Version
During the day the LORD sent a scorching wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah's head, making him feel faint. Jonah was ready to die, and he shouted, "I wish I were dead!"

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, when the sun arose, that God prepared a sultry east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and requested for himself that he might die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the sun rose, God made a hot east wind blow. The sun beat down on Jonah's head so that he was about to faint. He wanted to die. So he said, "I'd rather be dead than alive."

Good News Translation
After the sun had risen, God sent a hot east wind, and Jonah was about to faint from the heat of the sun beating down on his head. So he wished he were dead. "I am better off dead than alive," he said.

International Standard Version
When the sun rose, God prepared a harsh east wind. The sun beat down on Jonah's head, he became faint, and he begged to die. "It is better for me to die than to live!" he said.

Majority Standard Bible
As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint and wished to die, saying, “It is better for me to die than to live.”

NET Bible
When the sun began to shine, God sent a hot east wind. So the sun beat down on Jonah's head, and he grew faint. So he despaired of life, and said, "I would rather die than live!"

New Heart English Bible
It happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a sultry east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah's head, so that he fainted, and requested for himself that he might die, and said, "It is better for me to die than to live."

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, when the sun rose 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.

World English Bible
When the sun arose, God prepared a sultry east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he was faint and requested for himself that he might die. He said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, about the rising of the sun, that God appoints a cutting east wind, and the sun strikes on the head of Jonah, and he wraps himself up, and asks for his soul to die, and says, “Better [is] my death than my life.”

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, about the rising of the sun, that God appointeth a cutting east wind, and the sun smiteth on the head of Jonah, and he wrappeth himself up, and asketh his soul to die, and saith, 'Better is my death than my life.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be as the sun rose, and God will appoint a sultry east wind; and the sun struck upon the head of Jonah, and he will faint, and he will ask his soul to die, and say, It is good for me to die rather than live.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the sun was risen, the Lord commanded a hot and burning wind: and the sun beat upon the head of Jonas, and he broiled with the heat: and he desired for his soul that he might die, and said: It is better for me to die than to live.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the sun had risen, the Lord ordered a hot and burning wind. And the sun beat down on the head of Jonah, and he burned. And he petitioned for his soul that he might die, and he said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”

New American Bible
And when the sun arose, God provided a scorching east wind; and the sun beat upon Jonah’s head till he became faint. Then he wished for death, saying, “It is better for me to die than to live.”

New Revised Standard Version
When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass when the sun arose, the LORD God commanded a sultry east wind; and it withered the gourd, and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he was weary and wished that he might die, and said, O LORD, you can take my life from me, for I am not better than my fathers.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the sun was going down, LORD JEHOVAH God commanded the hot wind and it dried up the gourd and the sun beat on the head of Yonan and he was weary and he requested death for his soul, and he said: ”It has come into your hands, LORD JEHOVAH, to take my soul from me, for I am no better than my fathers!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and requested for himself that he might die, and said: 'It is better for me to die than to live.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass at the rising of the sun, that God commanded a burning east wind; and the sun smote on the head of Jonas, and he fainted, and despaired of his life, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jonah's Anger at the LORD's Compassion
7When dawn came the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant so that it withered. 8 As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint and wished to die, saying, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9Then God asked Jonah, “Have you any right to be angry about the plant?” “I do,” he replied. “I am angry enough to die!”…

Cross References
Matthew 12:40-41
For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. / The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.

Luke 11:29-32
As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. / For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation. / The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. ...

Nahum 1:6
Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.

Psalm 121:6
The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

Revelation 16:9
And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues. Yet they did not repent and give Him glory.

Job 1:12
“Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “Everything he has is in your hands, but you must not lay a hand on the man himself.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

Job 2:7
So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and infected Job with terrible boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.

Isaiah 49:10
They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.

Jeremiah 18:7-10
At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed. / But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring. / And if at another time I announce that I will build up and establish a nation or kingdom, ...

2 Kings 19:35
And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

Matthew 8:24-27
Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” / “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. ...

Mark 4:39
Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm.

Acts 27:13-15
When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had their opportunity. So they weighed anchor and sailed along, hugging the coast of Crete. / But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. / Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along.

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.

Isaiah 25:4
For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall,


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on 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.

that God.

Jonah 4:6,7
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…

Jonah 1:4,17
But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken…

Ezekiel 19:12
But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.

vehement.

Psalm 121:6
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

Song of Solomon 1:6
Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.

Isaiah 49:10
They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

and wished.

Jonah 4:3
Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.

Leviticus 10:3
Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

1 Samuel 3:18
And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

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Appointed Arise Beat Begged Better Die East Faint Fainted Head Jonah Live Prepared Requested Rose Scorching Sun Vehement Wind Wished
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Appointed Arise Beat Begged Better Die East Faint Fainted Head Jonah Live Prepared Requested Rose Scorching Sun Vehement Wind Wished
Jonah 4
1. Jonah repining at God's mercy,
4. is reproved by the type of a withering vine.














As the sun was rising
This phrase sets the scene for the unfolding events, indicating a new day and a new test for Jonah. The rising sun often symbolizes new beginnings or enlightenment in scripture, yet here it introduces a trial. The Hebrew word for "rising" (זָרַח, zarach) can also mean to shine or to appear, suggesting that God’s presence and purpose are about to be revealed in a new way to Jonah.

God appointed
The word "appointed" (מָנָה, manah) is significant, as it indicates divine sovereignty and intentionality. This is the same word used when God appointed the great fish to swallow Jonah (Jonah 1:17) and the plant to provide him shade (Jonah 4:6). It underscores the theme of God’s control over creation and His purposeful interventions in Jonah’s life, teaching him lessons about compassion and divine will.

a scorching east wind
The "scorching east wind" (ר֣וּחַ קָדִים חֲרִישִׁית, ruach qodim charishit) is a natural phenomenon known in the region as a sirocco or a hot desert wind. This wind is often associated with judgment or testing in the Bible, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 10:13). It serves as a metaphor for the intense spiritual and emotional trial Jonah is experiencing, challenging his understanding of God’s mercy.

and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head
The imagery of the sun beating down (וַתַּ֥ךְ הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ עַל־רֹ֣אשׁ יוֹנָ֑ה, vattak hashemesh al-rosh Yonah) conveys the severity of Jonah’s discomfort. The relentless sun is a physical manifestation of Jonah’s internal struggle and resistance to God’s compassion for Nineveh. It reflects the intensity of God’s pursuit of Jonah’s heart, urging him to align with divine compassion.

so that he grew faint
Jonah’s physical faintness (וַיִּתְעַלָּ֔ף, vayit'alaf) mirrors his spiritual and emotional exhaustion. The Hebrew root suggests a sense of being overwhelmed or enfeebled, highlighting Jonah’s vulnerability and the futility of resisting God’s will. It is a moment of crisis that calls Jonah to surrender and reflect on his attitudes.

and wished to die
Jonah’s wish to die (וַיִּשְׁאַ֥ל אֶת־נַפְשׁ֖וֹ לָמ֑וּת, vayish'al et-nafsho lamut) reveals the depth of his despair and discontent. This is not the first time Jonah expresses a desire for death (Jonah 4:3), indicating a recurring struggle with accepting God’s mercy towards others. It challenges readers to consider their own responses to God’s grace and the call to love their enemies.

saying, 'It is better for me to die than to live.'
Jonah’s declaration (ט֥וֹב מוֹתִ֖י מֵחַיָּֽי, tov moti me-chayai) encapsulates his inner turmoil and resistance to God’s plan. The phrase reflects a distorted perspective, where Jonah values his own comfort and understanding over God’s broader purpose. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-centeredness and the importance of aligning with God’s compassionate heart.

(8) Vehement east wind.--The derivation from a root meaning silent (see margin) points to what travellers describe as the "quiet kind of sirocco," which is often more overpowering than the more boisterous kind. (See Thomson, The Land and the 'Book, pp. 536, 537.) Ewald, however, derives differently, and makes it a rough, scrapy, stingy wind.

Fainted.--See Jonah 2:7. Here the effect of sunstroke, in Amos 8:13 of thirst

Wished in himself to die.--Literally, wished his soul to die. (Comp. 1Kings 19:4.)

It is better.--The italics are unnecessary, and weaken the passage, Better my death than my life. Physical suffering was now added to the prophet's chagrin, and, as usual, added to the moral depression. It seemed much worse that the logical consistency of Jonah's teaching should go for nothing now that he was so uncomfortable.

Verses 8-11. - § 4. Jonah grieves bitterly for the loss of the gourd; and God takes occasion from this to point out the prophet's inconsistency and pitilessness in murmuring against the mercy shown to Nineveh with its multitude of inhabitants. Verse 8. - A vehement east wind; Septuagint, πνεύματι καύσωνι (James 1:11) συγκαίοντι "a scorching, burning wind;" Vulgate, vento calido et urenti (Hosea 13:15). The word translated "vehement" is also rendered "silent," i.e. sultry. Pusey and Hitzig rather incline to think it may mean the autumn or harvest wind. Either interpretation is suitable, as, according to Dr. Thomson, there are two kinds of sirocco, equally destructive and annoying - the violent wind, which fills the air with dust and sand; and the quiet one, when scarcely any air is stirring, but the heat is most overpowering ('The Land and the Book,' p. 536, etc.). Beat upon the head. The same word for the effect of the rays of the sun as in Psalm 121:6 and elsewhere. Trochon quotes Ovid, 'Metam ,' 7:804 -

"Sole fere radiis feriente cacumiua primis."

"The sun with earliest rays
Scarce smiting highest peaks."
Rich, 'Koordistan,' 1:125, "Just as the moon rose, about ten, an intolerable puff of wind came from the northeast. All were immediately silent, as if they had felt an earthquake, and then exclaimed, in a dismal tone, 'The sherki is come.' This was indeed the so much-dreaded sherki, and it has continued blowing ever since with great violence from the east and northeast, the wind being heated like our Bagdad sauna, but I think softer and more relaxing. This wind is the terror of these parts." "Few European travellers," says Layard ('Nin. and Babyl.,' p. 366), "can brave the perpendicular rays of an Assyrian sun. Even the well seasoned Arab seeks the shade during the day, and journeys by night unless driven forth by necessity or the love of war" (quoted by Dr. Pusey, in loc.). He fainted (see note on Amos 8:13, where the fame word is used of the effects of thirst: comp. Jonah 2:7). His position on the east of the city (ver. 5) exposed him to the full force of the scorching sun and wind. Wished in himself to die; literally, asked for his soul to die; Septuagint, ἀπελέγετο τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ, "despaired of his life" (1 Kings 19:4). The expression implies that he asked God to grant him his life to do with it what he liked. In his self-will and impatience he still shows his dependence upon God. He may have had in his mind the precedent of his great master Elijah, though his spirit is very different (see note on ver. 3 above). Better for me to die. His wish for death arose from his now assured conviction that God's mercy was extended to the heathen. He argued from the sudden withering of the gourd that he was not to stay there and see the accomplishment of his wishes, and, in his impatience and intolerance, he would rather die than behold Nineveh converted and saved.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As the sun
הַשֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ (haš·še·meš)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement

was rising,
כִּזְרֹ֣חַ (kiz·rō·aḥ)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2224: To irradiate, to rise, to appear

God
אֱלֹהִ֜ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

appointed
וַיְמַ֨ן (way·man)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4487: To weigh out, to allot, constitute officially, to enumerate, enroll

a scorching
חֲרִישִׁ֔ית (ḥă·rî·šîṯ)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2759: Perhaps sultry

east
קָדִים֙ (qā·ḏîm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6921: The fore, front part, the East

wind,
ר֤וּחַ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

and the sun
הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ (haš·še·meš)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement

beat down
וַתַּ֥ךְ (wat·taḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Jonah’s
יוֹנָ֖ה (yō·w·nāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3124: Jonah -- an Israelite prophet

head
רֹ֥אשׁ (rōš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218: The head

so that he grew faint
וַיִּתְעַלָּ֑ף (way·yiṯ·‘al·lāp̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5968: To veil, cover, to be languid

and wished
וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל (way·yiš·’al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

to die,
לָמ֔וּת (lā·mūṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

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

“It is better
ט֥וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

for me to die
מוֹתִ֖י (mō·w·ṯî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

than to live.”
מֵחַיָּֽי׃ (mê·ḥay·yāy)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life


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OT Prophets: Jonah 4:8 It happened when the sun arose that (Jon. Jh)
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