Jonah's Displeasure

41 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.

Other Translations of Jonah 4:1

New International Version

Jonah's Displeasure

41 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.

English Standard Version

Jonah's Displeasure

41 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly,Hebrew it was exceedingly evil to Jonah and he was angry.

The Message

Jonah's Displeasure

41 Jonah was furious. He lost his temper.

New King James Version

Jonah's Displeasure

41 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry.

New Living Translation

Jonah's Displeasure

41 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jonah 4:1

Commentary on Jonah 4:1-4

(Read Jonah 4:1-4)

What all the saints make matter of joy and praise, Jonah makes the subject of reflection upon God; as if showing mercy were an imperfection of the Divine nature, which is the greatest glory of it. It is to his sparing, pardoning mercy, we all owe it that we are out of hell. He wishes for death: this was the language of folly, passion, and strong corruption. There appeared in Jonah remains of a proud, uncharitable spirit; and that he neither expected nor desired the welfare of the Ninevites, but had only come to declare and witness their destruction. He was not duly humbled for his own sins, and was not willing to trust the Lord with his credit and safety. In this frame of mind, he overlooked the good of which he had been an instrument, and the glory of the Divine mercy. We should often ask ourselves, Is it well to say thus, to do thus? Can I justify it? Do I well to be so soon angry, so often angry, so long angry, and to give others ill language in my anger? Do I well to be angry at the mercy of God to repenting sinners? That was Jonah's crime. Do we do well to be angry at that which is for the glory of God, and the advancement of his kingdom? Let the conversion of sinners, which is the joy of heaven, be our joy, and never our grief.