Start here
Jonah / Chapter 2
From inside the fish, Jonah turns his near-death plunge into a prayer: he retells the crisis, admits he was cut off, and credits the LORD for rescue, ending with thanks and release to dry land.
Then Jonah prayed to Yahweh, his God, out of the fish`s belly.
He said, "I called because of my affliction to Yahweh. He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried. You heard my voice.
For you threw me into the depths, In the heart of the seas. The flood was all around me. All your waves and your billows passed over me.
I said, `I have been banished from your sight; Yet I will look again toward your holy temple.`
The waters surrounded me, Even to the soul. The deep was around me. The weeds were wrapped around my head.
I went down to the bottoms of the mountains. The earth barred me in forever: Yet have you brought up my life from the pit, Yahweh my God.
"When my soul fainted within me, I remembered Yahweh. My prayer came in to you, into your holy temple.
Those who regard lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
But I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving. I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation belongs to Yahweh."
Yahweh spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah on the dry land.
Jonah journey · Jonah 2
Full passage context
Start with the map and timeline, then explore verse notes, background, theology, questions, and related passages.
God's mercy toward the nations confronts the prophet's narrow compassion.
Movement
Mercy reaches Nineveh
Artifact
Runaway prophet and pagan city
Biblical Timeline
Kingdom
Jonah context: 1000 BC - 586 BC
Jonah context
Kingdom / 1000 BC - 586 BC
Jonah context is set in the kingdom period, where Israel's monarchy from David and Solomon to exile.
Follow the movement of the chapter, then open any passage in its full context.
Context snapshot
Date
Assyrian setting, commonly placed in the 8th century BC
Genre
Prophetic narrative
Setting
Israel/Judah
Audience
Israel and Judah
World Stage
Assyrian kings before Nineveh's later fall 8th century BC
Jonah is set in relation to Nineveh, the great Assyrian city that represented foreign power and threat. The story turns that setting into a confrontation with mercy, repentance, and Israel's view of the nations.
We aim to help you understand Scripture clearly and in its original context. While we strive to be accurate and thoughtful, Bible & Context is meant to support your study - not replace pastors, teachers, or spiritual guidance.