Jonah 1:3

KJV

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Jonah {H3124} rose up {H6965} to flee {H1272} unto Tarshish {H8659} from the presence {H6440} of the LORD {H3068}, and went down {H3381} to Joppa {H3305}; and he found {H4672} a ship {H591} going {H935} to Tarshish {H8659}: so he paid {H5414} the fare {H7939} thereof, and went down {H3381} into it, to go {H935} with them unto Tarshish {H8659} from the presence {H6440} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yonah, in order to get away from ADONAI, prepared to escape to Tarshish. He went down to Yafo, found a ship headed for Tarshish, paid the fare and went aboard, intending to travel with them to Tarshish and get away from ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.

American Standard Version

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of Jehovah; and he went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonah 1:3 vividly portrays the prophet Jonah's deliberate and defiant act of rebellion against God's explicit command to preach in Nineveh. Instead of obeying, Jonah immediately rises to flee in the opposite direction, heading to the port city of Joppa, where he secures passage on a ship bound for Tarshish, a distant land at the edge of the known world. This verse underscores Jonah's desperate attempt to escape the divine assignment and the perceived presence of the LORD, setting the stage for the dramatic consequences of his disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's clear and direct commission to Jonah in [Jonah 1:2](/jonah/1-2 "Jonah 1:2 - God's Command to Jonah") to go to Nineveh and denounce its wickedness. Jonah 1:3 serves as the narrative's inciting incident, presenting Jonah's immediate and unequivocal refusal to obey. It establishes the central conflict of the book: human rebellion against divine will. The subsequent verses detail the unfolding consequences of Jonah's flight, as God actively intervenes to thwart his escape, culminating in the storm at sea and Jonah's eventual encounter with the great fish. The repetition of "from the presence of the LORD" within this single verse emphasizes the core issue of Jonah's spiritual evasion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joppa (modern-day Jaffa) was a well-known ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast, serving as a crucial maritime hub for trade and travel. Tarshish, while its exact location is debated, was generally understood to be a distant, western port, possibly in modern-day Spain (Tartessos). For an Israelite prophet, fleeing to Tarshish was equivalent to seeking the farthest possible escape from the land of Israel, where Yahweh's direct covenantal presence was particularly manifested, and from the sphere of his prophetic duty. Nineveh, the destination God commanded Jonah to go to, was the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire, a brutal enemy of Israel. This historical animosity likely contributed to Jonah's reluctance to deliver a message of repentance that could potentially save his oppressors.
* **Key Themes:** Jonah 1:3 introduces several pivotal themes that are explored throughout the book. Foremost is the theme of **Rebellion and Disobedience**, as Jonah's actions are a direct and immediate rejection of God's clear command, contrasting sharply with the expected obedience of a prophet. This verse also powerfully highlights the **Futility of Fleeing God's Presence**, emphasizing God's omnipresence and omnipotence. Jonah's misguided attempt to escape "from the presence of the LORD" (a phrase repeated for emphasis) demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of God's nature, a theme further developed as God pursues him even to the depths of the sea, as seen in [Jonah 1:4-17](/jonah/1-4-17 "Jonah 1:4-17 - The Storm and the Great Fish"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Autonomy**, as Jonah exercises his free will to disobey, yet God's overarching plan will ultimately prevail, using even Jonah's rebellion to achieve His purposes, a concept echoed in passages like [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - Human Plans and God's Direction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flee (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** This primitive root signifies to "bolt," or "flee suddenly." It conveys a sense of urgent, perhaps panicked, escape. Jonah's action is not a slow retreat but a decisive, immediate flight, indicating his strong aversion to God's command. The word emphasizes the deliberate and rapid nature of his disobedience.
* **presence (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** Literally meaning "face," this word is used here to denote God's immediate sphere of authority, His direct command, or the active duty of His prophetic service. Jonah's desire to escape "from the presence of the LORD" does not imply a belief that God is not omnipresent, but rather an attempt to evade the specific responsibility and direct encounter with God's will for his life. It's a desire to be out of the "face-to-face" accountability of his prophetic office.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenantal name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant relationship with Israel. The use of Yahweh here underscores that Jonah is fleeing not from a generic deity but from the specific, personal God who has chosen him and given him a mission, highlighting the gravity of his rebellion against the very God of Israel.
* **went down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** This root means "to descend" or "to go downwards." Its triple repetition in this verse ("went down to Joppa," "went down into it," "to go with them") is highly significant. Each "going down" physically takes Jonah further from his divine commission and metaphorically deeper into disobedience and spiritual decline, foreshadowing his eventual descent into the belly of the fish and the depths of the sea.
* **Tarshish (Hebrew, _Tarshîysh'_):** This place name refers to a distant location, likely in the far west. It represents the extreme opposite direction from Nineveh (east) and symbolizes Jonah's desire to escape to the very edge of the known world, as far as possible from God's reach and his divine assignment. It is a place of ultimate escape and represents a complete rejection of his calling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the conflict. "But Jonah" contrasts his action with God's command. "Rose up" indicates a decisive, active choice. His intention is clear: to "flee" (escape) to "Tarshish," a destination diametrically opposed to Nineveh. The phrase "from the presence of the LORD" highlights his misguided attempt to escape God's direct authority and specific command, revealing the spiritual nature of his rebellion.
* **"and went down to Joppa;"**: This describes Jonah's immediate physical action following his decision to flee. Joppa was a well-known port city. The verb "went down" carries both a literal meaning (descending from inland to the coastal city) and a symbolic one, suggesting a spiritual descent into disobedience and away from God's will.
* **"and he found a ship going to Tarshish:"**: This indicates Jonah's success in finding the means to execute his plan. The ease with which he "found" a ship might suggest a deceptive sense of divine approval or simply the availability of common maritime routes, yet it sets the stage for God's subsequent intervention.
* **"so he paid the fare thereof,"**: This detail emphasizes Jonah's commitment to his plan of escape. He willingly incurs a financial cost, demonstrating his determination to avoid his prophetic duty. Disobedience often comes with a price, and Jonah is prepared to pay it.
* **"and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD."**: The final clause reiterates Jonah's physical and spiritual descent. "Went down into it" repeats the downward trajectory. The concluding phrase "to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD" serves as a powerful literary device, echoing the opening phrase of the verse. This repetition underscores the central theme of Jonah's futile attempt to escape God's omnipresence and the inescapable nature of his divine calling.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with literary techniques. **Repetition** is a prominent device, with the phrase "from the presence of the LORD" appearing twice, emphasizing Jonah's central motivation and the futility of his endeavor. The verb "went down" (Hebrew: _yârad_) is also repeated three times, creating a sense of a physical and spiritual descent away from God's will, foreshadowing Jonah's further "descents" into the ship's hold and the belly of the fish. **Irony** is evident in Jonah's attempt to flee an omnipresent God, highlighting the absurdity of his actions. The ease with which he finds a ship also presents a subtle **foreshadowing**, hinting that while Jonah's immediate plan seems successful, it is ultimately part of a larger divine plan that will redirect him. The choice of **Tarshish** as a destination functions as **Symbolism**, representing the furthest possible escape from God's direct command and the known world, contrasting sharply with Nineveh, the divinely appointed destination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonah 1:3 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of human rebellion against divine command and the inescapable sovereignty of God. It immediately establishes that even a prophet, called by God, can actively resist His will, driven by personal prejudice or fear. However, it simultaneously asserts God's omnipresence and omnipotence, demonstrating that no human effort, however determined or costly, can ultimately thwart His purposes. Jonah's flight underscores the theological truth that God's reach extends beyond geographical boundaries or human intentions, and His pursuit of His chosen servants is relentless, driven by His faithfulness and His desire for their obedience for the sake of His larger redemptive plan.

* [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Jeremiah 23:23-24](/jeremiah/23-23-24 "Jeremiah 23:23-24 - God's Omnipresence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonah's flight in this verse serves as a profound mirror for our own lives, inviting us to honestly assess our responses to God's call. Just as Jonah attempted to escape a difficult and undesirable assignment, we too often find ourselves resisting God's will, whether out of fear, discomfort, or a desire for personal convenience. The repeated phrase "from the presence of the LORD" should prompt us to consider if we are consciously or unconsciously attempting to distance ourselves from God's direct guidance or the specific responsibilities He has placed upon us. Jonah paid a fare to flee, reminding us that disobedience always comes with a cost – whether spiritual, emotional, relational, or even financial. This passage challenges us to embrace God's assignments, no matter how daunting or counter-intuitive they may seem, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty rather than relying on our own limited understanding or desires. Ultimately, true peace and purpose are found not in fleeing God's presence, but in drawing near to it and submitting to His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be attempting to "flee from the presence of the LORD" or avoid a clear divine calling?**
* **What "fare" (cost) am I currently paying, or might I pay, for resisting God's will?**
* **How does Jonah's story challenge my understanding of God's omnipresence and His relentless pursuit of His people?**
* **What steps can I take today to align my will more fully with God's, even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jonah flee to Tarshish, specifically from the presence of the LORD?**

Answer: Jonah fled to Tarshish, a distant western port, as a deliberate act of rebellion against God's command to go to Nineveh (east). His intention was to put as much geographical distance as possible between himself and God's specific assignment, effectively attempting to escape the sphere of his prophetic duty and the direct accountability of being "in the presence of the LORD." He wasn't necessarily denying God's omnipresence, but rather seeking to evade the specific divine will and the personal responsibility that came with being God's prophet in Israel. This is similar to how Adam and Eve "hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God" in [Genesis 3:8](/genesis/3-8 "Genesis 3:8 - Adam and Eve Hide from God") after their disobedience, not because they thought God wasn't everywhere, but because they sought to avoid His immediate judgment and authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonah's rebellious flight in [Jonah 1:3](/jonah/1-3 "Jonah 1:3 - Jonah Flees from the LORD") stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. While Jonah "rose up to flee" from God's presence and command, Jesus, the true Prophet, "rose up" to embrace and fulfill the Father's will, even when it led Him to the cross. Unlike Jonah, who paid a fare to escape his mission, Jesus willingly "paid the fare" of our sin with His own life, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice (cf. [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Jonah's descent into the ship and later into the belly of the fish, a "going down" away from God's presence, foreshadows Christ's descent into death and the grave, not as an act of rebellion, but as an act of perfect submission to redeem humanity (cf. [Ephesians 4:9-10](/ephesians/4-9-10 "Ephesians 4:9-10 - Christ's Descent and Ascent")). Ultimately, Jonah's story, including his unwilling journey, points to the "sign of Jonah" that Jesus Himself referenced (cf. [Matthew 12:39-40](/matthew/12-39-40 "Matthew 12:39-40 - The Sign of Jonah")), where His three days and three nights in the heart of the earth would be the ultimate demonstration of God's sovereignty, salvation, and the triumph of divine will over human rebellion.

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

Psalms 139:7

¶ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

Psalms 139:12

Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light [are] both alike [to thee].

Joshua 19:46

And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.

Genesis 4:16

¶ And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

Acts 9:36

¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Acts 9:43

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Jonah 4:2

And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.