King James Version

What Does Jonah 1:7 Mean?

Jonah 1:7 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Jonah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jonah 1:7 · KJV

Context

5

Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

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.

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.

8

Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou?

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. the LORD: or, JEHOVAH

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty over "random" events shape understanding of providence?
  2. What role do circumstances play in discerning God's will, and how do we avoid superstition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּאמְר֞וּ1 of 18

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִ֣ישׁ2 of 18

“every one”

H376

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)

אֶל3 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רֵעֵ֗הוּ4 of 18

“to his fellow”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

לְכוּ֙5 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיִּפֹּ֥ל6 of 18

“and let us cast”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

הַגּוֹרָ֖ל7 of 18

“and the lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

וְנֵ֣דְעָ֔ה8 of 18

“that we may know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

בְּשֶׁלְּמִ֛י9 of 18

“for whose cause”

H7945

on account of, whatsoever, whichsoever

הָרָעָ֥ה10 of 18

“this evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

הַזֹּ֖את11 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לָ֑נוּ12 of 18
H0
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל13 of 18

“and let us cast”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

הַגּוֹרָ֖ל14 of 18

“and the lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

וַיִּפֹּ֥ל15 of 18

“and let us cast”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

הַגּוֹרָ֖ל16 of 18

“and the lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

עַל17 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יוֹנָֽה׃18 of 18

“upon Jonah”

H3124

jonah, an israelite

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jonah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jonah 1:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jonah 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 16:33Joshua 7:13-181 Samuel 14:41-42Numbers 32:23Acts 13:19Joshua 7:10

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