Jonah 4:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} God {H430} prepared {H4487} a gourd {H7021}, and made it to come up {H5927} over Jonah {H3124}, that it might be a shadow {H6738} over his head {H7218}, to deliver {H5337} him from his grief {H7451}. So Jonah {H3124} was exceeding {H1419}{H8057} glad {H8055} of the gourd {H7021}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, God, prepared a castor-bean plant and made it grow up over Yonah to shade his head and relieve his discomfort. So Yonah was delighted with the castor-bean plant.

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD God appointed a vine, and it grew up to provide shade over Jonah’s head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to deliver him from his evil case. So Jonah was exceeding glad because of the gourd.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonah 4:6 describes the LORD God's compassionate and sovereign intervention in Jonah's life following the prophet's bitter complaint and desire for death. As Jonah sat outside Nineveh, exposed to the elements and consumed by self-pity over God's mercy towards the city, God miraculously caused a fast-growing plant, a gourd, to spring up and provide shade over Jonah's head. This act of divine provision brought Jonah immense, albeit temporary, relief and joy, setting the stage for God's subsequent, profound lesson on compassion and misplaced priorities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jonah's intense emotional outburst in [Jonah 4:1-3](/jonah/4-1-3 "Jonah's Anger and Prayer for Death"), where he expresses profound displeasure and even prays for death because God relented from destroying Nineveh. Having delivered God's message and seen the city repent, Jonah retreats outside the city, building a temporary shelter and waiting to see if God would still bring judgment. God's provision of the gourd is a direct, compassionate response to Jonah's physical discomfort and emotional distress, demonstrating divine care even for a prophet deeply at odds with His will. The narrative then swiftly moves to the gourd's destruction in [Jonah 4:7](/jonah/4-7 "The Gourd Withers") and God's subsequent use of this event to challenge Jonah's self-centered perspective.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is outside the ancient city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, a region known for its hot, arid climate. Exposure to the scorching sun would have been a significant discomfort, making shade a highly valued commodity. The "gourd" (Hebrew: *qîyqâyôwn*) likely refers to a fast-growing, broad-leafed plant, possibly a castor oil plant, which could provide rapid relief from the sun. Such plants were common in the Near East and their quick growth and relatively short lifespan would have made them ideal for the symbolic lesson God intended to convey. The cultural expectation for hospitality and provision, even for an adversary, underscores God's generous nature.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the book of Jonah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **God's Sovereign Providence**, as the LORD God "prepared" the gourd, just as He [prepared a great fish](/jonah/1-17 "God Prepares a Great Fish") and would later [prepare a worm](/jonah/4-7 "God Prepares a Worm") and [a fervent east wind](/jonah/4-8 "God Prepares a Fervent East Wind"). This highlights God's active and meticulous control over all creation to achieve His divine purposes. Another theme is **Divine Compassion and Patience**, shown in God's tender care for His disobedient and self-pitying prophet. Even in Jonah's rebellion, God extends grace and comfort. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Misplaced Joy**, as Jonah finds "exceeding gladness" in a temporary plant, contrasting sharply with his anger over the salvation of a vast city, foreshadowing the crucial lesson in [Jonah 4:9-11](/jonah/4-9-11 "God's Final Lesson to Jonah") about valuing human life over personal comfort or nationalistic prejudice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prepared (Hebrew, _mânâh'_):** From H4487, meaning "to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll; appoint, count, number, prepare, set, tell." This word emphasizes God's deliberate, intentional, and sovereign act. It's not a random occurrence but a divinely orchestrated event, highlighting God's active involvement in the unfolding narrative and His purposeful design in providing the gourd.
* **gourd (Hebrew, _qîyqâyôwn'_):** From H7021, perhaps from a root meaning "to nauseate" (though this is debated), referring to "the gourd (as nauseous)." While the precise botanical identification is uncertain, it denotes a specific type of fast-growing plant providing shade. Its rapid growth and equally rapid demise (as seen in [Jonah 4:7](/jonah/4-7 "The Gourd Withers")) are crucial to its symbolic and pedagogical function in the narrative.
* **glad (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** From H8055, meaning "to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome; cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very." The KJV adds "exceeding" (H1419, _gâdôwl_), meaning "great (in any sense)." This combination emphasizes the intensity of Jonah's joy over the temporary comfort of the plant, a joy that stands in stark contrast to his lack of joy over the repentance of Nineveh. It reveals Jonah's self-centered emotional state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD God prepared a gourd,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes divine agency. The phrase "the LORD God" (Yahweh Elohim) underscores both God's covenant faithfulness and His universal power. The verb "prepared" signifies a deliberate, purposeful act, not a coincidence. God actively intervenes in the natural order to bring about His will, setting the stage for the specific lesson He intends to teach Jonah.
* **"and made [it] to come up over Jonah,"**: This describes the miraculous speed and precision of the gourd's growth. It grew quickly and directly over Jonah, providing immediate and effective shade. This highlights God's direct and personal care for Jonah, even in his rebellious state, demonstrating a tender provision for his physical well-being.
* **"that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief."**: The purpose of the gourd is explicitly stated: to provide "shadow" (shade) and "deliver him from his grief." The "grief" (Hebrew: *ra'*, H7451) here refers to the physical discomfort of the sun's heat, but also implicitly to Jonah's emotional distress and anger. God's provision is multi-faceted, addressing both his physical need and his emotional anguish, offering a temporary reprieve.
* **"So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd."**: This final clause reveals Jonah's immediate and intense reaction. His "exceeding gladness" (a strong double emphasis in the Hebrew) over a mere plant is a crucial element. It underscores his self-centeredness and misplaced priorities, as he rejoices over a personal comfort more than over the salvation of 120,000 people and much livestock. This joy is deeply ironic and sets up the divine challenge that follows in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Symbolism**, with the gourd serving as a potent symbol of God's temporary, yet real, provision and comfort. It also symbolizes the fleeting nature of earthly blessings and the potential for humans to place undue value on them. The narrative employs **Irony** by portraying Jonah's "exceeding gladness" over a plant, contrasting sharply with his profound anger and despair over the salvation of Nineveh. This highlights the absurdity of his spiritual state. God's action of "preparing" the gourd is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (planning, preparing) to God, emphasizing His active and personal involvement in the world. Furthermore, the rapid appearance and subsequent disappearance of the gourd (foreshadowed by its nature and explicitly stated in [Jonah 4:7](/jonah/4-7 "The Gourd Withers")) serve as a **Foreshadowing** device, preparing the reader for the deeper lesson God will impart regarding the transient nature of personal comforts versus the eternal value of human souls.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonah 4:6 profoundly illustrates God's active and compassionate sovereignty over all creation. Even when His prophet is disobedient, self-pitying, and stubbornly resistant to His will, God does not abandon him. Instead, He extends grace and provides comfort, not merely for ease, but as a pedagogical tool. This divine provision underscores God's inexhaustible patience and His commitment to drawing His people into a deeper understanding of His character, particularly His boundless mercy that extends to all, even those we deem unworthy. Jonah's misplaced joy in the gourd highlights a universal human tendency to prioritize personal comfort and fleeting blessings over God's eternal purposes and the spiritual well-being of others.

* [Psalm 121:5](/psalm/121-5 "The LORD is your shade")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Do Not Worry About Your Life")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a powerful mirror for our own hearts. God's provision of the gourd, even for a rebellious Jonah, reminds us that His grace often meets us in our weakness, our stubbornness, and even our self-pity. He provides comfort, not just for our ease, but often as a means to draw us closer to Him and to reveal deeper truths about His character and our own misplaced affections. We are challenged to examine what truly brings us "exceeding gladness." Is our joy rooted in temporary comforts, personal preferences, or the fleeting pleasures of this world? Or is it found in seeing God's redemptive work unfold, in His compassion for all people, and in aligning our hearts with His expansive, saving purposes? The story of the gourd invites us to re-evaluate our priorities and to cultivate a joy that is rooted in eternal realities, rather than transient comforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gourds" in your life do you find yourself clinging to for comfort or security, perhaps more than to God Himself?**
* **How does God's patient provision for Jonah, despite his disobedience, challenge your understanding of divine grace and discipline?**
* **In what ways might God be using temporary comforts or discomforts in your life to teach you a deeper spiritual lesson about His priorities versus your own?**

### FAQ
**What kind of plant was the "gourd" mentioned in Jonah 4:6?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *qîyqâyôwn* (H7021), translated as "gourd," does not refer to the common squash or pumpkin. While its exact botanical identification is debated among scholars, the most widely accepted theory is that it refers to the castor oil plant (*Ricinus communis*). This plant is known for its remarkably rapid growth, large, broad leaves that provide excellent shade, and its relatively short lifespan, which aligns perfectly with the narrative's requirements for a plant that grows quickly and then withers just as swiftly (as described in [Jonah 4:7](/jonah/4-7 "The Gourd Withers")). Its rapid appearance and disappearance are crucial to the pedagogical lesson God intends to convey to Jonah about the transient nature of earthly comforts compared to the enduring value of human souls.

**Why did God provide the gourd only to take it away shortly thereafter?**

Answer: God's provision of the gourd, followed by its swift destruction, was a deliberate and masterful act of divine pedagogy. The gourd served as a tangible object lesson, designed to expose Jonah's misplaced compassion and self-centeredness. By allowing Jonah to experience intense joy over the temporary comfort of the plant, and then intense grief over its loss, God created a parallel to Jonah's lack of compassion for Nineveh. God's subsequent question to Jonah in [Jonah 4:9-11](/jonah/4-9-11 "God's Final Lesson to Jonah") directly contrasts Jonah's concern for a plant (which he did not cultivate) with God's infinitely greater concern for the vast population of Nineveh. The gourd's transient nature underscored the fleeting quality of earthly comforts, preparing Jonah (and the reader) to grasp the profound and lasting value of human lives and God's expansive mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine provision of the gourd for Jonah, a rebellious prophet, foreshadows God's ultimate and perfect provision for humanity in Jesus Christ. Just as the gourd offered temporary shade and relief from the sun's scorching heat, Jesus is the ultimate source of spiritual rest and refuge from the oppressive burdens of sin and the curse of the law, inviting all who are weary and burdened to [come to Him for rest](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). God's patient care for Jonah, despite his deep-seated prejudice and self-pity, mirrors Christ's unwavering patience and compassion for His disciples, even in their failures and misunderstandings, such as [Peter's denial](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter Denies Jesus"). Moreover, Jonah's misplaced joy in a temporary plant, rather than in the salvation of a great city, stands in stark contrast to the joy of heaven over [one sinner who repents](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy Over One Sinner Who Repents"). Jesus continually calls His followers to prioritize the eternal over the temporal, to find their ultimate delight not in fleeting comforts but in the advancement of God's kingdom and the salvation of souls, understanding that [what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal](/2_corinthians/4-18 "2 Corinthians 4:18 - Focus on the Unseen and Eternal"). In Christ, God's sovereign provision is not merely for physical comfort or pedagogical lessons, but for eternal life and reconciliation, offering a shade that never withers and a joy that is everlasting.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 103:10

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

Psalms 103:14

For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust.

1 Corinthians 7:30

And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

Isaiah 39:2

And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.

Esther 5:9

¶ Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

Luke 10:20

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Jonah 1:17

Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.