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.

JONAH 1:4KJV
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Jonah 1:4 (KJV)

What does Jonah 1:4 mean?

Jonah 1:4 describes how the LORD sent a powerful wind onto the sea, causing a violent storm so fierce that the ship Jonah was on seemed about to break apart. This verse shows that the storm was not random, but a direct action from God in response to Jonah's attempt to flee.

In this scene, Jonah is on a ship with sailors, trying to escape from God's command to go to Nineveh. The verse highlights that the LORD (not just nature) is in control of the situation, using the forces of nature to get Jonah’s attention. The intensity of the storm sets up the crisis that follows, showing how serious Jonah’s disobedience is considered.

The Hebrew behind Jonah 1:4

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This specific name for God emphasizes that it is the personal, covenant God of Israel acting here, not a generic deity or fate.
  • great (גָּדוֹל, gadol): The word for "great" is used twice—once for the wind and once for the tempest—stressing just how overwhelming and exceptional the storm is.
  • wind (רוּחַ, ruach): This word can mean wind, breath, or spirit. Here, it points to a forceful, purposeful wind, not just a natural breeze.
  • broken (שָׁבַר, shavar): The verb used for "broken" carries the sense of being shattered or smashed, underlining the real danger the ship and its crew faced.

Why Jonah 1:4 matters

  • Jonah 1:4 makes clear that the storm is not a coincidence but a deliberate act by God, which is key to understanding the whole story of Jonah.
  • The verse emphasizes God's power over nature, showing that even the sea and the weather respond to His will.
  • This moment sets up the rest of the chapter, where the sailors and Jonah must confront the reason for the storm, leading to deeper questions about obedience and responsibility.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H2904 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Samuel 18:11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
  • Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 22:28 Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?

“tempest” Hebrew H5591 · used in 22 verses

  • 2 Kings 2:1 And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
  • Psalms 107:29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
  • Jeremiah 30:23 Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.

“ship” Hebrew H591 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
  • Isaiah 23:14 Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.

“like” Hebrew H2803 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:20 And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
  • Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.