Jonah 1:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jonah 1:6
6 So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.
Chapter Context
Jonah 1 is a prophetic narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, worship, discipleship. Written during the Assyrian period (c. 780-750 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Nineveh was the capital of the feared Assyrian Empire, Israel's enemy.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-17: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jonah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jonah 1:6
6 So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.
Analysis
"So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not." The pagan captain rebukes God's prophet—stunning role reversal. The question "What meanest thou, O sleeper?" expresses shock at Jonah's indifference. The command "arise, call upon thy God" assumes Jonah has special access to deity. The phrase "if so be that God will think upon us" (Hebrew 'ulay yit'asheth ha-'Elohim lanu) means "perhaps God will give us a thought"—desperate hope that Jonah's God might intervene. The irony is rich: pagans recognize the need for prayer; God's prophet must be commanded to pray. This teaches that external religion without internal devotion is worthless. Jesus condemned such hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28).
Historical Context
Ancient sailors, facing death, would exhaust all religious options. The captain's instruction to Jonah assumes that more gods prayed to increases survival chances. He doesn't yet know Jonah's God is the only true God or that Jonah is fleeing Him. The scene's irony would have shocked Jewish readers—their prophet worse than pagans. It still shocks: how often do nominal Christians show less spiritual concern than secular people show ethical concern?
Reflection
- When have unbelievers had to rebuke you for spiritual indifference or hypocrisy?
- What does it mean that pagans sometimes display greater concern for others than professing believers?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Ephesians 5:14
- References God: Jonah 3:9, 2 Samuel 12:22, Amos 5:15
- Parallel theme: Acts 21:13