Jonah 3:3

KJV

So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Jonah {H3124} arose {H6965}, and went {H3212} unto Nineveh {H5210}, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}. Now Nineveh {H5210} was an exceeding {H430} great {H1419} city {H5892} of three {H7969} days {H3117}' journey {H4109}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Yonah set out and went to Ninveh, as ADONAI had said. Now Ninveh was such a large city that it took three days just to cross it.

Berean Standard Bible

This time Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, in accordance with the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, requiring a three-day journey.

American Standard Version

So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of Jehovah. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city, of three days’ journey.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jonah 3:3 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet's narrative, detailing his immediate and obedient response to God's renewed command to go to Nineveh, a stark contrast to his earlier rebellion. The verse also vividly portrays the immense scale of Nineveh, describing it as an "exceeding great city of three days' journey," thereby underscoring the formidable nature of Jonah's mission and the vast reach of God's redemptive purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's second direct command to Jonah in [Jonah 3:1-2](/jonah/3-1-2 "Jonah's Second Commission"). Having been miraculously delivered from the belly of the great fish in [Jonah 2:10](/jonah/2-10 "Jonah's Deliverance"), Jonah's "arose, and went" stands in stark contrast to his initial flight from God's presence in [Jonah 1:3](/jonah/1-3 "Jonah's Disobedience"). This shift highlights a profound change in Jonah's disposition, demonstrating his newfound submission to the divine will after a period of intense discipline and repentance. The description of Nineveh's size sets the stage for the dramatic and widespread repentance that will unfold in the subsequent verses of [Jonah 3](/jonah/3 "The Repentance of Nineveh").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nineveh was the formidable capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a dominant power in the ancient Near East known for its military might and often brutal conquests. Located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, it was renowned for its massive walls, extensive fortifications, and vast population, making it one of the largest cities of its time. The phrase "three days' journey" likely refers to the time it would take to traverse the entire city, either by walking its perimeter or moving through its major districts to proclaim a message effectively. This detail emphasizes the city's immense physical size and the logistical challenge of evangelizing such a sprawling metropolis. The Assyrians were a constant threat to Israel, which makes God's command to Jonah to preach repentance to them particularly challenging and counter-intuitive from a human perspective.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jonah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **obedience after failure**, presenting Jonah's immediate compliance as a testament to God's grace in offering second chances and the transformative power of divine discipline. Secondly, it highlights **God's persistent and unwavering call**, demonstrating that He does not abandon His purposes or His chosen instruments, even when they falter, as seen in [Jonah 3:1](/jonah/3-1 "God's Renewed Call to Jonah"). Lastly, the description of Nineveh's immense size reinforces the theme of **the expansive scope of God's compassion and mission**, revealing His concern for all peoples, even those considered enemies, and His desire for universal repentance, a message echoed in [Jonah 4:11](/jonah/4-11 "God's Compassion for Nineveh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This verb signifies not merely standing up but a decisive action, a readiness for undertaking a task. In this context, it marks a significant turning point from Jonah's previous flight and rebellion. It implies a firm resolve and immediate compliance, indicating a renewed commitment to God's will after his profound experience in the fish.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term is far more comprehensive than just a spoken utterance; it encompasses a matter, a thing, a decree, or a divine message. Here, it emphasizes the authoritative and intentional nature of God's command. Jonah's obedience is not to a suggestion but to the very `dâbâr` of the LORD, highlighting the divine origin and binding nature of his mission.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** While literally meaning "great" in size or extent, when applied to Nineveh, especially in the phrase "exceeding great city" (literally "great to God" or "divinely great"), it conveys an immense, almost overwhelming magnitude. This suggests not only its physical vastness but also its significance in God's divine plan, perhaps due to its wickedness or its large population, making it a focal point for God's redemptive intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD."**: This clause presents a concise yet powerful statement of Jonah's newfound obedience. The "So" indicates a direct consequence of the preceding events—God's second command and Jonah's deliverance. His immediate action of arising and going directly to Nineveh, in precise alignment with "the word of the LORD," contrasts sharply with his initial disobedience in [Jonah 1:3](/jonah/1-3 "Jonah's Flight"). This demonstrates a profound shift in his spiritual posture, marked by submission to divine authority.
* **"Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey."**: This descriptive clause provides crucial context for the magnitude of Jonah's task. The phrase "exceeding great city" (often interpreted as "great to God" or "divinely great") emphasizes Nineveh's immense size, importance, and perhaps its moral standing in God's eyes. The "three days' journey" likely refers to the time required to traverse the city's main areas or circuit its vast perimeter, underscoring the extensive effort needed to deliver a message throughout its entirety. This detail not only highlights the physical challenge but also subtly magnifies the power of God, who sends one man to such a formidable metropolis.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Contrast** is immediately evident between Jonah's past rebellion (fleeing from God's command in [Jonah 1:3](/jonah/1-3 "Jonah's Initial Disobedience")) and his present, immediate obedience ("So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh"). This highlights the transformative power of God's discipline and grace. The description of Nineveh as an "exceeding great city of three days' journey" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, emphasizing its immense scale and the overwhelming nature of the task. While it may have been literally large, the phrasing aims to impress upon the reader the sheer magnitude of the city and, by extension, the scope of God's compassion. Furthermore, the very act of Jonah's journey to such a city, after his miraculous rescue, serves as **Symbolism** for the universal reach of God's salvation and His willingness to extend mercy even to those considered enemies, foreshadowing the immense repentance that is about to occur.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonah 3:3 is rich with theological implications, primarily showcasing God's unwavering patience and commitment to His redemptive purposes, even when His chosen instruments falter. It underscores the profound truth that God is a God of second chances, always ready to restore and re-commission those who repent and turn back to Him. Jonah's obedience, though born out of divine discipline, serves as a powerful testament to the necessity of submitting to God's sovereign will, regardless of personal discomfort or prejudice. The description of Nineveh's vastness simultaneously emphasizes the magnitude of human sin and the even greater magnitude of God's compassion, demonstrating His desire for all people, even the most wicked and formidable, to come to repentance. This verse sets the stage for one of the most remarkable displays of corporate repentance in the Old Testament, highlighting the transformative power of God's word when faithfully proclaimed.

* [Psalm 37:23](/psalm/37-23 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD") - Illustrates how God directs the path of the righteous, even after a stumble.
* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "God's kindness leads to repentance") - Highlights God's kindness, forbearance, and longsuffering as leading to repentance.
* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission") - Underscores the global scope of God's mission, extending salvation to all nations.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonah 3:3 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Jonah's journey from rebellion to immediate obedience serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of second chances, always extending grace to those who genuinely repent. We, too, may falter in our walk, but God's call on our lives remains, and His mercy is sufficient to restore us to His path. This verse challenges us to examine areas where we might be resisting God's will, perhaps due to fear, prejudice, or a lack of understanding. Just as Jonah was called to a difficult mission in a formidable city, we are called to engage with a world that often seems overwhelming and hostile to the Gospel. The "three days' journey" of Nineveh reminds us that God's mission is vast, requiring sustained effort and unwavering commitment. It urges us to overcome our preconceived notions about who is "worthy" of God's grace and to embrace His expansive love for all humanity, participating actively in His global redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be resisting God's "second call" or a renewed prompting to obedience?**
* **How does the vastness of Nineveh challenge your perspective on the scope of God's mission and His compassion for all people, even those you might consider "enemies" or "unreachable"?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a more immediate and willing obedience to God's word in your daily life, even when the task seems daunting?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Nineveh being an "exceeding great city of three days' journey"?**

Answer: The description of Nineveh as an "exceeding great city of three days' journey" (literally, "great to God" or "divinely great") emphasizes its immense physical size and importance in the ancient world. It was one of the largest cities of its time, the capital of the powerful Assyrian Empire. The "three days' journey" likely refers to the time it would take to traverse the city's main areas or circuit its vast perimeter, indicating the extensive effort required for Jonah to deliver his message throughout the entire city. This detail highlights the formidable nature of Jonah's mission and, by extension, the vast scope of God's concern for humanity, even a city known for its wickedness, as seen in [Jonah 1:2](/jonah/1-2 "God's Call to Jonah to Preach to Nineveh"). It also sets the stage for the dramatic and widespread repentance that is about to unfold.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonah 3:3, though seemingly a simple narrative of obedience, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jonah's journey from rebellion to obedience, spurred by divine discipline and a second chance, foreshadows the perfect and unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ. Unlike Jonah, who initially fled, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the will of His Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, the "sign of Jonah" that Jesus Himself references in [Matthew 12:39-41](/matthew/12-39-41 "The Sign of Jonah") directly connects Jonah's three days and nights in the fish to Christ's three days and nights in the tomb, culminating in His resurrection. Just as Jonah's preaching led to the repentance of a great Gentile city, Christ's death and resurrection, and the subsequent preaching of His Gospel, initiated a worldwide call to repentance and salvation for all nations, Jew and Gentile alike ([Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed to All Nations")). The vastness of Nineveh, requiring a "three days' journey" to traverse, subtly points to the expansive reach of the Gospel message, which through Christ, extends to the uttermost parts of the earth, demonstrating God's boundless compassion for all humanity ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). Thus, Jonah's reluctant mission to Nineveh ultimately prefigures Christ's willing and universal mission to redeem a lost world.

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

Genesis 22:3

¶ And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

Psalms 80:10

The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof [were like] the goodly cedars.

Matthew 21:28

¶ But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

Matthew 21:29

He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

Genesis 30:8

And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.

Psalms 36:6

Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains; thy judgments [are] a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

2 Timothy 4:11

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.