King James Version
What Does Jonah 2:5 Mean?
“The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.”
Context
3
For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. midst: Heb. heart
4
Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.
5
The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.
6
I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God. bottoms: Heb. cuttings off corruption: or, the pit
7
When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **The waters.—**See reference in margin.
**The weeds were wrapped about my head.—**This graphic touch is quite original. The figure of overwhelming waters is a common one in Hebrew song to represent some crushing sorrow, but nowhere is the picture so vivid as here. At the same time the entire absence of any reference to the fish, which would, indeed, be altogether out of place in this picture of a drowning man entangled in seaweed, should be noticed. That on which the prophet lays stress is not on the mode of his escape, but his escape itself.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:5 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 2:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge