King James Version

What Does Jonah 3:1 Mean?

Jonah 3:1 in the King James Version says “And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,” — study this verse from Jonah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,”

Jonah 3:1 · KJV

Context

1

And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

2

Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

3

So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. exceeding: Heb. of God

Read Jonah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God gives Jonah a second chance: "And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying." The Hebrew vayehi devar-YHWH el-Yonah shenit lemor (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֶל־יוֹנָה שֵׁנִית לֵאמֹר) emphasizes divine persistence—God doesn't give up on His rebellious prophet.

"The second time" (shenit, שֵׁנִית) is theologically significant. Jonah failed the first time, yet God renews the commission. This demonstrates God's patience and commitment to His purposes. He could have chosen another prophet, but He pursues Jonah until the mission is accomplished. This reflects God's character throughout Scripture—giving second chances to failing servants. Peter denied Christ three times, yet Jesus restored and recommissioned him (John 21:15-19). Mark deserted Paul on the first missionary journey, yet later became useful to him (2 Timothy 4:11).

The repetition of "the word of the LORD came" (vayehi devar-YHWH) parallels 1:1, showing that God's call hasn't changed. The message is the same; the prophet is chastened but the mission remains. This teaches that God's purposes are not negotiable. We can delay through disobedience, but we cannot ultimately thwart what God has determined. As Philippians 2:13 declares: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

This verse offers hope to believers who've failed. God's gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). If we've run from His call, He pursues us—through storms, fish, or whatever means necessary—to bring us back to His purposes. The question isn't whether God will accomplish His will, but whether we'll obey willingly or be dragged kicking and screaming like Jonah.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jonah son of Amittai prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam II of Israel (2 Kings 14:25), around 780-760 BC. God commanded him to preach repentance to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria—the brutal empire that would later destroy Israel (722 BC). Assyrian kings were notorious for extreme cruelty, boasting in their inscriptions about impalement, flaying, and mass deportations. For an Israelite prophet, preaching salvation to Assyria was like asking a Holocaust survivor to evangelize Nazi Germany. Jonah's flight to Tarshish (opposite direction) reveals both ethnic prejudice and theological confusion about God's mercy extending to pagan nations. When Nineveh repented and God relented, Jonah became angry, preferring their destruction. The book concludes with God's gentle rebuke, revealing His compassion for all people.

The book of Jonah stands as a rebuke to narrow nationalism and an anticipation of the gospel's universal scope. Jesus referenced Jonah's three days in the fish as a sign of His death and resurrection, while condemning His generation for not repenting like Nineveh did (Matthew 12:39-41). The early church struggled with the same prejudice Jonah displayed when Gentiles began believing in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jonah 3:1 deepen your understanding of God's character, particularly His holiness, justice, and mercy?
  2. What specific attitudes, thought patterns, or behaviors does this verse call you to examine and change in light of the gospel?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and His redemptive work, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיְהִ֧י1 of 7
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְבַר2 of 7

“And the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֛ה3 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל4 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹנָ֖ה5 of 7

“came unto Jonah”

H3124

jonah, an israelite

שֵׁנִ֥ית6 of 7

“the second”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 7

“time saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 3:1 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 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jonah 1:1John 21:15-17

Test Your Knowledge

Jonah 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJonah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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