Jonah Chapter 1 · Verse 7
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.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לְכוּ֙
H1980
לְכוּ֙
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
and let us cast
H5307
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
and let us cast
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
6 of 18
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
and the lot
H1486
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
and the lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
וְנֵ֣דְעָ֔ה
that we may know
H3045
וְנֵ֣דְעָ֔ה
that we may know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
בְּשֶׁלְּמִ֛י
for whose cause
H7945
בְּשֶׁלְּמִ֛י
for whose cause
Strong's:
H7945
Word #:
9 of 18
on account of, whatsoever, whichsoever
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
and let us cast
H5307
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
and let us cast
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
13 of 18
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
and the lot
H1486
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
and the lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
and let us cast
H5307
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
and let us cast
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
15 of 18
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
and the lot
H1486
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
and the lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
Cross References
Proverbs 16:33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.Joshua 7:10And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?Numbers 32:23But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.Acts 13:19And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.Psalms 22:18They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.Matthew 27:35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
Historical Context
Lots involved objects (stones, sticks, dice) cast or drawn to determine outcomes. Israel used Urim and Thummim (priestly lots—Exodus 28:30, Numbers 27:21) and cast lots to divide Canaan (Joshua 18:10), choose Saul (1 Samuel 10:20-21), and select Matthias (Acts 1:26). The New Testament church stopped this practice after Pentecost—the Spirit's indwelling provides direct guidance. The sailors' lots functioned as God intended, proving His sovereignty transcends human methods.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over "random" events shape understanding of providence?
- What role do circumstances play in discerning God's will, and how do we avoid superstition?
Analysis & Commentary
"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." Casting lots was common ancient practice for discerning divine will. Proverbs 16:33 states: "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD." God sovereignly controlled the lots to identify Jonah. This demonstrates God's providential control over seemingly random events. There are no accidents in God's universe—He governs all things, even lot-casting, to accomplish His purposes (Ephesians 1:11). The sailors' method was pagan, but God used it to reveal truth. This teaches that God can communicate through various means, though Scripture is His primary and authoritative revelation.