Jonah 4:6
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God provides a fast-growing plant to shade Jonah from his discomfort, and Jonah is overjoyed by it.
What Does Jonah 4:6 Mean?
God acts again, this time in kindness. He prepared a gourd, a broad-leaved plant, and made it grow up over Jonah to shade his head and relieve his discomfort. The same verb that appointed the great fish now appoints this plant; God is still arranging things for His prophet's good. And Jonah, who a moment ago wanted to die, is now exceeding glad, delighted over a bit of shade. His mood swings with his comfort.
There is gentle irony here. Jonah feels intense joy over a plant that costs him nothing, even as he feels no joy over a city of saved souls. God is setting up a comparison that will expose the smallness of Jonah's concerns. Yet notice too that God meets Jonah's physical need tenderly, easing his distress even while teaching him. The Lord cares for our small comforts and our great lessons alike. The gourd is both a kindness and a mirror, given to soften Jonah's heart and to show him what he truly treasures.
In the Original Language
manah (מָנָה), 'prepared' -- to appoint or assign; the same word used of the fish, now of the plant, the worm, and the wind, all serving God's purpose.