Old Testament
Jonah 1:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then they asked him, "What should we do to you so that the sea will be calm for us?" For the sea was raging and stormy.
Compare translations
Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.
What Jonah 1:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jonah 1:11, the sailors are desperate as they face a violent storm at sea. They turn to Jonah, who is the cause of their troubles due to his disobedience to God. The sailors ask Jonah what they should do to calm the sea, indicating their fear and urgency. This moment highlights the seriousness of the situation and the sailors' recognition that they need to take action to appease the storm. Jonah's presence on the ship has brought about this chaos, and the sailors are seeking a solution to restore peace. Their question reflects their helplessness and the belief that Jonah holds the key to resolving the turmoil. This verse illustrates the theme of accountability, as Jonah must confront the consequences of his actions, and it sets the stage for the unfolding drama of his journey and the sailors' fate.
How to apply Jonah 1:11 to your life
This verse reminds us that our actions can impact others significantly. Just as Jonah's disobedience affected the sailors, our choices can create turmoil in the lives of those around us. We should strive to act responsibly and seek God's guidance in our decisions to promote peace and harmony.
Curated for this public verse page. Jonah Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jonah's story: The Storm at Sea (Jonah 1:4–16)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jonah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jonah 1:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jonah 1:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jonah
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Jonah
- Written
- Around 760 BC
- Genre
- Prophetic narrative
- Original Audience
- Israelites and Gentile nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jonah 1:11 mean?
In Jonah 1:11, the sailors are in a panic due to a fierce storm and ask Jonah what they should do to calm the sea. This shows their desperation and highlights Jonah's role in causing the storm through his disobedience to God.
What is the significance of the sailors' question in Jonah 1:11?
The sailors' question reflects their fear and urgency as they seek a solution to the chaos caused by Jonah's presence. It emphasizes the theme of accountability, as Jonah must confront the consequences of his actions.
How does Jonah 1:11 relate to the theme of accountability?
In Jonah 1:11, the sailors' inquiry about how to calm the sea underscores the accountability Jonah faces for his actions. His disobedience has not only affected him but also put the lives of the sailors in jeopardy.
What lesson can we learn from Jonah 1:11?
Jonah 1:11 teaches that our actions can have significant consequences for others. It encourages us to act responsibly and seek guidance to avoid creating turmoil in the lives of those around us.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.