Jonah 3:1

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

Complete Jewish Bible:

The word of ADONAI came to Yonah a second time:

Berean Standard Bible:

Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time:

American Standard Version:

And the word of Jehovah came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the word^{H1697} of the LORD^{H3068} came unto Jonah^{H3124} the second^{H8145} time, saying^{H559},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Jonah 3:1

Jonah 3:1 is a pivotal verse in the short Old Testament book of Jonah, which is part of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. This verse marks a significant turning point in the narrative, as it indicates God's mercy and willingness to give second chances. The historical context of the book is somewhat ambiguous, but it is traditionally set during the reign of Jeroboam II in the northern kingdom of Israel (c. 786–746 BCE).

The verse specifically states, "And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying..." This brief statement is packed with theological significance. It follows Jonah's initial attempt to flee from God's command to go to Nineveh and preach repentance (Jonah 1:1-3). After being swallowed by a great fish—commonly interpreted as a miraculous event—Jonah finally prays to God from the fish's belly and is subsequently vomited onto dry land (Jonah 2).

The themes present in this verse include God's sovereignty, grace, and insistence on Jonah's mission. Despite Jonah's disobedience, God does not abandon him; instead, God reiterates His command. This demonstrates God's patience and His commitment to His plans and purposes, which often include calling and redeeming people—even those who are reluctant or rebellious. The verse also sets the stage for one of the most remarkable mass conversions recorded in the Bible, as the people of Nineveh, known for their wickedness, repent at Jonah's preaching.

In summary, Jonah 3:1 encapsulates the themes of divine patience, second chances, and the pursuit of God's will. It reflects the broader biblical motif that God's mercy extends beyond the boundaries of Israel and that He is the God of all nations, desiring the repentance and salvation of all people. This verse serves as a transition from Jonah's personal crisis to the fulfillment of his prophetic mission, highlighting the transformative power of God's word and the importance of obedience to His call.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1697
   There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּבָר
   Transliteration: dâbâr
   Pronunciation: daw-baw'
   Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3124
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יוֹנָה
   Transliteration: Yôwnâh
   Pronunciation: yo-naw'
   Description: xlit Yônâh corrected to Yôwnâh; the same as יוֹנָה; Jonah, an Israelite; Jonah.
   
4. Strong's Number: H8145
   There are 151 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׁנִי
   Transliteration: shênîy
   Pronunciation: shay-nee'
   Description: from שָׁנָה; properly, double, i.e. second; also adverbially, again; again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time).
   
5. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.