Jonah 3:1

KJV

¶ And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto Jonah {H3124} the second {H8145} time, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

The word of ADONAI came to Yonah a second time:

Berean Standard Bible

Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time:

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonah 3:1 marks a profound turning point in the book of Jonah, signifying God's unwavering faithfulness and persistent grace towards His wayward prophet. Following Jonah's miraculous deliverance from the great fish, this verse reveals the Lord's renewed initiative, reissuing the original divine commission to preach repentance to the city of Nineveh. It underscores God's commitment to His purposes and His willingness to grant a second chance, demonstrating that divine calling is not revoked by human disobedience when repentance and restoration occur.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic climax of Jonah's rebellion and divine discipline, specifically his deliverance from the great fish in [Jonah 2:10](/jonah/2-10 "Jonah's Deliverance from the Fish"). Chapter 2 details Jonah's prayer of repentance from the belly of the fish, acknowledging God's sovereignty and salvation ([Jonah 2:1-9](/jonah/2-1-9 "Jonah's Prayer of Repentance")). Thus, [Jonah 3:1](/jonah/3-1 "Jonah 3:1 - God's Second Call to Jonah") serves as a crucial narrative bridge, transitioning from Jonah's personal crisis and restoration to the resumption of his prophetic mission. It highlights God's redemptive power and His unwavering commitment to His initial command, despite the prophet's profound failure. The "second time" emphasizes that this is not a new mission, but a re-affirmation of the original call given in [Jonah 1:2](/jonah/1-2 "Jonah 1:2 - God's Initial Command to Nineveh").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Jonah is set during the reign of Jeroboam II (793–753 BC) in Israel. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was a formidable and notoriously cruel empire, known for its military might and brutal treatment of conquered peoples. For an Israelite prophet like Jonah, being commanded to preach to such an enemy nation would have been deeply unappealing, if not abhorrent. The Assyrians were a constant threat to Israel, and the idea of God extending mercy to them would have challenged Jonah's nationalistic and theological assumptions about divine justice. This historical backdrop underscores the radical nature of God's command and Jonah's initial reluctance to obey, as well as the profound implications of Nineveh's eventual repentance.
* **Key Themes:** [Jonah 3:1](/jonah/3-1 "Jonah 3:1 - God's Second Call to Jonah") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Jonah. Foremost is the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Unchanging Purpose**, demonstrating that divine plans are not thwarted by human disobedience; rather, God works through and even despite human failings to accomplish His will. Another critical theme is **God's Grace and Second Chances**, vividly portrayed in the Lord's willingness to re-commission Jonah after his rebellion and miraculous deliverance. This highlights God's patience and His redemptive nature, offering restoration to those who repent. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **God's Universal Concern**, foreshadowing the extension of His mercy beyond Israel to the Gentile nation of Nineveh, a concept that deeply troubled Jonah but is central to God's character revealed in the entire narrative, especially in [Jonah 4](/jonah/4 "Jonah 4 - Jonah's Displeasure and God's Compassion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term, H1697, carries significant weight in Hebrew scripture, often denoting not merely a spoken sound but an authoritative, active, and effective divine communication. It implies a decree, a matter of substance, or a command that carries the power to bring about what it declares. When "the word of the LORD" comes, it signifies a direct, unmistakable, and potent revelation of God's will and purpose.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, H3068, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah," emphasizing God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant relationship with His people. The use of this specific name here underscores that the command to Jonah comes from the supreme, sovereign God who is faithful to His promises and purposes, even when His chosen instruments are not. It highlights the personal and authoritative nature of the divine address.
* **second (Hebrew, _shênîy'_):** This word, H8145, literally means "double" or "second." Its significance in this context is profound. It emphasizes the repetition of the original command from [Jonah 1:2](/jonah/1-2 "Jonah 1:2 - God's Initial Command to Nineveh"), highlighting God's steadfastness, patience, and grace. It is not a new or different message, but the same divine mandate, demonstrating that Jonah's past disobedience did not nullify God's call or His ultimate purpose for Nineveh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah":** This opening phrase establishes divine initiative and authority. It signifies a direct, personal, and undeniable communication from God to His prophet. "The word of the LORD" is not a suggestion or an abstract thought, but a potent, active message that demands a response, echoing the initial call in [Jonah 1:1](/jonah/1-1 "Jonah 1:1 - The Word of the Lord Comes to Jonah").
* **"the second time":** This is the pivotal phrase of the verse. It underscores God's remarkable grace, patience, and unwavering commitment to His purposes. Despite Jonah's previous rebellion, flight, and subsequent divine discipline, God does not abandon him or His mission. This "second time" signifies a fresh start, an opportunity for restoration and renewed obedience, demonstrating that God's calling is irrevocable and His mercy triumphs over judgment.
* **"saying":** This simple word indicates that the "word of the LORD" was not merely an impression or an internal feeling, but a clear, articulate, and direct command. It sets the stage for the specific instructions that follow in [Jonah 3:2](/jonah/3-2 "Jonah 3:2 - Go to Nineveh!"), emphasizing the clarity and intentionality of God's renewed commission.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is central, as the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto Jonah" echoes the opening of the book ([Jonah 1:1](/jonah/1-1 "Jonah 1:1 - The Word of the Lord Comes to Jonah")), but with the crucial addition of "the second time." This repetition with variation highlights God's unwavering purpose despite human failure. There is also a strong sense of **Divine Initiative**, as the action originates entirely with God ("the word of the LORD came"), not with Jonah seeking a new assignment. This contrasts sharply with Jonah's previous attempts to flee God's presence. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** to place God's persistent faithfulness against Jonah's past disobedience, thereby emphasizing God's boundless mercy. It also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Jonah's eventual obedience and the remarkable repentance of Nineveh, which will unfold in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonah 3:1 is a profound testament to the character of God, revealing His steadfast love, infinite patience, and unwavering commitment to His redemptive purposes. It showcases a God who does not abandon His chosen instruments even in the face of flagrant disobedience, but graciously offers restoration and a renewed opportunity to fulfill His calling. This verse underscores that God's plans are sovereign and will ultimately prevail, often working through the very failures and repentance of His people. It highlights the transformative power of divine grace, which extends beyond mere forgiveness to active recommissioning, demonstrating that God's mercy is not just for our salvation but for our ongoing service.

* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Mercies")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Gifts and Call are Irrevocable")
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonah 3:1 offers immense encouragement and profound challenge for believers today. It reminds us that our God is a God of boundless mercy and second chances. No matter how far we may have strayed, how deeply we have disobeyed, or how completely we feel disqualified by our past failures, God's grace is sufficient to restore us. This verse calls us to embrace the truth that our past mistakes do not necessarily define our future with God; rather, His persistent love invites us back into alignment with His divine purposes. Just as God re-commissioned Jonah, He is ready to restore us to our calling when we repent and turn back to Him. It challenges us to reflect on areas where we might be resisting God's will and to respond with renewed obedience, trusting in His faithfulness to equip and empower us for the tasks He has set before us, knowing that His purpose for us remains, even if our path has been circuitous.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to renewed obedience after a period of disobedience or complacency?**
* **How does the concept of God giving "second chances" in Jonah 3:1 impact your understanding of His character and your own self-worth?**
* **What specific steps can you take to align your will more closely with God's revealed purpose for your life, even if it feels uncomfortable or challenging?**
* **How does Jonah's experience encourage you to trust in God's persistent love and faithfulness, even when you stumble?**

### FAQ
**Why did God give Jonah a second chance after his blatant disobedience?**

Answer: God gave Jonah a second chance primarily because of His own character, which is defined by boundless mercy, steadfast love, and unwavering commitment to His purposes. While Jonah's disobedience was severe, God's ultimate goal was not to punish Jonah for punishment's sake, but to accomplish His redemptive plan for Nineveh. God's patience also reflects His desire for His servants to mature and fulfill their calling. Jonah's experience demonstrates that God's grace is greater than our failures, and His calling is often irrevocable ([Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Gifts and Call are Irrevocable")). His discipline (the great fish) was restorative, leading Jonah to repentance ([Jonah 2:1-9](/jonah/2-1-9 "Jonah's Prayer of Repentance")), which then opened the door for recommissioning.

**Does "the word of the LORD came" imply a literal audible voice or a strong internal conviction?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, the phrase "the word of the LORD came" (Hebrew: _dâbâr YHWH_) typically denotes a direct, authoritative, and unmistakable divine revelation. While it could sometimes involve an audible voice (as with Samuel in [1 Samuel 3:4](/1_samuel/3-4 "1 Samuel 3:4 - The Lord Calls Samuel")), it more broadly refers to a clear and undeniable communication of God's will to His prophets. For Jonah, after his dramatic experience and prayer in the fish, this "word" would have been an intensely clear and compelling directive, leaving no doubt about its divine origin and the specific command to be carried out ([Jonah 3:2](/jonah/3-2 "Jonah 3:2 - Go to Nineveh!")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonah 3:1, with its emphasis on a "second chance" and God's persistent call, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jonah's three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, followed by his emergence and renewed mission, is directly referenced by Jesus Himself as a sign of His own death and resurrection ([Matthew 12:40](/matthew/12-40 "Matthew 12:40 - The Sign of Jonah")). Just as Jonah was given a second opportunity to preach repentance, Christ's resurrection inaugurates the ultimate "second chance" for all humanity – a new covenant of grace where reconciliation with God is made possible through His atoning sacrifice. The persistent "word of the LORD" that came to Jonah foreshadows the ultimate Word, Jesus Christ, through whom God speaks His final and most complete revelation ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh"), [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Furthermore, God's unwavering purpose to extend mercy to Nineveh, a Gentile nation, prefigures the universal scope of the Gospel, which is to be preached to all nations, offering repentance and forgiveness in Christ's name ([Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed to All Nations"), [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). Thus, Jonah's recommissioning becomes a powerful type of the new commission given to believers by the resurrected Christ, sending them out with the message of God's persistent grace and the opportunity for new life found in Him ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - 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

Jonah 1:1

¶ Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

John 21:15

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.