4:7a–b

When dawn came the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant so that it withered: Jonah’s relief only lasted one day, because the next day God sent a worm which chewed the vine so that it withered and died. Then there was no longer enough shade to protect Jonah from the burning sun.

God appointed a worm: The Hebrew verb minneh translated here as appointed is the same word as in 1:17a and 4:6a. See the notes on those verses. The same verb also occurs in 4:8a. In each case God “provided” something which affected Jonah. In all four verses the Berean Standard Bible uses appointed. If you can use the same verb in the four verses, you should do so. The important thing in each case was that God initiated the action and was in control.

worm: Scholars have suggested a number of possible translations for the Hebrew term translated worm in the Berean Standard Bible and most other English versions. Some other suggestions are: larva, maggot, weevil, beetle, or centipede. If possible, use a general word for this creature, one that refers to something that eats stems or leaves.

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