Jonah 1:13

Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring [it] to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.

Nevertheless the men {H582} rowed hard {H2864} to bring {H7725} it to the land {H3004}; but they could {H3201} not: for the sea {H3220} wrought {H1980}, and was tempestuous {H5590} against them.

Nevertheless, the men rowed hard, trying to reach the shore. But they couldn't, because the sea kept growing wilder against them.

Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea was raging against them more and more.

Nevertheless the men rowed hard to get them back to the land; but they could not: for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them.

Commentary

Jonah 1:13 describes the desperate, yet ultimately futile, attempts of the sailors to save their ship from the raging tempest. Despite knowing that Jonah's presence was the cause of the storm, they made one last, strenuous effort using their own strength and skill before resorting to throwing him overboard as he had instructed.

Context

This verse follows Jonah's confession that he was fleeing from the Lord and his instruction to the mariners to cast him into the sea to quell the storm (Jonah 1:12). Having already seen the extraordinary power of the storm sent by God (Jonah 1:4) and having identified Jonah through divine lot (Jonah 1:7), these pagan sailors still hesitated to throw a man into the sea. Their attempt to row to land demonstrates a natural human inclination to rely on one's own abilities and resources before submitting to a difficult, divinely-ordained action.

Key Themes

  • Human Effort vs. Divine Power: The verse starkly contrasts the limited strength of men rowing with the overwhelming force of God's control over nature.
  • Futility of Resisting God's Will: It illustrates that when God acts decisively, human attempts to circumvent His plan are powerless.
  • Desperation: The "rowed hard" highlights the extreme situation and the sailors' intense desire for survival.
  • The Sovereignty of God: The sea actively "wrought, and was tempestuous against them," signifying that the natural forces were directly opposing their efforts under God's command.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them" uses strong Hebrew verbs indicating the sea was not merely rough but was actively growing more violent and hostile. It emphasizes that the opposition wasn't just bad weather, but a powerful force specifically working against their attempts to reach land.

Reflection and Application

Jonah 1:13 serves as a powerful reminder that when we are facing circumstances orchestrated by God, whether for judgment or correction, our own strength and ingenuity are ultimately insufficient to overcome His will. Like the sailors, we may try every humanly possible solution, but true peace and resolution only come from addressing the underlying spiritual issue and aligning ourselves with God's purposes. It teaches us humility in the face of divine power and the necessity of obedience over self-reliance.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 21:30 (4 votes)

    ¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

  • Job 34:29 (3 votes)

    When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth [his] face, who then can behold him? whether [it be done] against a nation, or against a man only: