Jonah 1:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The book of Jonah commences with a direct and authoritative declaration of divine initiative: "Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying." This foundational verse immediately establishes God as the sovereign initiator of the narrative, highlighting His active engagement with humanity through prophetic revelation and setting the stage for the dramatic and unique account of a prophet's call, disobedience, and the surprising extension of divine mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jonah 1:1 serves as the crucial opening to a unique prophetic book. Unlike most prophetic literature, which primarily consists of oracles and messages delivered by the prophet, the Book of Jonah is largely a narrative about the prophet himself. This verse introduces the central character, Jonah, and immediately establishes the divine origin of the mission that will drive the entire story. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" is a standard prophetic formula, signaling a direct, authoritative divine communication, akin to the openings of other prophetic books. This sets the expectation for a divine message, though the content of that message and Jonah's subsequent response are deferred to [Jonah 1:2](/jonah/1-2 "Jonah 1:2 - God's Command to Nineveh") and beyond. The structure of the book, beginning with this divine call, emphasizes God's sovereignty as the primary mover in the unfolding drama.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jonah, identified as "the son of Amittai," is a historical figure also mentioned in [2 Kings 14:25](/2_kings/14-25 "2 Kings 14:25 - Jonah's Prophecy of Israel's Expansion"). This passage places him as a prophet from Gath-hepher, a town in Zebulun, who prophesied during the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel (c. 793–753 BC). This makes Jonah one of the earliest writing prophets, predating Amos and Hosea. His ministry occurred during a period of relative prosperity and national expansion for Israel, but also one of moral and spiritual decline. The command to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, is highly significant. Assyria was a brutal and feared empire, a major oppressor of Israel. For a Hebrew prophet to be commanded to preach repentance to such an enemy would have been deeply shocking and culturally offensive, challenging the prevailing nationalistic and ethnocentric views of God's covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several overarching themes that permeate the book. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Commission and Revelation**, as God's "word" directly "came" to Jonah, signifying an undeniable and authoritative call to service. This highlights God's active involvement in human affairs and His choice of specific individuals to carry out His will. Closely related is the theme of **God's Sovereignty**, as the LORD is presented as the primary actor, initiating the events of the book and demonstrating His supreme authority over all creation and all nations. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Prophetic Responsibility**, as Jonah is presented as the recipient of this divine word, setting the stage for his unique and ultimately reluctant response to God's command, a deviation from the typical portrayal of prophets who readily accept their call, as seen in [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah 6:8 - Isaiah's Willingness") or [Jeremiah 1:6-7](/jeremiah/1-6-7 "Jeremiah 1:6-7 - Jeremiah's Hesitation and God's Assurance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term signifies more than just spoken sound; it encompasses a matter, thing, business, or command. In this context, "the word of the LORD" implies an authoritative utterance that carries divine purpose, instruction, and the power to bring about what it declares. It is God's active communication, initiating a specific task or revelation.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It denotes the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His promises and actively involved in the affairs of His creation and His people. Its use here emphasizes that the command to Jonah comes from the ultimate, sovereign authority, the God of Israel, who is also the God of all nations.
* **Jonah (Hebrew, _Yôwnâh'_):** From H3124, the name means "dove." This is profoundly ironic given the prophet's character and actions throughout the book. While a dove often symbolizes peace, purity, or a messenger (as in Noah's ark, [Genesis 8:8-12](/genesis/8-8-12 "Genesis 8:8-12 - The Dove and the Olive Leaf")), Jonah's initial response is anything but peaceful or compliant. His name subtly foreshadows the contrast between his rebellious nature and the divine message of peace and mercy he is called to deliver.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the word of the LORD came":** This opening phrase, a common prophetic formula, immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. It signifies a direct, undeniable, and active communication from God, initiating the entire narrative. The use of "LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes that this is the covenant God of Israel, whose word carries ultimate weight and purpose.
* **"unto Jonah the son of Amittai,":** This clause identifies the specific recipient of the divine word. Jonah is not a generic figure but a named individual, further identified by his father's name, Amittai. This grounding in historical reality underscores the authenticity of the prophetic call, even for such an unusual narrative. The personal address highlights God's particular choice and commissioning of this specific prophet.
* **"saying,":** This final word indicates that the communication is not merely an internal impression but a direct, verbal command or message that follows. It sets up the expectation for the content of God's word, which is revealed in the subsequent verse, detailing the specific mission God has for Jonah.

#### Literary Devices
Jonah 1:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to set the tone and introduce the narrative. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Formula**, "Now the word of the LORD came," which immediately signals to the reader that this is a divine revelation and that the events that follow are divinely ordained. This formula is a staple in prophetic literature, lending authority and gravitas to the message. There is also a subtle use of **Irony** in the naming of the prophet; Jonah, whose name means "dove" (a symbol of peace or messenger), is introduced as the recipient of a divine command that he will vehemently resist, directly contrasting with the typical symbolism associated with his name. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Introduction**, efficiently setting the scene by identifying the divine initiator, the human recipient, and the nature of the interaction (a direct command), thereby launching the entire story with conciseness and impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonah 1:1 powerfully asserts the foundational theological truth that God is a God who speaks and actively intervenes in human history. His word is not passive but dynamic, carrying authority and purpose, initiating His redemptive plan. This verse underscores the concept of divine election and commissioning, where God sovereignly chooses individuals to be His messengers, regardless of their personal inclinations or perceived suitability. It also implicitly introduces the theme of God's universal concern, as the subsequent verses will reveal His command to Jonah regarding the Gentile city of Nineveh, foreshadowing a broader scope of divine mercy beyond Israel.

* [Jeremiah 1:4](/jeremiah/1-4 "The Word of the LORD to Jeremiah")
* [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "The Word of the LORD to Ezekiel")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonah 1:1 serves as a profound reminder that our journey of faith often begins with a divine initiative, a "word of the LORD" that comes to us. Just as God called Jonah, He continues to call individuals today into various forms of service, whether it's a specific ministry, a challenging act of obedience, or simply a deeper walk with Him. This verse prompts us to cultivate an attentive ear and a responsive heart to God's voice, recognizing that His commands may sometimes push us beyond our comfort zones, challenge our prejudices, or require us to step into uncomfortable situations. The initial call to Jonah, though simple in its phrasing, carries immense weight, signifying that all genuine spiritual endeavor flows from God's sovereign command. We are invited to consider: Are we listening for God's word in our lives? Are we prepared to respond, even when His instructions seem counter-intuitive or demand a sacrifice of our own desires?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "the word of the LORD came" challenge my understanding of God's active involvement in my daily life?**
* **In what ways might God be speaking to me today, and how am I responding to His call?**
* **What prejudices or comfort zones might prevent me from fully embracing a divine commission, similar to Jonah's initial reluctance?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "the word of the LORD came"?**

Answer: This phrase is a common and highly significant prophetic formula found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [1 Samuel 15:10](/1_samuel/15-10 "1 Samuel 15:10 - The Word of the LORD to Samuel"), [Isaiah 38:4](/isaiah/38-4 "1 Samuel 15:10 - The Word of the LORD to Isaiah")). It signifies a direct, authoritative, and undeniable revelation from God. It indicates that the message or command originates solely with the divine, not from human thought or desire, and carries the full weight of God's sovereignty and purpose. Its presence at the very beginning of Jonah immediately establishes the divine initiative and the supernatural origin of the events that follow, setting the stage for a narrative driven by God's will.

**Why is Jonah identified as "the son of Amittai"?**

Answer: Identifying a prophet by their father's name (patronymic) was a standard practice in ancient Israel, serving as a genealogical marker and affirming the prophet's historical reality. It grounds the narrative in a specific historical context, differentiating this Jonah from others who might share the same name. In Jonah's case, his father's name, Amittai, means "my truth" or "truthful." While often a simple identifier, some scholars suggest it creates a subtle theological contrast with Jonah's initial unwillingness to speak God's truth to Nineveh or to fully embrace the truth of God's universal mercy. It authenticates Jonah as a real person, not a fictional character, thereby underscoring the reality of his divine encounter and the message of the book.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonah 1:1, by declaring that "the word of the LORD came unto Jonah," foreshadows the ultimate and perfect embodiment of God's word in Jesus Christ. While God spoke through prophets in various ways in the Old Testament, [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son") proclaims that "in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Jesus is not merely a messenger of God's word; He *is* the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the full and final revelation of God's character and will. Just as God initiated a mission through Jonah, He initiated the ultimate mission of salvation through His Son, sending Him into a world rebellious against God. Furthermore, Jonah's commission to a Gentile nation, Nineveh, subtly prefigures the universal scope of the Gospel. While Jonah was reluctant to see God's mercy extended beyond Israel, Christ's death and resurrection established a new covenant that embraces people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")). Jonah's three days and nights in the belly of the great fish, a sign Jesus Himself referenced in [Matthew 12:40](/matthew/12-40 "Matthew 12:40 - The Sign of Jonah"), directly points to Christ's own death, burial, and resurrection, the ultimate act of divine obedience and the foundation for the worldwide proclamation of God's saving word.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.