Old Testament

Jonah 1:4

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

At a Glance

In Jonah 1:4, we see God's direct intervention in the natural world as He sends a powerful wind to create a violent storm at sea.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

But the LORD sent a powerful wind across the sea, and a violent storm hit so hard that the ship was on the verge of breaking apart.

KJVKing James Version

But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Jonah 1:4, we see God's direct intervention in the natural world as He sends a powerful wind to create a violent storm at sea. This storm is not just a random occurrence; it is a response to Jonah's attempt to flee from God's command to go to Nineveh. The intensity of the storm is so great that it threatens to break apart the ship carrying Jonah and the sailors. This passage illustrates God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to use it to accomplish His purposes. The storm serves as a wake-up call for Jonah, highlighting the futility of trying to escape God's will. It also emphasizes the seriousness of disobedience and the lengths to which God will go to redirect His wayward servants. The sailors, caught in the chaos, are forced to confront their own beliefs and fears, leading to a deeper understanding of divine power and authority.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Jonah 1:4 to your life

This verse reminds us that trying to run away from our responsibilities or God's calling can lead to turmoil in our lives. Instead of fleeing, we should confront our challenges with faith and obedience. Trusting in God's plan can bring peace even in the midst of storms.

Curated for this public verse page. Jonah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jonah 1:4 mean?

Jonah 1:4 describes how God sent a powerful wind to create a violent storm at sea as a response to Jonah's attempt to escape His command. This illustrates God's control over nature and serves as a reminder that fleeing from God's will can lead to serious consequences.

What is the significance of the storm in Jonah 1:4?

The storm in Jonah 1:4 signifies God's intervention in Jonah's disobedience. It highlights the seriousness of trying to evade God's calling and serves as a wake-up call for both Jonah and the sailors.

What does the phrase 'mighty tempest' mean in Jonah 1:4?

The phrase 'mighty tempest' in Jonah 1:4 refers to a powerful and violent storm that threatens the ship. It emphasizes the intensity of the situation and God's ability to use nature to achieve His purposes.

How does Jonah 1:4 relate to personal responsibility?

Jonah 1:4 relates to personal responsibility by showing that avoiding one's duties can lead to chaos and turmoil. It encourages individuals to face their challenges with faith rather than fleeing from them.

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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