Jonah in the Bible — The Prophet Who Ran from God

God called Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh — Israel's greatest enemy. Jonah fled by ship in the opposite direction, was swallowed by a great fish, prayed from its belly, and was vomited onto dry land. He preached to Nineveh, the whole city repented, and Jonah was angry about God's mercy. His story is about the scope of divine grace. Below are 5 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about jonah?

Who is Jonah in the Bible? Called to preach to Nineveh, he ran the other way — and ended up in the belly of a great fish. Jonah's story is about God's relentless pursuit, mercy, and a man learning that you cannot outrun God.

5 Bible Verses About Jonah (KJV)

“To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”

Jonah 1:3 KJV Read Jonah chapter 1 →

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”

Jonah 2:1 KJV Read Jonah chapter 2 →

“Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,”

Jonah 2:9 KJV Read Jonah chapter 2 →

“And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.”

Jonah 3:10 KJV Read Jonah chapter 3 →

“So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:”

Matthew 12:40 KJV Read Matthew chapter 12 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About Jonah in the Bible

What does the Bible say about jonah?
God called Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh — Israel's greatest enemy. Jonah fled by ship in the opposite direction, was swallowed by a great fish, prayed from its belly, and was vomited onto dry land. He preached to Nineveh, the whole city repented, and Jonah was angry about God's mercy. His story is about the scope of divine grace. Key KJV passages: Jonah 1:3, Jonah 2:1, Jonah 2:9, Jonah 3:10, Matthew 12:40.
What are the best Bible verses about jonah?
The most important KJV passages on jonah include: Jonah 1:3, Jonah 2:1, Jonah 2:9, Jonah 3:10, Matthew 12:40. Read all 5 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about jonah?
The Bible addresses jonah throughout both Testaments. Key references include Jonah 1:3, Jonah 2:1, Jonah 2:9, Jonah 3:10, Matthew 12:40. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.replit.app.
What does the New Testament say about jonah?
New Testament scriptures on jonah: Jonah 1:3, Jonah 2:1, Jonah 2:9, Jonah 3:10. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
How do I study Bible verses about jonah?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 5 passages on jonah at thelivingsword.replit.app — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.