Jonah 2:4

KJV

Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then I said {H559}, I am cast out {H1644} of thy sight {H5869}; yet I will look {H5027} again {H3254} toward thy holy {H6944} temple {H1964}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I thought, 'I have been banished from your sight.' But I will again look at your holy temple.

Berean Standard Bible

At this, I said, ‘I have been banished from Your sight; yet I will look once more toward Your holy temple.’

American Standard Version

And I said, I am cast out from before thine eyes; Yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonah 2:4 captures the prophet's profound despair and a remarkable pivot of faith while imprisoned in the belly of a great fish. After acknowledging his dire state and feeling utterly cast away from God's presence due to his disobedience, Jonah expresses an unwavering resolve to "look again toward thy holy temple," signifying a desperate yet hopeful act of repentance and a turning back to the Lord, even from the depths of his perceived abandonment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a central declaration within Jonah's prayer of lament and repentance, recorded in [Jonah 2](/jonah/2 "Jonah's Prayer from the Depths"). Following his deliberate disobedience to God's command to go to Nineveh, Jonah fled in the opposite direction, leading to a violent storm and his miraculous swallowing by a great fish, as detailed in [Jonah 1:1-17](/jonah/1-1-17 "Jonah's Disobedience and the Great Fish"). Imprisoned in this suffocating and seemingly inescapable abyss, Jonah pours out his heart to God, recounting his descent into despair and expressing a glimmer of persistent hope. This specific verse marks a critical turning point in his prayer, moving from a description of his dire circumstances to an active expression of faith and a yearning for restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For an ancient Israelite, the "holy temple" in Jerusalem was the physical dwelling place of God's presence, the site of sacrificial atonement, and the primary locus for prayer and worship. Even when physically distant, devout Jews would often pray facing Jerusalem or the temple, symbolizing their orientation toward God's presence (cf. [Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel Prays Toward Jerusalem")). Jonah's declaration, made from the "belly of Sheol" (as he describes it in [Jonah 2:2](/jonah/2-2 "Jonah's Cry from Sheol")), signifies a spiritual rather than physical act of turning. It reflects a deep-seated cultural understanding that despite physical separation or perceived divine judgment, the path to God's presence through prayer and repentance remained open, centered on the sacred space of the temple.
* **Key Themes:** Jonah 2:4 encapsulates several profound themes central to the book of Jonah and broader biblical theology. It vividly portrays the theme of **despair and isolation** stemming from disobedience, as Jonah feels "cast out of thy sight." Yet, it immediately introduces the powerful counter-theme of **unwavering hope and the possibility of return** through repentance, as he resolves to "look again toward thy holy temple." This highlights the **power of prayer** as a lifeline even in the most extreme circumstances, demonstrating that God hears the cries of a contrite heart. Ultimately, the verse underscores God's **sovereignty and mercy**, revealing that even when a prophet attempts to flee His will, God orchestrates circumstances to bring about repentance and salvation, not only for the individual but also for those whom the prophet is called to reach, as seen later with [Nineveh's repentance](/jonah/3-5-10 "Nineveh's Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast out (Hebrew, _gârash'_):** This primitive root means to drive out from a possession, to expatriate, or to divorce. In Jonah's context, it conveys a profound sense of being expelled, banished, or rejected from God's favor and presence, akin to a legal or social expulsion. It emphasizes the severity of his perceived separation due to his disobedience.
* **look (Hebrew, _nâbaṭ'_); again (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** The verb _nâbaṭ_ means to scan, look intently at, or regard with pleasure, favor, or care. When combined with _yâçaph_, meaning "to add or augment" (often adverbial, "to continue to do a thing" or "again"), it expresses a deliberate, renewed, and persistent act of turning his gaze. It's not a casual glance but an intentional, hopeful re-orientation toward God, despite his current predicament.
* **temple (Hebrew, _hêykâl'_):** This term refers to a large public building, specifically a palace or temple. In this context, it unequivocally refers to the sacred Temple in Jerusalem, the perceived dwelling place of Yahweh. Jonah's turning toward it signifies his desire to return to the place of God's presence, prayer, and reconciliation, acknowledging God's holiness and his own need for restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then I said":** This phrase introduces Jonah's direct address to God, a personal lament and prayer uttered from the depths of his confinement. It signifies an internal turning point, where despair gives way to vocalized hope.
* **"I am cast out of thy sight":** This clause expresses Jonah's profound sense of abandonment and the consequence of his rebellion. He feels utterly separated from God's favorable gaze and protective presence, experiencing the spiritual and emotional pain of alienation. It is a confession of his desperate state, acknowledging the divine judgment he perceives.
* **"yet I will look again toward thy holy temple":** This is the pivotal turning point of the verse. Despite feeling utterly forsaken, Jonah makes a resolute declaration of faith. "Yet" introduces a powerful contrast, signaling a defiant hope. His decision to "look again" toward the temple—the symbol of God's presence, holiness, and the place of atonement—is an act of repentance, a desperate plea for restoration, and an affirmation that even from the "belly of Sheol," access to God remains possible.

#### Literary Devices
Jonah 2:4 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its meaning and emotional impact. **Juxtaposition** is central, contrasting Jonah's feeling of being "cast out of thy sight" with his resolve to "look again toward thy holy temple." This sharp contrast highlights the tension between his despair and his enduring faith, emphasizing the radical shift in his spiritual posture. **Symbolism** is also prominent, with the "holy temple" serving as a powerful symbol of God's presence, holiness, and the locus of prayer and reconciliation. For Jonah, it represents the very access to God he fears he has lost, yet desperately seeks to regain. Furthermore, there is a subtle **irony** in Jonah, the disobedient prophet, finding himself in a situation where he must turn back to the very God he tried to flee, from a place of utter helplessness, underscoring God's inescapable sovereignty and His ability to use even extreme circumstances to bring about repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonah 2:4 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God, humanity, and the dynamics of repentance and restoration. It powerfully illustrates that even in the deepest pits of despair, brought on by one's own sin or perceived divine judgment, God remains accessible. Jonah's decision to "look again toward thy holy temple" is not merely a physical orientation but a spiritual turning of the heart, demonstrating that true repentance involves a re-orientation of one's entire being towards God's presence. This verse affirms God's boundless mercy and His willingness to hear and respond to the cries of a repentant heart, regardless of the severity of the transgression or the extremity of the circumstances. It underscores that the "temple"—representing God's dwelling and the means of access to Him—is a constant beacon of hope for those who feel lost or separated.

* [Psalm 130:1-2](/psalms/130-1-2 "A Cry from the Depths")
* [Psalm 5:7](/psalms/5-7 "Worshiping Toward the Holy Temple")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Approaching the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonah's desperate prayer from the fish's belly, particularly the turning point in Jonah 2:4, offers immense encouragement and practical application for believers today. It reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed, how deeply we have fallen into sin, or how overwhelming our circumstances may feel, the path back to God's presence is always open. When we feel "cast out" by our own choices or the trials of life, the call is to "look again" toward God. This isn't about conjuring up a feeling of hope, but an act of the will—a deliberate decision to turn our hearts, minds, and prayers back to the One who is our ultimate refuge. Like Jonah, our act of looking toward God, through prayer and repentance, is an act of profound faith that God hears, sees, and is merciful. It teaches us that even in our darkest moments, a flicker of faith can ignite a turning point, leading to divine intervention and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I feel "cast out" or separated from God's presence?**
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to "look again toward thy holy temple" in my current circumstances?**
* **How does Jonah's prayer encourage me to persist in prayer, even when I feel hopeless or unworthy?**
* **What specific steps can I take to re-orient my heart and mind toward God's presence when I feel distant?**

### FAQ
**What does "cast out of thy sight" mean for Jonah?**

Answer: For Jonah, feeling "cast out of thy sight" signifies a profound sense of spiritual and emotional abandonment, a direct consequence of his disobedience to God's command. It's not merely a physical removal but a deep conviction that he has lost God's favor and protective presence. This phrase reflects his despair and the perceived divine judgment for his rebellion, making him feel utterly alienated from the God he serves.

**Why does Jonah look toward the "holy temple" while in the fish?**

Answer: Jonah's act of looking toward the "holy temple" is a symbolic and spiritual gesture, not a literal one given his location. The temple in Jerusalem was the central place of worship, sacrifice, and God's manifest presence for the Israelites. By turning his gaze toward it, Jonah expresses his desperate longing to return to God's presence, to be reconciled, and to seek forgiveness and deliverance. It signifies his repentance and his faith that God, whose presence was symbolized by the temple, could still hear him even from the "belly of Sheol" ([Jonah 2:2](/jonah/2-2 "Jonah's Cry from Sheol")).

**Is this prayer truly repentant, or just a cry for help?**

Answer: Jonah's prayer in [Jonah 2](/jonah/2 "Jonah's Prayer of Deliverance") is a complex blend of lament, desperation, and genuine repentance. While it certainly is a cry for help from a dire situation, the phrase "yet I will look again toward thy holy temple" indicates a turning of the heart, a re-orientation toward God's will and presence. This resolve to "look again" signifies a recognition of his sin and a desire for restoration, moving beyond mere fear to a hopeful act of faith. The subsequent deliverance by God in [Jonah 2:10](/jonah/2-10 "God Commands the Fish to Vomit Jonah Out") suggests that God accepted this prayer as a true turning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonah's experience in the belly of the great fish, culminating in his prayer and deliverance, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and the ultimate fulfillment of the "temple" in Him. Just as Jonah was in the depths for three days and three nights before being delivered, Jesus prophesied that He would be in the heart of the earth for the same period before His resurrection, a sign He called "the sign of the prophet Jonah" ([Matthew 12:39-41](/matthew/12-39-41 "The Sign of Jonah")). Jonah's feeling of being "cast out of thy sight" and his desperate cry to "look again toward thy holy temple" finds its ultimate answer in Christ. Jesus Himself declared that He was the true temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Through Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, the barrier of sin that "cast us out" of God's sight was removed. We no longer need a physical temple to access God's presence; instead, we have direct access through Jesus, our great High Priest, who has entered the true heavenly sanctuary on our behalf ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). Thus, Jonah's desperate hope for a glimpse of God's presence is fully realized in Christ, who is our living temple, our reconciliation, and our eternal access to the Father.

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 31:22

For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

Psalms 5:7

¶ But as for me, I will come [into] thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: [and] in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

Isaiah 38:17

Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul [delivered it] from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

2 Chronicles 6:38

If they return to thee with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captives, and pray toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, and [toward] the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name:

Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

1 Kings 8:38

What prayer and supplication soever be [made] by any man, [or] by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house:

1 Kings 8:39

Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, [even] thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)