Jonah 1:16

KJV

Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the men {H582} feared {H3372} the LORD {H3068} exceedingly {H1419}{H3374}, and offered {H2076} a sacrifice {H2077} unto the LORD {H3068}, and made {H5087} vows {H5088}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Seized with great fear of ADONAI, they offered a sacrifice to ADONAI and made vows.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the men feared the LORD greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to Him.

American Standard Version

Then the men feared Jehovah exceedingly; and they offered a sacrifice unto Jehovah, and made vows.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonah 1:16 marks a pivotal moment of spiritual transformation for the Gentile sailors, who, having witnessed the immediate cessation of a violent storm upon Jonah's expulsion, transitioned from pagan terror to profound reverence for the LORD. Their response—offering a sacrifice and making solemn vows—signifies a genuine acknowledgment of Yahweh's supreme power and a commitment to Him, illustrating God's sovereign control over creation and His universal reach to all peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic climax of [Jonah 1:15](/jonah/1-15 "Jonah 1:15 - Jonah Cast Overboard"), where Jonah, at his own instruction, is thrown into the raging sea. The miraculous and instantaneous calming of the tempest at that precise moment serves as the undeniable divine confirmation of Jonah's words about his God, the LORD, who created the sea and the dry land ([Jonah 1:9](/jonah/1-9 "Jonah 1:9 - Jonah's Confession of Faith")). The sailors, who had previously exerted every effort to save themselves and avoid casting Jonah overboard ([Jonah 1:13](/jonah/1-13 "Jonah 1:13 - Sailors' Futile Efforts")), now stand in awe of the God who commands the elements. Their actions in [Jonah 1:16](/jonah/1-16 "Jonah 1:16 - Sailors' Response to God's Power") are a direct, immediate, and profound response to this irrefutable demonstration of divine sovereignty, setting the stage for the book's overarching theme of God's universal compassion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sailors in this narrative were likely Phoenician mariners, accustomed to polytheistic worship, where various gods were believed to govern different aspects of nature or specific regions. Their initial appeals were to "their gods" ([Jonah 1:5](/jonah/1-5 "Jonah 1:5 - Sailors Cry to Their Gods")), reflecting a common ancient Near Eastern worldview. Storms at sea were terrifying and often attributed to angry deities, requiring propitiation. In this context, offering a "sacrifice" (Hebrew: *zebach*) and making "vows" (Hebrew: *neder*) were common religious practices to appease or honor a deity, or to solidify a commitment. However, their actions here are distinct because they are directed specifically to "the LORD" (YHWH), the God of Israel, indicating a significant shift from their customary pagan practices to an acknowledgment of the one true God, a profound act of conversion for Gentiles in that era.
* **Key Themes:** [Jonah 1:16](/jonah/1-16 "Jonah 1:16 - Sailors' Fear, Sacrifice, and Vows") powerfully illustrates several core themes within the book of Jonah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over all creation, demonstrating that even the most chaotic forces of nature are subject to His command, a truth echoed throughout scripture, such as in [Psalm 107:29](/psalm/107-29 "Psalm 107:29 - God Calms the Storm"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Universal Reach**, showing that God actively reveals Himself to those outside the covenant nation of Israel, drawing them to Himself through powerful displays of His nature. This foreshadows the broader scope of God's redemptive plan beyond Israel. Finally, the sailors' actions embody the theme of **True Worship and Repentance**, moving from a superficial, superstitious fear to a deep, reverential awe (the "fear of the LORD," as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")), which then prompts tangible acts of devotion and commitment. Their response stands in stark contrast to Jonah's initial disobedience, providing an ironic commentary on spiritual responsiveness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **feared (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** H3372. This primitive root signifies more than mere terror or fright, though it can include that. In this context, especially when coupled with "exceedingly" (a "great fear"), it conveys a profound sense of awe, reverence, and submission to a superior power. It implies a recognition of God's holiness, authority, and immense power, leading to a desire to honor and obey Him. This is the transformative "fear of the LORD" that leads to wisdom and worship.
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** H2077. Derived from H2076 (*zâbach*, "to slaughter an animal, usually in sacrifice"), *zebach* refers specifically to the flesh of an animal offered as a sacrifice, or the act of offering itself. In the ancient world, sacrifices were central to worship, serving as a means of propitiation, thanksgiving, or communion with a deity. Here, it signifies the sailors' tangible act of devotion and acknowledgment of the LORD as the true God, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to active worship.
* **vows (Hebrew, _neder'_):** H5088. From H5087 (*nâdar*, "to promise to God"), *neder* refers to a solemn promise or pledge made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific act, offer a gift, or abstain from something, usually in exchange for a divine favor or in thanksgiving for one received. The making of vows by the sailors indicates a deeper, ongoing commitment to the LORD, signifying a lasting change in their spiritual allegiance and a desire for continued relationship and obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly":** Following the immediate calming of the storm, the sailors' initial terror of the tempest transformed into a profound, overwhelming reverence for the LORD. The Hebrew phrase "feared the LORD with a great fear" (combining H3372 *yârêʼ* with H3374 *yirʼâh* 'fear' and H1419 *gâdôwl* 'great') emphasizes the intensity and quality of their awe. It was not merely a fleeting fright but a deep, transformative recognition of God's absolute sovereignty and power, leading to a reverential dread and respect.
* **"and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD":** As an immediate and tangible expression of their newfound reverence and acknowledgment of the LORD's supremacy, the sailors performed an act of worship. Offering a *zebach* (sacrifice) was a customary way in the ancient world to honor, appease, or give thanks to a deity. Directing this sacrifice specifically to "the LORD" (YHWH) signifies their turning away from their previous polytheistic practices and their recognition of Him as the one true God, worthy of their devotion.
* **"and made vows":** Beyond the immediate act of sacrifice, the sailors solidified their commitment through the making of *neder* (vows). This indicates a deeper, more enduring allegiance and a promise of future obedience or service to the LORD. These vows likely represented a pledge to continue honoring Him, perhaps through further offerings, a change in lifestyle, or a commitment to proclaim His power, signifying a lasting conversion and a desire to maintain their relationship with the God who saved them.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as these pagan sailors, initially seeking to avoid God's will by rowing harder ([Jonah 1:13](/jonah/1-13 "Jonah 1:13 - Sailors' Futile Attempts")), now respond with immediate and profound reverence, obedience, and worship, contrasting sharply with Jonah's initial reluctance and disobedience. This highlights God's ability to work through unexpected channels. The phrase "feared the LORD exceedingly" is an example of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of their awe and reverence through the use of a double expression of fear in the Hebrew ("feared... a great fear"). **Symbolism** is also at play: the storm symbolizes God's judgment and power, while the sacrifice and vows symbolize repentance, conversion, and a new covenantal relationship. The entire scene serves as a **Foreshadowing** of God's universal grace, demonstrating His willingness to extend salvation beyond Israel to the Gentiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonah 1:16 offers a profound theological statement on God's universal sovereignty and His active pursuit of all humanity. The sailors' response demonstrates that genuine encounters with divine power can lead to authentic conversion, marked by reverence, worship, and commitment. This narrative challenges the notion of a God confined to one nation, revealing Him as the Creator and Sustainer of all, whose saving power extends beyond ethnic or religious boundaries. Their immediate and wholehearted turning to the LORD stands as a testament to the transformative power of God's revelation, contrasting with Jonah's initial reluctance and setting a powerful precedent for Gentile inclusion in God's redemptive plan.

* [Psalm 107:23-30](/psalm/107-23-30 "God's Power Over the Sea")
* [Acts 10:1-8](/acts/10-1-8 "Cornelius's Devotion and Vision")
* [Malachi 1:11](/malachi/1-11 "God's Name Honored Among the Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonah 1:16 is a powerful call to examine the depth and authenticity of our own fear of the LORD. It's not about being afraid *of* God in a cowering sense, but about being filled with such awe and reverence for His immense power, holiness, and grace that it transforms our lives. Just as the sailors moved from merely surviving a storm to actively worshipping the One who controls it, we are invited to move beyond a superficial understanding of God to a profound, life-altering encounter. This verse challenges us to respond to God's revelation with tangible acts of worship, commitment, and obedience, not just intellectual assent. It reminds us that God's grace is boundless, reaching out to all people, and that true faith is demonstrated not just in what we say, but in how we live, what we offer, and the vows we make to Him. Our lives should be a continuous sacrifice of praise and a fulfillment of our commitment to follow Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fearing the LORD exceedingly" mean in my own life, beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment of His power?**
* **How do my actions, sacrifices, and commitments demonstrate my reverence and worship of God?**
* **In what ways might God be revealing His power and sovereignty to me, calling for a deeper response of faith and obedience?**
* **How can I, like the sailors, move from a place of self-preservation or superficial religiosity to a genuine, transformative encounter with God?**

### FAQ

**Were the sailors truly converted, or was this just a temporary response to fear?**

Answer: The text strongly suggests a genuine and lasting conversion. The "fear of the LORD" described here (Hebrew: *yir'ah gedolah*) is not mere terror but a profound, reverential awe, akin to the biblical concept of true worship. Their actions—offering a sacrifice *unto the LORD* (YHWH, the specific God of Israel, not just any deity) and making *vows*—indicate a deliberate and solemn commitment. In the ancient world, making vows was a serious, long-term pledge, signifying more than a fleeting emotional response. This suggests a true turning from their polytheistic practices to acknowledge and commit to the one true God, making them early examples of Gentile converts in the biblical narrative. Their response stands in stark contrast to Jonah's initial disobedience, highlighting their spiritual sensitivity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The conversion of the Gentile sailors in [Jonah 1:16](/jonah/1-16 "Jonah 1:16 - Sailors' Response to God's Power") powerfully foreshadows the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. These pagan mariners, through a dramatic encounter with God's power over creation, turned from their idols to worship the LORD, demonstrating that salvation is not limited to Israel but extends to all who respond in faith. This prefigures the New Testament revelation that Christ's atoning work on the cross is for "the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Their sacrifice and vows, acts of propitiation and commitment, point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")), establishing a new covenant where all who believe, regardless of background, can enter into a relationship with God through Him ([Romans 10:12-13](/romans/10-12-13 "Romans 10:12-13 - Salvation for All Who Call on the Lord")). The sailors' fear of the LORD finds its ultimate expression in reverent submission to Christ, who calms the storms of sin and death, inviting all nations to worship Him ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")).

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

Genesis 8:20

¶ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Psalms 50:14

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Psalms 116:14

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

Daniel 6:26

I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he [is] the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion [shall be even] unto the end.

Psalms 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Mark 4:31

[It is] like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

Jonah 1:10

Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.