Old Testament

Jonah 1:5

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

At a Glance

In Jonah 1:5, we see a scene of chaos as a violent storm threatens the ship carrying Jonah and the sailors.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

The sailors were terrified. Each one cried out to his own god for help, and they threw the cargo overboard to lighten the ship. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.

KJVKing James Version

Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Jonah 1:5, we see a scene of chaos as a violent storm threatens the ship carrying Jonah and the sailors. The sailors, terrified for their lives, each call out to their own gods, hoping for divine intervention. In a desperate attempt to save the ship, they throw their cargo overboard to lighten the load. Meanwhile, Jonah, instead of helping, is found below deck in a deep sleep, seemingly oblivious to the danger around him. This contrast highlights Jonah's disconnection from the situation and his attempt to escape his responsibilities. The sailors' fear and frantic actions reflect their desperation, while Jonah's sleep symbolizes his avoidance of the mission God has given him. This moment sets the stage for the unfolding drama of Jonah's journey and the consequences of fleeing from God's call.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Jonah 1:5 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of being aware of our responsibilities and the impact of our actions on others. In times of crisis, we should not retreat into complacency but actively seek to help those around us, just as the sailors did, rather than ignoring the situation like Jonah.

Curated for this public verse page. Jonah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jonah 1:5 mean?

Jonah 1:5 describes a chaotic scene where sailors, fearing for their lives during a storm, call out to their gods for help and throw cargo overboard to save the ship. Meanwhile, Jonah is found sleeping below deck, highlighting his disconnection from the crisis and his attempt to escape his responsibilities.

What is the significance of the sailors crying out to their gods in Jonah 1:5?

The sailors crying out to their gods in Jonah 1:5 illustrates their desperation and the cultural practice of seeking divine help in times of crisis. It shows their belief in multiple deities and their hope for intervention amidst the life-threatening storm.

Why was Jonah sleeping during the storm in Jonah 1:5?

Jonah was sleeping during the storm as a way to escape the reality of the situation and avoid his responsibilities. His deep sleep symbolizes his oblivion to the danger around him and his attempt to flee from God's call.

What does the act of throwing cargo overboard represent in Jonah 1:5?

Throwing cargo overboard in Jonah 1:5 represents the sailors' desperate measures to lighten the ship and save themselves from the storm. It highlights their urgency and willingness to sacrifice their goods for the sake of survival.

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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