Jonah 3:10

And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.

And God {H430} saw {H7200} their works {H4639}, that they turned {H7725} from their evil {H7451} way {H1870}; and God {H430} repented {H5162} of the evil {H7451}, that he had said {H1696} that he would do {H6213} unto them; and he did {H6213} it not.

When God saw by their deeds that they had turned from their evil way, he relented and did not bring on them the punishment he had threatened.

When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them.

And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil which he said he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Context of Jonah 3:10

Jonah 3:10 concludes the dramatic narrative of Nineveh's repentance. After Jonah, initially reluctant and rebellious (Jonah 1:3), finally delivered God's stark message of impending destruction to the great city of Nineveh (Jonah 3:4). This was a city notorious for its wickedness and violence (Nahum 3:1). Surprisingly, from the king to the common citizen, the Ninevites responded with immediate and profound repentance, fasting, and prayer, including even their animals (Jonah 3:5-9). This verse marks God's compassionate response to their genuine turning from evil.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Mercy and Compassion: The verse powerfully illustrates God's boundless mercy. Despite Nineveh's grave sins, God was ready to avert judgment when they truly repented. This highlights His character as "gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love" (Exodus 34:6).
  • The Power of Repentance: Nineveh's story is a testament to the transformative power of genuine repentance. Their "works" – their turning from evil – were the evidence of their changed hearts. God responds not merely to words, but to a demonstrable change in direction and behavior.
  • God "Repents" (Anthropomorphism): The phrase "God repented of the evil" is an anthropomorphism, meaning God is described in human terms. It does not imply God made a mistake or changed His perfect nature. Rather, it signifies a change in His *action* or *dealing* with humanity based on their response. When people change their ways, God's dealings with them change; His consistent character of justice and mercy remains.
  • Conditional Prophecy: This verse underscores that many prophetic warnings of judgment are conditional, dependent on the human response. God's ultimate desire is restoration, not destruction, for those who turn to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "repented" is nacham (נָחַם). While it can mean regret or sorrow, in the context of God, it often conveys a change of intent or a relenting from a previously declared course of action due to a change in circumstances or the behavior of others. It speaks to God's dynamic interaction with His creation, demonstrating His readiness to respond to human free will and repentance, rather than a fixed, unchangeable decree regardless of human response. This term is also used when God relents from bringing disaster (Jeremiah 18:8).

Practical Application

Jonah 3:10 offers profound encouragement for all people. It assures us that:

  • God is Always Ready to Forgive: No matter how great the sin, God's mercy is greater. If we genuinely turn from our "evil way" and seek Him, He is faithful to forgive and relent from deserved judgment (1 John 1:9).
  • Repentance is Key: True repentance involves both a change of mind and a change of action. It's about turning *from* sin and *to* God.
  • Hope for Society: Just as Nineveh was spared, this verse offers hope that nations and communities can experience God's mercy if they humble themselves and turn from widespread wickedness.

This verse serves as a timeless reminder of God's longsuffering patience and His desire for all to come to repentance and salvation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 18:8

    If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.

  • Luke 15:20

    And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

  • 1 Kings 21:27

    And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.

  • 1 Kings 21:29

    Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: [but] in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.

  • Amos 7:6

    The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Luke 11:32

    The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.

  • Exodus 32:14

    And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

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