Jonah 1:10

Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

Then were the men {H582} exceedingly {H1419}{H3374} afraid {H3372}, and said {H559} unto him, Why hast thou done {H6213} this? For the men {H582} knew {H3045} that he fled {H1272} from the presence {H6440} of the LORD {H3068}, because he had told {H5046} them.

At this the men grew very afraid and said to him, "What is this that you have done?" For the men knew he was trying to get away from ADONAI, since he had told them.

Then the men were even more afraid and said to him, β€œWhat have you done?” The men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, What is this that thou hast done? For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of Jehovah, because he had told them.

Commentary

Context

Verse 10 of Jonah chapter 1 occurs at a critical juncture in the narrative. Prior to this, the prophet Jonah had received a direct command from the LORD to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness (Jonah 1:2). However, Jonah chose to disobey, attempting to flee God's presence by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). As a result, God sent a mighty tempest upon the sea, threatening to break the ship apart. The pagan sailors, in their desperation, cast lots to discover who was responsible for the calamity (Jonah 1:7). The lot fell on Jonah, who then confessed his identity as a Hebrew and a worshiper of the LORD, the God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land (Jonah 1:9). This verse captures the sailors' immediate, terrified reaction to Jonah's full disclosure of his disobedience.

Key Themes

  • Intensified Fear and Awe: The sailors' initial fear for their lives transforms into a profound, spiritual dread. They are not just afraid of the storm but of the powerful God who caused it, whose prophet has defied Him. Their question, "Why hast thou done this?", is born of shock and reverence.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: This verse powerfully illustrates that sin and disobedience to God have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the disobedient individual but also innocent bystanders. Jonah's rebellion against his divine mission endangered everyone on the ship.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Revelation: Even in Jonah's flight, God remains in control, using the storm to reveal His power and the seriousness of defying His will. The pagan sailors come to understand the supremacy of Jonah's God.
  • Impact of Confession: Jonah's prior confession (as indicated by "because he had told them") provides the crucial context for the sailors to grasp the gravity of the situation, leading to their heightened fear and understanding.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "exceedingly afraid" in the original Hebrew is yare'u yirah gedolah (יראו יראה Χ’Χ“Χ•ΧœΧ”), which literally translates to "they feared a great fear." This emphasizes the overwhelming and profound nature of their terror, suggesting a fear that goes beyond mere physical danger to an awe-filled realization of divine judgment and power. The "presence of the LORD" (milipnei Yahweh) highlights Jonah's futile attempt to escape God's direct oversight, underscoring the omnipresence of God.

Practical Application

Jonah 1:10 serves as a stark reminder that our choices, particularly our disobedience to God, have ripple effects that can impact those around us, sometimes dramatically. It underscores the inescapable nature of God's presence and His unwavering sovereignty; we cannot run from His call or His consequences. For believers, this verse is a call to immediate and humble obedience, understanding that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. For those exploring faith, it reveals a God who is actively involved in human affairs, powerful enough to command nature, and worthy of profound respect and attention.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jonah 1:3 (5 votes)

    But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

  • Job 27:22 (3 votes)

    For [God] shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand.

  • 2 Samuel 24:3 (2 votes)

    And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see [it]: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

  • Daniel 5:6 (2 votes)

    Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.

  • Daniel 5:9 (2 votes)

    Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.

  • Joshua 7:25 (2 votes)

    And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.

  • John 19:8 (2 votes)

    When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;