Old Testament

Jonah 1:10

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Jonah 1:10, the sailors on the ship become extremely frightened when they learn that Jonah is fleeing from the LORD.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Jonah
Written: Around 760 BC
Genre: Prophetic narrative
Original Audience: Israelites and Gentile nations

CBTClear Bible Translation

This terrified them even more. "What have you done?" they demanded. They already knew he was running from the LORD, because he had told them.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Jonah 1:10, the sailors on the ship become extremely frightened when they learn that Jonah is fleeing from the LORD. Their fear intensifies because they understand the seriousness of Jonah's actions. They question him, asking why he would do such a thing, as they are aware that he is trying to escape from God’s presence. This moment highlights the sailors' awareness of divine authority and the consequences of disobedience. Jonah's admission of running from God not only reveals his personal struggle but also impacts those around him, showing how one person's choices can affect others. The sailors, who initially seem indifferent to Jonah's God, are now confronted with the reality of His power and the danger of disobedience. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of being honest about our actions and their potential impact on others, especially when it comes to our relationship with God. Explore related reverence.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Jonah 1:10 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own actions and their effects on those around us. It reminds us to be honest about our struggles and to recognize that our decisions can influence others, especially in matters of faith and obedience to God.

Curated for this public verse page. Jonah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jonah 1:10 teach about fear of God?

Jonah 1:10 illustrates the sailors' intense fear upon realizing Jonah is fleeing from the LORD. Their reaction shows that they recognize the seriousness of disobeying God and the potential consequences. This teaches us that a healthy fear of God can lead to a deeper understanding of His authority and the importance of obedience in our lives.

How does Jonah's disobedience affect others in Jonah 1:10?

In Jonah 1:10, Jonah's decision to flee from God not only puts him in danger but also endangers the sailors on the ship. Their fear escalates when they learn of his actions, highlighting how one person's choices can have far-reaching effects on others. This serves as a reminder that our actions can impact those around us, especially in spiritual matters.

What can we learn about honesty from Jonah 1:10?

Jonah 1:10 emphasizes the importance of honesty, as Jonah openly admits to fleeing from the LORD. His transparency about his struggles not only reveals his personal conflict but also affects the sailors' perception of God. This teaches us that being honest about our actions and struggles can foster accountability and encourage others to reflect on their own relationship with God.

Why did the sailors become more afraid in Jonah 1:10?

The sailors' fear intensified in Jonah 1:10 because they realized the gravity of Jonah's actions—fleeing from the presence of the LORD. Their understanding of divine authority and the potential consequences of disobedience heightened their fear. This moment illustrates how awareness of God's power can lead to a deeper sense of reverence and concern for one's own actions.

Book Summary

The Book of Jonah

Jonah 1: Jonah Flees from the Lord

The word of the Lord comes unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rises up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He goes down to Joppa, finds a ship going to Tarshish, pays the fare thereof, and goes down into it. The Lord sends out a great wind into the sea, and there is a mighty tempest, so that the ship is like to be broken. The mariners are afraid, and cry every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that are in the ship into the sea to lighten it. But Jonah is gone down into the sides of the ship, and he lies fast asleep.

The shipmaster comes to him and asks, What meanest thou, O sleeper? He urges Jonah to arise and call upon his God, if so be that God will think upon them, that they perish not. The mariners say every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. They cast lots, and the lot falls upon Jonah. They question him about his occupation, his country, and his people. He tells them he is an Hebrew and fears the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. The men are exceedingly afraid and ask why he has done this, for they know he fled from the presence of the Lord. They ask what they shall do unto him that the sea may be calm. Jonah tells them to take him up and cast him forth into the sea, for he knows that for his sake this great tempest is upon them. Nevertheless, the men row hard to bring the ship to land, but they cannot. Wherefore they cry unto the Lord, saying, We beseech thee, O Lord, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood. So they take up Jonah and cast him into the sea, and the sea ceases from her raging. Then the men fear the Lord exceedingly, and offer a sacrifice and make vows. Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah, and Jonah is in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 2: Jonah's Prayer Then Jonah prays unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly. He says he cried by reason of his affliction unto the Lord, and He heard him; out of the belly of hell he cried, and God heard his voice. He recounts how he was cast into the deep, in the midst of the seas, and the floods compassed him about. He said he was cast out of God's sight, yet he would look again toward His holy temple. The waters compassed him about, even to the soul; the depth closed him round about, and the weeds were wrapped about his head. He went down to the bottoms of the mountains, and the earth with her bars was about him for ever; yet, he says, God has brought up his life from corruption.

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