Jonah 1:12

And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest [is] upon you.

And he said {H559} unto them, Take me up {H5375}, and cast me forth {H2904} into the sea {H3220}; so shall the sea {H3220} be calm {H8367} unto you: for I know {H3045} that for my sake {H7945} this great {H1419} tempest {H5591} is upon you.

"Pick me up," he told them, "and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will be calm for you; because I know it's my fault that this terrible storm has come over you."

“Pick me up,” he answered, “and cast me into the sea, so it may quiet down for you. For I know that I am to blame for this violent storm that has come upon you.”

And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

Commentary

Jonah 1:12 finds the prophet Jonah, in the midst of a violent storm at sea, confessing his role in the crisis and offering a drastic solution. Having fled from God's command to preach to the city of Nineveh, Jonah's disobedience has brought a divine tempest upon the ship, threatening the lives of all on board.

Context of Jonah 1:12

After casting lots, the mariners discovered that Jonah was the cause of the terrifying storm. This verse captures Jonah's direct admission of guilt and his willingness to take responsibility. He understands that his flight from the Lord's mission to Nineveh (as detailed in Jonah 1:3) is the reason for the raging sea. His instruction to the sailors to cast him overboard is a desperate act of self-sacrifice, believing it will appease the divine wrath and save them.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequence of Disobedience: The verse powerfully illustrates that fleeing from God's will brings severe consequences, not only upon the individual but often affecting those around them. Jonah's actions directly endangered innocent lives.
  • Confession and Responsibility: Jonah's confession, "for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you," demonstrates a moment of clarity and acceptance of his fault. He doesn't blame God or the sailors but takes full responsibility for his actions. This echoes the principle found in Proverbs 28:13 regarding confessing sin.
  • Self-Sacrifice: Jonah's willingness to be cast into the sea, knowing it meant almost certain death, was an act of profound self-sacrifice to save the lives of the mariners. While motivated by his own predicament, it foreshadows a greater sacrifice for the salvation of many (see John 15:13).
  • Divine Sovereignty: Even in Jonah's disobedience, God remains sovereign over creation, using a "great tempest" to bring about His purposes and draw Jonah back to His will. This highlights God's ultimate control over nature, as seen in Psalm 107:29.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "tempest" here is sa'ar (סַעַר), which denotes a violent, sweeping storm or whirlwind, emphasizing the intensity of the divine judgment at play. Jonah's declaration, "I know" (yada' - יָדַע), signifies a deep, personal understanding and acknowledgment of his guilt, not just a superficial awareness.

Practical Application

Jonah 1:12 offers a powerful lesson on accountability and the consequences of resisting God's call. It challenges us to:

  • Examine Our Own Disobedience: Are there areas in our lives where we are running from God's clear instructions or purposes?
  • Take Responsibility: When our actions cause harm or difficulty, do we readily confess our part and seek to make things right, even if it requires personal cost?
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: Even when we face the "storms" of life, recognizing God's hand in them can lead us to repentance and a deeper reliance on His unfailing plan.

This verse serves as a stark reminder that true peace comes not from escaping God's will, but from aligning with it, even if it means facing uncomfortable truths about ourselves.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 24:17 (7 votes)

    And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

  • 1 Chronicles 21:17 (5 votes)

    And David said unto God, [Is it] not I [that] commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but [as for] these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

  • Joshua 7:12 (5 votes)

    Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, [but] turned [their] backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.

  • John 11:50 (3 votes)

    Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

  • Acts 27:24 (3 votes)

    Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:18 (3 votes)

    Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

  • Joshua 7:20 (3 votes)

    And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: