Jonah 1:12
And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.
Original Language Analysis
שָׂא֙וּנִי֙
unto them Take me up
H5375
שָׂא֙וּנִי֙
unto them Take me up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
3 of 18
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
וַהֲטִילֻ֣נִי
and cast me forth
H2904
וַהֲטִילֻ֣נִי
and cast me forth
Strong's:
H2904
Word #:
4 of 18
to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out
הַיָּ֖ם
into the sea
H3220
הַיָּ֖ם
into the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
6 of 18
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
הַיָּ֖ם
into the sea
H3220
הַיָּ֖ם
into the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
8 of 18
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
מֵֽעֲלֵיכֶ֑ם
H5921
מֵֽעֲלֵיכֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יוֹדֵ֣עַ
unto you for I know
H3045
יוֹדֵ֣עַ
unto you for I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
11 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַגָּד֛וֹל
this great
H1419
הַגָּד֛וֹל
this great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
16 of 18
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
Cross References
2 Samuel 24:17And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.1 Chronicles 21:17And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.Joshua 7:12Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.Acts 27:24Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.Ecclesiastes 9:18Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.John 11:50Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
Historical Context
Ancient honor cultures valued self-sacrifice for others. Jonah's proposal, while born from rebellion rather than heroism, at least accepted responsibility rather than blaming sailors or circumstances. The sailors' hesitation (v. 13) shows their moral superiority—they're reluctant to execute even a guilty man. This pagan compassion contrasts Jonah's hardness toward Nineveh, highlighting the prophet's spiritual bankruptcy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jonah's imperfect sacrifice point toward Christ's perfect sacrifice?
- What does it mean to accept responsibility for sin's consequences affecting others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jonah's solution: "And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you." Jonah accepts responsibility and proposes self-sacrifice. The phrase "I know" (yode'a 'ani) indicates certainty—he understands his guilt and the solution. His willingness to die rather than repent reveals the depth of his rebellion—he'd rather die than obey God's command to preach mercy to Nineveh. Yet this also foreshadows Christ's greater sacrifice. Jesus, the better Jonah (Matthew 12:39-41), voluntarily entered the storm of divine wrath against sin, was "cast into the sea" of death, and through His sacrifice brought calm—salvation—to others. The typology isn't perfect (Jonah dies as judgment; Christ dies as atonement), but the parallel is significant.