Old Testament

Jonah 1:3

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

At a Glance

In Jonah 1:3, we see Jonah's decision to flee from God's command.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

But Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, found a ship going to Tarshish, paid the fare, and boarded it to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Jonah 1:3, we see Jonah's decision to flee from God's command. Instead of going to Nineveh, where God wanted him to preach, Jonah chose to escape to Tarshish, a distant city. This act of fleeing symbolizes his desire to avoid God's presence and mission. He traveled to Joppa, a port city, where he found a ship heading to Tarshish. Jonah paid for his passage and boarded the ship, fully intending to escape from what God had asked of him. This passage highlights Jonah's initial rebellion against God's will and sets the stage for the challenges he will face as a result of his disobedience. It serves as a reminder that trying to run away from God’s plans can lead to unforeseen consequences, as Jonah will soon discover. The repetition of 'Tarshish' emphasizes his determination to distance himself from God, illustrating the lengths to which people might go to avoid their responsibilities or divine calling.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Jonah 1:3 to your life

When faced with difficult tasks or divine calls, we may be tempted to flee like Jonah. Instead of running away, we should confront our fears and trust in God's plan. Embracing our responsibilities can lead to growth and fulfillment.

Curated for this public verse page. Jonah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jonah 1:3 mean?

Jonah 1:3 describes Jonah's decision to flee from God's command to go to Nineveh. Instead, he chooses to escape to Tarshish, symbolizing his desire to avoid God's presence and mission.

Why did Jonah flee to Tarshish in Jonah 1:3?

Jonah fled to Tarshish because he wanted to avoid the task God had given him, which was to preach to the people of Nineveh. His journey to Tarshish represents his rebellion against God's will.

What is the significance of Joppa in Jonah 1:3?

Joppa is significant in Jonah 1:3 as it is the port city where Jonah found a ship to Tarshish. It marks the beginning of his attempt to escape from God's command.

What does 'away from the presence of the LORD' mean in Jonah 1:3?

'Away from the presence of the LORD' indicates Jonah's intention to distance himself from God and His guidance. It reflects his desire to avoid the responsibilities that come with following God's will.

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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