Old Testament

Jonah 1:7

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

At a Glance

In this verse, the sailors are in a state of panic due to a violent storm that threatens their ship.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

The sailors said to each other, "Let's cast lots to find out who's to blame for this disaster." They cast lots, and the lot pointed to Jonah.

KJVKing James Version

And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the sailors are in a state of panic due to a violent storm that threatens their ship. They decide to cast lots, a method used in ancient times to make decisions or determine guilt, to find out who is responsible for the calamity they are facing. The act of casting lots was believed to be guided by divine intervention. When the lot falls on Jonah, it reveals that he is the cause of the storm because he is fleeing from God's command. This moment highlights the tension between divine will and human action, as Jonah's disobedience has put others in danger. The sailors, who initially seem indifferent to Jonah's plight, are now faced with the reality of his actions and the consequences they bring. This verse sets the stage for the unfolding drama of Jonah's journey and the lessons about accountability and the impact of one's choices on others.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Jonah 1:7 to your life

This verse teaches us about the importance of accountability in our actions. Just as Jonah's choices affected the sailors, our decisions can impact those around us. We should consider how our actions align with our responsibilities and the potential consequences they may have on others.

Curated for this public verse page. Jonah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does casting lots mean in Jonah 1:7?

Casting lots was an ancient practice used to make decisions or determine guilt, often seen as a way to seek divine guidance. In Jonah 1:7, the sailors cast lots to identify who was responsible for the storm threatening their ship. This method reflects their desperation and belief that the outcome was influenced by a higher power.

Why did the sailors blame Jonah for the storm?

The sailors blamed Jonah for the storm because, after casting lots, the lot fell on him, indicating he was the cause of their troubles. Jonah was fleeing from God's command, and his disobedience brought about the storm, putting the lives of the sailors in jeopardy. This moment underscores the theme of accountability for one's actions.

What lessons can we learn from Jonah 1:7?

Jonah 1:7 teaches us about the importance of accountability and the impact of our choices on others. Just as Jonah's decision to flee from God affected the sailors, our actions can have significant consequences for those around us. It reminds us to consider how our decisions align with our responsibilities and the potential fallout they may cause.

How does this verse relate to the theme of divine intervention?

In Jonah 1:7, the act of casting lots is seen as a means of divine intervention, as the outcome reveals Jonah as the source of the storm. This highlights the belief that God is actively involved in human affairs, guiding decisions and revealing truths. It emphasizes the idea that divine will can intersect with human actions, leading to significant consequences.

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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