Jonah 1:1

¶ Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

Now the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto Jonah {H3124} the son {H1121} of Amittai {H573}, saying {H559},

The word of ADONAI came to Yonah the son of Amitai:

Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying,

Now the word of Jehovah came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

Commentary on Jonah 1:1 KJV

The book of Jonah opens with a direct declaration of divine initiative: "Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying." This verse immediately establishes the central theme of God's sovereign communication with humanity and sets the stage for one of the Bible's most unique prophetic narratives.

Context

This verse introduces the prophet Jonah, identified as the son of Amittai. Historically, Jonah is also mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25 as a prophet from Gath-hepher who prophesied during the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel (c. 793–753 BC). This places him among the earlier writing prophets. Unlike most prophetic books that contain collections of prophecies, Jonah tells a continuous story about the prophet himself, focusing on his call, disobedience, divine discipline, and eventual obedience, particularly concerning God's mercy towards the Assyrian city of Nineveh, which is commanded in Jonah 1:2.

Key Themes

  • Divine Commission: The phrase "the word of the LORD came" is a standard prophetic formula, indicating a direct, authoritative message from God. It highlights God's active involvement in human affairs and His choice of specific individuals to carry out His will.
  • God's Sovereignty: This opening immediately places God as the primary actor, initiating the events of the book. It underscores His supreme authority and His right to command His servants.
  • Introduction to a Unique Prophet: Jonah is not presented as a willing servant from the outset, setting him apart from many other prophets who readily accepted their call (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah). This verse, however, only introduces the call; the response unfolds in subsequent verses.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Jonah" (יוֹנָה‎ - Yonah): The Hebrew name means "dove." This is ironic given Jonah's initial reluctance and rebellious spirit, contrasting with the dove's traditional symbolism of peace or a messenger.
  • "Amittai" (אֲמִתַּי‎ - Amittai): This name means "my truth" or "truthful." While often a mere genealogical identifier, it contrasts with Jonah's initial unwillingness to speak God's truth to Nineveh.
  • "The word of the LORD came" (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֶל־יוֹנָה‎): This common Hebrew idiom signifies divine revelation and the beginning of a prophetic utterance or mission. It emphasizes that the message originates with God, not man. Similar phrasing introduces many prophetic books, such as Jeremiah 1:4 and Ezekiel 1:3.

Practical Application

Jonah 1:1 reminds us that God is a God who speaks and actively engages with His creation. Just as "the word of the LORD came" to Jonah, God continues to communicate His will and purposes to individuals today, whether through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, or circumstances. This verse serves as a foundational reminder that all divine service begins with a divine call, prompting us to consider if we are attentive to His voice and prepared to respond, even when His instructions might seem challenging or counter-intuitive to our own desires.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 11:29

    ¶ And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

  • Luke 11:30

    For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

  • Luke 11:32

    The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.

  • 2 Kings 14:25

    He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which [was] of Gathhepher.

  • Matthew 16:4

    A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

  • Matthew 12:39

    But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

  • Matthew 12:41

    The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.

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