Jonah 2:10

KJV

¶ And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry [land].

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H559} unto the fish {H1709}, and it vomited out {H6958} Jonah {H3124} upon the dry {H3004} land.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI spoke to the fish, and it vomited Yonah out onto dry land.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonah 2:10 marks the dramatic climax of Jonah's ordeal within the great fish, detailing God's direct intervention to deliver the disobedient prophet. After three days and three nights in the belly of the sea creature, following his fervent prayer of repentance and thanksgiving, the Lord sovereignly commands the fish to release Jonah onto dry land, demonstrating divine control over creation and God's unwavering mercy and patience in offering a second chance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful resolution to Jonah's desperate prayer and a pivotal turning point in the narrative. Immediately preceding it, [Jonah 2:1-9](/jonah/2-1-9 "Jonah's Prayer from the Fish's Belly") records Jonah's profound lament and confession from the depths of the fish's belly. His prayer, though offered from an impossible situation, is marked by a clear understanding of God's power to save and a commitment to fulfill his vows. Verse 10 is God's immediate and miraculous response, demonstrating that Jonah's prayer was heard and answered. This act of deliverance sets the stage for the second half of the book, where Jonah is given another opportunity to obey God's original command to [preach to Nineveh](/jonah/3-1-3 "Jonah's Second Commission to Nineveh"). The narrative structure highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between Jonah's repentance and God's merciful intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Jonah is set during the reign of Jeroboam II (793-753 BC) in Israel, a period of relative prosperity but also spiritual decline. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was a formidable and notoriously cruel empire, a major oppressor of Israel. For a prophet like Jonah to be commanded to preach to such an enemy nation would have been deeply unpalatable, culturally and politically. The concept of a "great fish" or sea monster was not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern mythology, often associated with chaos or divine judgment. However, the biblical account presents it not as a mythical beast but as a divinely appointed instrument of God's will, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the natural world and its most fearsome creatures. The act of being "vomited out" onto "dry land" would have been understood as a clear sign of divine intervention, a reversal of the natural order, and a symbol of new life or a second chance.

* **Key Themes:** [Jonah 2:10](/jonah/2-10 "Jonah's Deliverance from the Fish") powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jonah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **God's Absolute Sovereignty**, as the Lord directly commands a natural creature to perform His will, illustrating His control over all creation, from the storm that swallowed Jonah ([Jonah 1:4](/jonah/1-4 "God Sends a Great Wind")) to the plant that provided shade ([Jonah 4:6](/jonah/4-6 "God Prepares a Plant")) and the worm that destroyed it ([Jonah 4:7](/jonah/4-7 "God Prepares a Worm")). Another key theme is **Divine Mercy and Deliverance**, highlighting God's willingness to rescue and restore even a disobedient prophet, demonstrating His steadfast love that extends beyond human merit, as seen in His compassion for the repentant Ninevites in [Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "God Relents from Disaster"). The verse also underscores the **Efficacy of Prayer**, as Jonah's deliverance immediately follows his heartfelt prayer, reinforcing the biblical truth that God hears and responds to the cries of His people from any depth of despair ([Psalm 18:6](/psalms/18-6 "The Lord Hears My Cry")). Finally, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Second Chances and Redemption**, as God's act of deliverance prepares Jonah for his renewed mission, symbolizing God's patience and desire for individuals to return to His will after failure, a theme echoed in the New Testament's emphasis on repentance and restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." Derived from the Hebrew verb "to be," it signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant faithfulness. The use of this name here emphasizes that it is the personal, sovereign God of Israel who is directly intervening and exercising His absolute authority over creation to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His plan despite human disobedience.
* **spake (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root verb carries a broad range of meanings, including "to say," "to command," "to declare," or "to utter." In this context, it denotes a direct, authoritative, and effective verbal command from God. It is not merely a suggestion or a thought, but a potent word that brings about immediate and complete obedience from the fish, highlighting God's power to speak creation into action.
* **fish (Hebrew, _dâg'_):** This term is a general word for "fish" or "sea creature," often used collectively. It does not specify a particular species like a whale. The emphasis is not on the biological classification of the creature, but on its nature as a divinely appointed instrument. The word's potential connection to "prolific" or "squirming" might subtly allude to the creature's natural habitat and its responsive movement to God's command, but its primary significance here is simply "a fish" that God prepared and commanded.
* **vomited out (Hebrew, _qôwʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to vomit" or "to spue out." It vividly describes the forceful expulsion of Jonah from the fish's belly. The use of this word underscores the miraculous and somewhat undignified nature of Jonah's deliverance, emphasizing that it was not a gentle release but a powerful, almost violent, act orchestrated by God, signifying the end of his confinement and the beginning of his new opportunity.
* **dry land (Hebrew, _yabbâshâh'_):** This term refers to "dry ground" or "dry land," as opposed to water. Its inclusion is crucial as it signifies a complete reversal of Jonah's circumstances—from the watery depths of the sea and the belly of the fish to solid ground. This transition symbolizes rescue, safety, and the restoration of life, preparing Jonah for his re-engagement with the world and his divine mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD spake unto the fish":** This clause highlights God's absolute sovereignty and direct intervention. The use of "the LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes His covenant relationship and omnipotent authority. His "speaking" is a powerful, effective command, demonstrating that all creation, even a massive sea creature, is subject to His will and obeys instantly. This divine word is the sole catalyst for Jonah's deliverance.
* **"and it vomited out Jonah":** This describes the immediate and physical consequence of God's command. The fish, having served its purpose as both a prison and a preserver, expels Jonah. The verb "vomited out" is graphic, underscoring the miraculous and perhaps unpleasant nature of the release, but undeniably effective. It signifies the end of Jonah's confinement and the fulfillment of God's plan for his rescue.
* **"upon the dry [land]":** This final phrase specifies the location of Jonah's deliverance. From the depths of the sea and the belly of the fish, Jonah is returned to solid ground. This detail is significant, symbolizing safety, stability, and the ability to resume normal life and, crucially, his prophetic mission. It marks a complete reversal of his previous state of being lost at sea and swallowed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. **Personification** is evident in "the LORD spake unto the fish," attributing to the fish the capacity to receive and obey a verbal command, emphasizing God's absolute control over even non-human creation. The entire event is a profound example of **Divine Intervention**, where God directly acts in the natural world to achieve His purposes, showcasing His omnipotence. The contrast between Jonah's previous state (in the belly of the fish, in the depths of the sea) and his new state (on "dry land") creates a strong sense of **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the miraculous nature of his rescue and the transition from death to life. Furthermore, the act of being "vomited out" serves as a vivid **Metaphor** for a dramatic and undeniable expulsion, signifying the end of a period of judgment and the beginning of a new opportunity. The narrative also functions as a **Type**, foreshadowing the resurrection of Christ, as explicitly referenced in the New Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonah 2:10 stands as a profound testament to God's boundless mercy, unwavering sovereignty, and the transformative power of repentance. It demonstrates that even in the face of profound disobedience, God's redemptive plan for His people, and indeed for all nations, will prevail. His control extends to the most minute and massive elements of creation, orchestrating events to bring about His will and offer second chances. This verse reassures us that no situation is beyond God's reach, and His ear is always open to the cries of those who turn to Him, even from the deepest despair.

* [Psalm 107:28-30](/psalms/107-28-30 "God Delivers from Distress"): "Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven."
* [Matthew 12:40](/matthew/12-40 "The Sign of Jonah"): "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
* [Lamentations 3:55-58](/lamentations/3-55-58 "God Hears from the Depths"): "I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon. Thou hast heard thy voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry. Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not. O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonah 2:10 offers immense spiritual encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that our God is a God of second chances, whose mercy triumphs over judgment. Even when we stray far from His will, rebel against His commands, or find ourselves in circumstances of our own making, His grace is sufficient to deliver us. This verse calls us to profound humility, recognizing that our lives are entirely in His sovereign hands. It challenges us to trust in His timing and His methods, no matter how unusual or uncomfortable they may seem. Furthermore, it underscores the vital importance of prayer, demonstrating that even from the most desperate and seemingly hopeless situations, a sincere cry to God can bring about miraculous intervention and deliverance. We are invited to reflect on areas where we might be resisting God's call, knowing that His patience and redemptive power are always available to bring us back to His purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be resisting God's clear call or direction, similar to Jonah's initial disobedience?**
* **How does the miraculous deliverance of Jonah from the fish strengthen your faith in God's ability to intervene in your own impossible situations?**
* **What does Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish, followed by God's immediate response, teach you about the power and efficacy of earnest prayer, even in despair?**
* **How can you apply the principle of God's "second chances" to your own life or to how you view others who have stumbled?**

### FAQ

**Was Jonah swallowed by a whale, or just a large fish?**

Answer: The Hebrew text of [Jonah 2:10](/jonah/2-10 "Jonah's Deliverance from the Fish") uses the word `dâg` (דָּג), which is a general term for "fish" or "sea creature." It does not specifically mean "whale." While the King James Version uses "whale" in [Matthew 12:40](/matthew/12-40 "The Sign of Jonah"), the Greek word there, _kētos_ (κῆτος), also means "sea monster" or "huge fish," not exclusively a whale. The biblical emphasis is not on the biological classification of the creature, but on the fact that God "prepared" it ([Jonah 1:17](/jonah/1-17 "God Prepares a Great Fish")) and commanded it, highlighting His absolute sovereignty over all creation. So, it was a divinely appointed great fish or sea creature.

**What is the significance of Jonah being on "dry land" after his deliverance?**

Answer: The return to "dry land" is highly significant. It marks a complete reversal of Jonah's circumstances, symbolizing his transition from the watery depths of judgment and near-death to safety, life, and stability. In biblical narratives, dry land often represents a place of security and divine provision, contrasting with the chaotic and dangerous sea. For Jonah, it signified the end of his confinement and the beginning of his opportunity to fulfill his mission, much like the Israelites crossing the Red Sea onto dry ground ([Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Moses Divides the Red Sea")) or the Jordan River ([Joshua 3:17](/joshua/3-17 "Israel Crosses the Jordan on Dry Ground")). It underscores the completeness of God's deliverance and His readiness to restore Jonah to his purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonah 2:10, while a historical account of a prophet's miraculous deliverance, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself explicitly pointed to Jonah's three days and three nights in the fish's belly as a prophetic "sign" of His own death, burial, and resurrection ([Matthew 12:40](/matthew/12-40 "The Sign of Jonah")). Just as Jonah was swallowed by death (symbolized by the fish) and then miraculously delivered to "dry land," so too was Christ swallowed by death in the tomb and then raised triumphantly on the third day, emerging victorious over sin and the grave. The "dry land" for Jonah represents a new beginning and a second chance; for humanity, Christ's resurrection is the ultimate new beginning, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe. The Lord's sovereign command to the fish to "vomit out" Jonah foreshadows God the Father's ultimate act of raising Jesus from the dead, demonstrating His supreme authority over life and death ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "The Spirit of God Who Raised Jesus")). Thus, Jonah's deliverance is a powerful type, pointing to the greater deliverance offered through the resurrection of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 33:9

For he spake, and it was [done]; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Matthew 8:26

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Matthew 8:27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Isaiah 50:2

Wherefore, when I came, [was there] no man? when I called, [was there] none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because [there is] no water, and dieth for thirst.

Matthew 8:8

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Matthew 8:9

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this [man], Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].

Jonah 1:17

Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.