### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yôwnâh**, represented by `{{H3124}}`, is the name for the Israelite **Jonah**. It appears **19 times** across **17 unique verses** in the Bible. The name identifies the prophet whose story of disobedience and divine intervention serves as a powerful narrative in scripture, revealing the nature of both God and man.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3124}}` is used to identify the central figure in the book bearing his name. He is introduced as **Jonah** the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Amittai, who receives the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Jonah 1:1]]. His identity as a **prophet** `{{H5030}}` from **Gathhepher** `{{H1662}}` is also established in 2 Kings, where he is credited with speaking the word of the Lord to restore the **coast** `{{H1366}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[2 Kings 14:25]]. The story revolves around his flight from God's command, where **Jonah** rose up to **flee** `{{H1272}}` to Tarshish [[Jonah 1:3]]. This act leads to him being cast into the **sea** `{{H3220}}` and swallowed by a **great** `{{H1419}}` **fish** `{{H1709}}`, where he remained for three days and three nights ([[Jonah 1:15]], [[Jonah 1:17]]). The name appears repeatedly to track his journey, from his prayer inside the fish [[Jonah 2:1]] to his deliverance upon **dry** `{{H3004}}` land [[Jonah 2:10]] and his reluctant ministry in Nineveh [[Jonah 3:3-4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the narrative and identity of Jonah:
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (a prophet or (generally) inspired man): This title defines Jonah's official role and calling. He is identified as "**Jonah**, the son of Amittai, the **prophet**," which establishes the divine authority behind the commission he initially rejected [[2 Kings 14:25]].
* `{{H1272}}` **bârach** (to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly): This verb is central to Jonah's initial response to God. The text states that "Jonah rose up to **flee** unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD" [[Jonah 1:3]], setting the main conflict of the story in motion.
* `{{H1709}}` **dâg** (a fish (often used collectively)): This word refers to the creature God used to discipline and preserve Jonah. The LORD **prepared** `{{H4487}}` a great **fish** to **swallow up** `{{H1104}}` Jonah after he was cast into the sea [[Jonah 1:17]].
* `{{H6419}}` **pâlal** (to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray): Jonah’s relationship with God is marked by prayer at critical moments. After being swallowed, "Jonah **prayed** unto the LORD his God" from the fish's belly [[Jonah 2:1]], and he later **prayed** to God in anger over His display of mercy [[Jonah 4:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3124}}` is demonstrated through several key themes in his story:
* **Prophetic Disobedience:** The story of Jonah begins with a clear divine command [[Jonah 1:1]] followed by immediate disobedience, as he attempts to **flee** `{{H1272}}` from the **presence** `{{H6440}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Jonah 1:3]]. This highlights the conflict between God's will and human resistance, even from His chosen messengers.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's absolute control over creation is a recurring theme. The **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **sent out** `{{H2904}}` a **great** `{{H1419}}` wind [[Jonah 1:4]], **prepared** `{{H4487}}` a **fish** `{{H1709}}` [[Jonah 1:17]], **prepared** `{{H4487}}` a **gourd** `{{H7021}}` [[Jonah 4:6]], and **prepared** a worm [[Jonah 4:7]]. Even the **lot** `{{H1486}}` cast by the sailors **fell** `{{H5307}}` upon Jonah, revealing God's hand in human affairs [[Jonah 1:7]].
* **Human Anger and Divine Mercy:** A central tension in the narrative is Jonah's reaction to God's mercy. When God spares Nineveh, it **displeased** `{{H3415}}` Jonah **exceedingly** `{{H1419}}``{{H7451}}`, and he was very **angry** `{{H2734}}` [[Jonah 4:1]]. This anger is rooted in his prior knowledge that God is gracious and merciful, a fact he states in his prayer to the LORD [[Jonah 4:2]].
### Summary
In summary, the name `{{H3124}}` **Yôwnâh** represents more than just an individual; it encapsulates a profound theological lesson. Through his story, we see a prophet who flees his divine calling, only to be pursued and disciplined by a sovereign God who commands the wind, sea, and living creatures. The narrative of Jonah serves as a powerful illustration of the conflict between human prejudice and divine mercy, ultimately demonstrating God's compassion. His experience, from the depths of the sea to the heart of a foreign city, remains a testament to God's relentless pursuit and sovereign plan.
TRV