Jonah 2:9

KJV

But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay [that] that I have vowed. Salvation [is] of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I will sacrifice {H2076} unto thee with the voice {H6963} of thanksgiving {H8426}; I will pay {H7999} that that I have vowed {H5087}. Salvation {H3444} is of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but I, speaking my thanks aloud, will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed, I will pay. Salvation comes from ADONAI!"

Berean Standard Bible

But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!”

American Standard Version

But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation is of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonah 2:9 serves as the climactic declaration within Jonah's prayer from the belly of the great fish, marking a profound turning point from despair and disobedience to fervent repentance and unwavering faith. In this pivotal verse, Jonah articulates a renewed commitment to God, promising a sacrifice of thanksgiving and the fulfillment of his vows, culminating in the profound theological confession that all salvation originates solely from the Lord. It encapsulates his miraculous preservation as a testament to divine sovereignty and grace, transforming his dire situation into an occasion for worship and renewed obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Jonah's desperate prayer recorded in [Jonah 2:1-9](/jonah/2-1-9 "Jonah's Prayer from the Fish's Belly"). Following his attempt to flee God's command to preach to Nineveh and his subsequent miraculous swallowing by a great fish, Jonah finds himself in an unimaginable predicament. His prayer is a raw, emotional cry for help, reflecting on his descent into the depths (literally and figuratively) and recalling God's past mercies. While much of the prayer describes his dire circumstances and the overwhelming nature of the deep, verse 9 shifts dramatically from lament to a resolute declaration of faith, gratitude, and renewed obedience, serving as the turning point that precipitates his deliverance from the fish. It is the theological and spiritual resolution to the physical crisis described in [Jonah 1](/jonah/1 "Jonah's Disobedience and the Storm").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of making vows and offering sacrifices of thanksgiving was deeply embedded in ancient Israelite culture and worship. Vows were solemn promises made to God, often in times of distress, in exchange for divine intervention or blessing, and their fulfillment was considered a serious obligation (cf. [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "The Law Concerning Vows")). Sacrifices of thanksgiving (Hebrew: *tôwdâh*) were a specific type of peace offering, typically involving a communal meal, offered to express gratitude to God for deliverance or blessings received (cf. [Leviticus 7:12-15](/leviticus/7-12-15 "The Law of the Peace Offering")). While Jonah was physically unable to offer a conventional animal sacrifice within the fish, his declaration of a "sacrifice... with the voice of thanksgiving" points to a spiritual offering of praise and a repentant heart, a concept understood even within the physical sacrificial system as the true essence of worship.
* **Key Themes:** [Jonah 2:9](/jonah/2-9 "Jonah's Vow of Thanksgiving") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Jonah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty and control**, demonstrating God's absolute power over creation, including the great fish, to accomplish His purposes and deliver His servants. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **repentance and restoration**, as Jonah, despite his initial rebellion, turns back to God in a moment of extreme crisis, confessing his sin and renewing his commitment. This transformation illustrates God's willingness to extend mercy even to a disobedient prophet. Thirdly, and most profoundly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **salvation as solely from the Lord**. Jonah's confession, "Salvation is of the LORD," is the theological bedrock of the book, asserting that deliverance, whether physical or spiritual, is not a result of human effort or merit but entirely a work of God's grace and power. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, from the deliverance of Israel from Egypt (cf. [Exodus 14:13](/exodus/14-13 "Moses' Assurance of God's Salvation")) to the ultimate salvation offered through Christ (cf. [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation Through No Other Name")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** This primitive root means "to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice); kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay." In Jonah's context, while a physical sacrifice was impossible, his declaration signifies a spiritual offering of himself and his praise to God. It denotes a complete giving over, an act of worship and dedication, acknowledging God's rightful claim over his life.
* **thanksgiving (Hebrew, _tôwdâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to extend the hand," this word properly signifies "avowal" or "adoration." It specifically refers to a "sacrifice of praise" or "thanksgiving offering." Jonah's commitment to offer a "voice of thanksgiving" indicates a heartfelt expression of gratitude and praise, a verbal acknowledgment of God's miraculous intervention, rather than merely a ritualistic act. This spiritual offering is paramount in his dire circumstances.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** This feminine passive participle means "something saved," encompassing "deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity." It is a broad term for God's active intervention to rescue and preserve. Jonah's use of this word here is a profound theological declaration, acknowledging that his miraculous rescue from the deep was entirely a divine act of deliverance, not a result of his own strength or ingenuity. It points to God as the ultimate source of all forms of rescue and well-being.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal." It is God's personal, revealed name, emphasizing His unchanging, sovereign, and relational nature. By declaring "Salvation is of the LORD," Jonah attributes his deliverance directly to the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, acknowledging His unique power and faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving;":** This clause marks a dramatic shift from Jonah's previous lament and despair. Despite being in the belly of a fish, unable to perform a physical animal sacrifice, Jonah vows to offer a spiritual sacrifice—one characterized by the "voice of thanksgiving." This signifies a heartfelt, verbal expression of praise and gratitude, acknowledging God's mercy and power even in his dire circumstances. It is a commitment to worship God not merely through ritual, but through genuine, spoken adoration.
* **"I will pay that that I have vowed.":** This declaration signifies Jonah's renewed commitment to obedience and integrity before God. In his distress, it is highly probable that Jonah made promises or commitments to the Lord concerning his future obedience or service if he were delivered. This statement is his solemn pledge to honor those commitments, indicating a profound change of heart from his earlier rebellion and flight from God's command. It underscores the biblical principle of taking vows seriously and fulfilling them.
* **"Salvation is of the LORD.":** This concluding statement is the theological climax of the verse and Jonah's entire prayer. It is a powerful, concise confession that deliverance, rescue, and spiritual redemption come solely from God's sovereign power and grace. Jonah recognizes that his miraculous preservation is entirely God's doing, underscoring the Lord's absolute control over life, death, and destiny. This phrase encapsulates the core message of divine dependency and God's exclusive role as the ultimate Deliverer, a truth that echoes throughout the entire biblical narrative.

#### Literary Devices
Jonah 2:9 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Confession**, as Jonah articulates a profound theological truth and personal commitment. This confession is framed as a **Vow**, a solemn promise to God, highlighting the seriousness of his repentance and renewed dedication. The phrase "Salvation is of the LORD" functions as a powerful **Theological Declaration**, a succinct statement of core biblical truth that transcends Jonah's immediate circumstances to become a universal principle. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between Jonah's earlier rebellious flight and his current posture of submission and worship, emphasizing the transformative power of divine discipline and grace. The use of "voice of thanksgiving" rather than a physical sacrifice employs **Metonymy**, where "voice" stands for the act of verbal praise and gratitude, signifying a spiritual offering in place of a material one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonah 2:9 is a profound theological statement that resonates throughout the biblical narrative, particularly in its declaration that "Salvation is of the LORD." This truth underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His exclusive role as the source of deliverance, whether from physical peril, spiritual bondage, or the consequences of sin. Jonah's experience, from rebellion to miraculous rescue, serves as a vivid illustration of God's patient pursuit and His power to save even the most disobedient. His prayer, culminating in this verse, transforms a moment of extreme judgment into an occasion for profound worship and renewed covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that true repentance leads to a heart of gratitude and a commitment to God's will. This principle of God as the sole provider of salvation is foundational to understanding divine grace and human dependency.
* [Psalm 3:8](/psalm/3-8 "Salvation Belongs to the Lord")
* [Psalm 50:14](/psalm/50-14 "Offer to God a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving")
* [Hosea 14:2](/hosea/14-2 "Return to the Lord, Offer Lips as Bulls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonah 2:9 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating life's challenges. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, or when facing the consequences of our own disobedience, a turning point is always possible through genuine repentance and faith in God. Jonah's commitment to a "sacrifice... with the voice of thanksgiving" teaches us that true worship is not confined to physical rituals but flows from a grateful heart, expressed through praise and acknowledgment of God's goodness, even before full deliverance is realized. His vow to "pay that that I have vowed" emphasizes the importance of integrity and fulfilling our commitments to God, whether explicit promises or implicit dedications of our lives. Ultimately, the powerful declaration "Salvation is of the LORD" calls us to place our complete trust in God alone for all forms of deliverance—physical, emotional, and spiritual. It encourages us to release our anxieties and self-reliance, resting in the sovereign power of the One who alone can save.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently experiencing a "belly of the fish" moment, and how can I, like Jonah, turn to God with a "voice of thanksgiving" even before my circumstances change?**
* **Have I made any vows or commitments to God, either explicitly or implicitly, that I have not yet fulfilled? What steps can I take to honor those commitments?**
* **How does the truth that "Salvation is of the LORD" impact my perspective on personal struggles, global crises, or my own spiritual journey? Am I truly relying on God alone for my deliverance?**

### FAQ

**What does "sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving" mean when Jonah is in a fish?**

Answer: When Jonah declares, "But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving," he is not referring to a physical animal sacrifice, which would have been impossible in his situation. Instead, he is promising a spiritual sacrifice—an offering of praise, gratitude, and worship expressed verbally. In ancient Israel, "sacrifices of thanksgiving" (Hebrew: *tôwdâh*) were a specific type of peace offering, but the prophets often emphasized that God desired a repentant heart and genuine praise more than mere animal offerings (cf. [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "The Sacrifices of God Are a Broken Spirit")). Jonah's declaration signifies a profound shift from his previous rebellion to a posture of worship and heartfelt acknowledgment of God's mercy, even while still in the fish. It is a commitment to praise God for His character and His anticipated deliverance.

**What kind of vows might Jonah have made that he committed to pay?**

Answer: The Bible frequently describes vows as solemn promises made to God, often in times of distress or in exchange for divine intervention. While the text doesn't specify, Jonah likely made promises concerning his future obedience or service if God were to deliver him from his dire situation. Given his prior disobedience in fleeing God's command to preach to Nineveh, his vow could have been a commitment to finally fulfill that mission, or perhaps to dedicate himself more fully to God's service in general. The act of "paying vows" (cf. [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Do Not Be Rash With Your Mouth Before God")) was a serious obligation in Israelite culture, emphasizing the importance of integrity and faithfulness in one's relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonah 2:9, particularly its climactic declaration "Salvation is of the LORD," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jonah's three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish is explicitly presented by Jesus Himself as a type of His own death and resurrection (cf. [Matthew 12:40](/matthew/12-40 "The Sign of Jonah")). Just as Jonah's deliverance from the grave-like depths was entirely a miraculous act of God, so too was Christ's resurrection from the dead, demonstrating God's ultimate power over sin and death. Jonah's "sacrifice... with the voice of thanksgiving" foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, which was offered not with a voice, but with His very life, leading to the greatest act of thanksgiving in human history—the redemption of humanity. Furthermore, Jonah's confession that "Salvation is of the LORD" is fully realized in Christ, who is the embodiment of God's salvation. [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation Through No Other Name") declares, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and it is through His atoning work that true and eternal salvation is offered to all who believe (cf. [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Thus, Jonah's desperate prayer and profound confession point forward to the ultimate Deliverer and the singular source of all salvation found in Jesus Christ.

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 3:8

Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.

Psalms 50:14

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

Ecclesiastes 5:4

¶ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Ecclesiastes 5:5

Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Psalms 50:23

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth [his] conversation [aright] will I shew the salvation of God.

Hosea 14:2

Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.