Jonah Chapter 1 · Verse 9
And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.
Original Language Analysis
עִבְרִ֣י
unto them I am an Hebrew
H5680
עִבְרִ֣י
unto them I am an Hebrew
Strong's:
H5680
Word #:
3 of 16
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֞ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֞ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
of heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
of heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
8 of 16
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֥ה
which hath made
H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה
which hath made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיָּ֖ם
the sea
H3220
הַיָּ֖ם
the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
14 of 16
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
Cross References
Nehemiah 9:6Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.Psalms 136:26O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.Nehemiah 1:4And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,Genesis 14:13And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.2 Kings 17:28Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Beth-el, and taught them how they should fear the LORD.2 Kings 17:25And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them.Ezra 1:2Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
Historical Context
The confession "God of heaven" appears in post-exilic literature (Ezra 1:2, Nehemiah 1:4-5, Daniel 2:18-19) and when Israelites addressed foreigners. It emphasized monotheism against polytheism—one God rules all, not regional deities with limited jurisdiction. Jonah's claim that this God created sea and land directly challenged pagan sailors' worldview. If one God made everything, their multiple gods are false. The sailors' terrified response (v. 10) shows they understood implications. Jonah's witness was verbally effective even though his life contradicted it—God can use even flawed witnesses.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we sometimes have orthodox theology but disobedient lives?
- What does it mean to profess faith in God's sovereignty while living as though He doesn't see or care?
- How does Jonah's confession challenge the notion that effective witness requires perfect consistency?
Analysis & Commentary
Jonah's confession: "And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land." This statement is theologically orthodox and evangelistically powerful. Jonah identifies as Hebrew ('Ibri), his ethnicity. He claims to "fear the LORD" (yare' 'eth-YHWH)—worship with reverence. He identifies God as "the God of heaven" ('Elohey hashamayim), universal sovereign, not tribal deity. Most significantly: "which hath made the sea and the dry land"—Creator of everything, including the very sea Jonah thought he could use to escape. This confession is ironic: Jonah proclaims correct theology while his actions completely contradict it. He says he fears Yahweh yet flees His command. He confesses God made the sea yet tried to cross it to escape God's presence. This exposes the danger of orthodox confession without obedient heart. Jesus condemned this repeatedly (Matthew 7:21-23, 23:3). Paul warned of those who profess to know God but by works deny Him (Titus 1:16).