### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Iōnâs**, represented by `{{G2495}}`, is of Hebrew origin and serves as the name for two Israelites, Jonas (i.e., Jonah). It appears **13 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. The name primarily identifies the Old Testament prophet, but it is also used to identify the father of Simon Peter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2495}}` is used in two distinct contexts. Firstly, it identifies the father of the apostle Peter, as Jesus addresses him as "Simon, son of Jonas" ([[John 21:15]], [[John 21:16]], [[John 21:17]]) and "Simon the son of Jona" [[John 1:42]]. More prominently, it refers to the prophet Jonas, whose experience is presented as a powerful sign. Jesus states that just as **Jonas** was three days and nights in the whale's belly, so the Son of man will be in the heart of the earth [[Matthew 12:40]]. This prophet's preaching is also cited as the reason the men of Nineveh repented [[Matthew 12:41]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the story of Jonas:
* `{{G4396}}` **prophḗtēs** (a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker): Jonas is explicitly identified as a **prophet**, whose life serves as a sign [[Matthew 12:39]]. The scriptures are often referenced as coming from "the law and the **prophets**" [[Matthew 7:12]].
* `{{G4592}}` **sēmeîon** (an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally): The central reference to Jonas is "the **sign** of the prophet Jonas" [[Matthew 16:4]]. This term is used for supernatural indications, such as the **signs** that follow believers [[Mark 16:17]].
* `{{G2782}}` **kḗrygma** (a proclamation): The men of Nineveh are said to have repented at the **preaching** of Jonas [[Luke 11:32]]. The word points to a proclamation, like the **preaching** of Jesus Christ [[Romans 16:25]].
* `{{G3340}}` **metanoéō** (to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider): The response to Jonas's preaching was that the people of Nineveh **repented** [[Matthew 12:41]]. This call to **repent** is a foundational command in the New Testament [[Acts 2:38]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2495}}` is centered on the prophet Jonas as a type and a sign.
* **A Sign for an Evil Generation:** The "sign of Jonas" is the only sign offered to an **evil** `{{G4190}}` and **adulterous** `{{G3428}}` generation that seeks one ([[Matthew 12:39]], [[Luke 11:29]]).
* **Typology of Christ's Death:** The sign is a direct parallel to the death and burial of Jesus. As **Jonas** was a **sign** `{{G4592}}` to the **Ninevites** `{{G3536}}`, so the Son of Man would be to his generation [[Luke 11:30]], specifically through his time in the earth [[Matthew 12:40]].
* **The Standard of Repentance:** The repentance of the men of **Nineve** `{{G3535}}` at Jonas's preaching serves as a point of condemnation for those who fail to repent when a "greater than **Jonas** is here" [[Luke 11:32]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2495}}` is a name that, while belonging to two individuals, carries its primary biblical significance through the prophet Jonas. His life is not just a historical account but is used by Jesus as a profound theological symbol. The "sign of Jonas" stands as a prophetic type for Christ's death and resurrection and as an enduring benchmark for repentance in the face of divine proclamation.
TRV