Old Testament
Jonah 3:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Deliver the message I give you."
Compare translations
Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.
What Jonah 3:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jonah 3:2, God commands Jonah to go to Nineveh, a large and important city, and deliver a specific message that He will provide. This verse highlights God's desire for repentance and His willingness to reach out to even the most wicked places. Nineveh was known for its sinfulness, yet God still chose to send Jonah there, demonstrating His mercy and the opportunity for redemption. Jonah's task was not just to announce judgment but to call the people to change their ways. This command emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem daunting or uncomfortable. Jonah's journey to Nineveh serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to fulfill His purposes. The verse also reflects the theme of divine compassion, showing that God cares for all people and desires their salvation. Jonah's response to this call is crucial, as it sets the stage for the transformation of an entire city.
How to apply Jonah 3:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to listen for God's call in our lives and to act on it, even when it feels challenging. We should be willing to share messages of hope and change with others, trusting that God can bring transformation through our obedience.
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: Nineveh Repents (Jonah 3:1–10)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jonah
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, 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.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 3:2
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 3:2
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 3:2 mean?
In Jonah 3:2, God instructs Jonah to go to Nineveh and deliver a message He will provide. This reflects God's desire for the people of Nineveh to repent and change their ways, highlighting His mercy and willingness to reach out to even the most sinful.
What is the significance of Nineveh in Jonah 3:2?
Nineveh is described as a great city, known for its wickedness. God's command to Jonah to go there emphasizes His compassion and the opportunity for redemption, showing that no place is beyond His reach.
What is the message God wants Jonah to deliver in Jonah 3:2?
God tells Jonah to preach the message He gives him, which ultimately calls the people of Nineveh to repentance. This underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions.
How does Jonah respond to God's command in Jonah 3:2?
Jonah initially hesitates and tries to flee from God's command, but eventually he obeys and goes to Nineveh. His response is crucial as it leads to the transformation of the city.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.