Jonah 4:10
Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:
Jonah 4:10 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night," from the book of Jonah in the Bible, serves as a profound reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of compassion. In this passage, God uses a gourd that grows quickly and provides shade for Jonah to illustrate a point about His mercy and concern for all creation. Despite Jonah's lack of involvement in the gourd's growth and eventual demise, God still shows concern for it, highlighting His care for even the smallest aspects of His creation. This verse emphasizes the ephemeral nature of life and the need for empathy towards all living beings, regardless of their significance in the grand scheme of things. It serves as a lesson in humility and compassion, reminding us to appreciate the fleeting beauty of life and to show kindness to all living things, just as God does.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from the Book of Jonah highlights God's sovereign power and authority over all creation. The image of the gourd, which Jonah did not labor for nor make grow, emphasizes God's ability to provide for His creation and to bless or remove blessings as He sees fit. The sudden appearance and disappearance of the gourd in a single night serve as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and comforts, reminding us of the impermanence of material things.
Verse 10 also serves as a lesson in compassion and mercy. God points out Jonah's pity for the gourd to highlight the fact that Jonah shows more concern for a temporary plant than for the numerous people living in Nineveh, whom God desires to save from destruction. This verse challenges us to prioritize matters of eternal significance over temporary comforts and to align our hearts with God's desire for mercy and redemption.
Jonah 4:10 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jehovah said, Thou hast had regard for the gourd, for which thou hast not labored, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:
World English Bible
Yahweh said, “You have been concerned for the vine, for which you have not labored, neither made it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night.
Douay-Rheims
And the Lord said: Thou art grieved for the ivy, for which thou hast not laboured, nor made it to grow, which in one night came up, and in one night perished.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then said the Lord, Thou hast had pitie on the gourde for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it growe, which came vp in a night, and perished in a night,