Book of Jonah
jonah is part of the rich historical narrative of God's dealings with His people in the Old Testament.
4
Chapters
48
Verses
20
Cross-Refs
8
Sub-Topics
Quick Facts
- Author
- Jonah
- Date Written
- c. 785-760 BC
- Category
- Minor Prophets
- Chapters
- 4
- Verses
- 48
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Etymology
- “or Jonas, a dove”, “he that oppresses”, “destroyer”
About the Book of Jonah
The book of Jonah stands apart from the other prophetic writings because it does not primarily present oracles directed at Israel but instead tells the story of a prophet wrestling with God's mercy toward His enemies. Jonah, son of Amittai, prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:25), a time when Israel was regaining lost lands from their foes. God's instruction for Jonah to call Nineveh—the capital city of Israel’s fiercest adversary—to repentance confronted Jonah’s understanding of divine justice and national loyalty. This narrative probes deep themes such as the expansiveness of God's mercy beyond ethnic boundaries, the impossibility of escaping God's presence, and the stark contrast between God's compassion and human bitterness.
Read the full Jonah study guide →Famous Verses
“Salvation is of the LORD.”
Jonah 2:9
“Thou art a gracious God, and merciful.”
Jonah 4:2
“The LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah.”
Jonah 1:17
Topical Index
8 sub-topics from Nave's Topical Bible
Also called JONAS
A prophet of Israel
Sent by God to warn the city of Nineveh
Disobedience and punishment of
Repentance and deliverance of
Brought Ninevites to repentance
Displeased with God's mercy to Nineveh -Reproved
Is a sign
Key Verses
2 Kings 14:25
A prophet of Israel
Jonah 1:1,2
Sent by God to warn the city of Nineveh
Jonah 1:3-17
Disobedience and punishment of
Jonah 2
Repentance and deliverance of
Jonah 3
Brought Ninevites to repentance
Jonah 1:4
Displeased with God's mercy to Nineveh -Reproved
Matthew 16:4
Is a sign