Jonah 2:5
Jonah 2:5 in Multiple Translations
The waters engulfed me to take my life; the watery depths closed around me; the seaweed wrapped around my head.
The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.
The waters compassed me about, even to the soul; The deep was round about me; The weeds were wrapped about my head.
The waters were circling round me, even to the neck; the deep was about me; the sea-grass was twisted round my head.
The water swirled over me so I couldn't breathe; the deep sucked me down; seaweed wrapped itself around my head.
The waters compassed me about vnto the soule: the depth closed me rounde about, and the weedes were wrapt about mine head.
Compassed me have waters unto the soul, The deep doth compass me, The weed is bound to my head.
The waters surrounded me, even to the soul. The deep was around me. The weeds were wrapped around my head.
The waters encompassed me, even to the soul: the depth inclosed me on every side, the weeds were wrapped about my head.
And I said: I am cast away out of the sight of thy eyes: but yet I shall see thy holy temple again.
The water surrounded me, and threatened to drown me. Seaweed was wrapped around my head.
That water tried to drown me. Deep water was all around me. Seaweed wrapped around my head.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jonah 2:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jonah 2:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/אֲנִ֣י
אָמַ֔רְתִּי
נִגְרַ֖שְׁתִּי
מִ/נֶּ֣גֶד
עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
אַ֚ךְ
אוֹסִ֣יף
לְ/הַבִּ֔יט
אֶל
הֵיכַ֖ל
קָדְשֶֽׁ/ךָ
וַ/אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
אָמַ֔רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
נִגְרַ֖שְׁתִּי
gârash
H1644
to drive out
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
מִ/נֶּ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep
עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
אַ֚ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
אוֹסִ֣יף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
לְ/הַבִּ֔יט
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הֵיכַ֖ל
hêykâl
H1964
temple
N-ms
קָדְשֶֽׁ/ךָ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jonah 2:5
וַ/אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אָמַ֔רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נִגְרַ֖שְׁתִּי
gârash
H1644
"to drive out"
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to drive out or expel, often used in the context of divorce or being forced to leave a place, as seen in the story of Israel's exile. It can also mean to trouble or cast out. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : drive out 1) to drive out, expel, cast out, drive away, divorce, put away, thrust away, trouble, cast up 1a) (Qal) to thrust out, cast out 1b) (Niphal) to be driven away, be tossed 1c) (Piel) to drive out, drive away 1d) (Pual) to be thrust out Also means: ga.rash (גָּרַשׁ ": divorce" H1644H)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: cast up (out), divorced (woman), drive away (forth, out), expel, [idiom] surely put away, trouble, thrust out. See also: Genesis 3:24; Joshua 24:18; Psalms 34:1.
מִ/נֶּ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
אַ֚ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
אוֹסִ֣יף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
לְ/הַבִּ֔יט
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הֵיכַ֖ל
hêykâl
H1964
"temple"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a large public building like a palace or temple, used to describe God's temple in Jerusalem. It appears in the Bible to talk about the temple as God's palace. In the Bible, it is translated as 'palace' or 'temple'.
Definition: : temple 1) palace, temple, nave, sanctuary 1a) palace 1b) temple (palace of God as king) 1c) hall, nave (of Ezekiel's temple) 1d) temple (of heavenly temple)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: palace, temple. See also: 1 Samuel 1:9; Psalms 138:2; Psalms 5:8.
קָדְשֶֽׁ/ךָ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
N-ms | Suff
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
Study Notes — Jonah 2:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jonah 2:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jonah 2:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jonah 2:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jonah 2:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Jonah 2:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jonah 2:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jonah 2:5
- Cambridge Bible on Jonah 2:5
- Barnes' Notes on Jonah 2:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Jonah 2:5
- Sermons on Jonah 2:5
Context — Jonah’s Prayer
3For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current swirled about me; all Your breakers and waves swept over me.
4At this, I said, ‘I have been banished from Your sight; yet I will look once more toward Your holy temple.’
5The waters engulfed me to take my life; the watery depths closed around me; the seaweed wrapped around my head.
6To the roots of the mountains I descended; the earth beneath me barred me in forever! But You raised my life from the pit, O LORD my God! 7As my life was fading away, I remembered the LORD. My prayer went up to You, to Your holy temple.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 69:1–2 | Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me. |
| 2 | Lamentations 3:54 | The waters flowed over my head, and I thought I was going to die. |
| 3 | Psalms 40:2 | He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. |
Jonah 2:5 Summary
[This verse describes a desperate moment in Jonah's life, when he was completely surrounded by water and felt like he was going to die. But even in this dark moment, God was still with him, and would eventually rescue him, as seen in Jonah 2:6. This reminds us that God is always present, even when we feel overwhelmed, and that He can rescue us from any situation, just like He did for Jonah. We can trust in His power and love, just like the Psalmist did in Psalms 23:4, where he says that even though he walks through the valley of the shadow of death, he will fear no evil, for God is with him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the waters engulfed Jonah to take his life?
This phrase indicates that Jonah was completely surrounded by the water and was on the verge of death, much like the Psalmist described in Psalms 42:7, where the waters had gone over his soul.
What is the significance of the seaweed wrapping around Jonah's head?
The seaweed wrapping around Jonah's head may symbolize the feeling of being trapped and helpless, similar to the way the psalmist felt in Psalms 116:3, where the pains of death surrounded him and the pangs of Sheol laid hold of him.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Jonah's story?
This verse is a pivotal moment in Jonah's journey, as it shows his desperation and hopelessness before he calls out to God for salvation, as seen in Jonah 2:7, where he remembers the Lord and prays to Him.
What can we learn from Jonah's experience in the water?
We can learn that even in the darkest moments, God is still present and able to rescue us, as seen in Jonah 2:6, where God raises Jonah's life from the pit, and in other scriptures like Isaiah 43:2, where God promises to be with us in the water and not let the river overflow us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt completely overwhelmed, like Jonah in the water?
- How do I respond when I feel trapped and helpless, like Jonah with the seaweed around his head?
- What are some ways that I can remember God's presence and power in my life, even when things seem darkest?
- How can I apply the lesson of God's rescue of Jonah to my own life, and trust in His salvation?
Gill's Exposition on Jonah 2:5
The waters compassed me about, [even] to the soul,.... Either when he was first cast into the sea, which almost suffocated him, and just ready to take away his life, could not breathe for them, as is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jonah 2:5
The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. The waters compassed me about, even to the soul - i:e., threatening to extinguish the animal life.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jonah 2:5
The former part of this verse seems to be an ingeminating of what was said , and bears the self-same meaning and interpretation. The waters; literally, the waters of the sea; metaphorically, afflictions; mystically, temptations; these last arising from his own guilt, and from the tokens of God’ s displeasure against him in so unusual a manner. Compassed me about, even to the soul; to the endangering his life, and were forerunners (as he apprehended) of worse miseries, the foretastes of an eternal damnation: it was a miracle of providence to preserve my life, it was no less wonder of free grace to save my soul. The depth closed me round about; he was carried to the bottom of the sea, lay as in the deepest hole of the sea. The weeds were wrapped about my head; not immediately, as some conjecture, by the fish pulling them from the bottom of the sea and swallowing them down, where they wrapped Jonah’ s head; but mediately, when the fish swam amidst these: or rather it is a comparative speech; I was no more likely to escape drowning, than a man in the depth of the sea, wrapped up in, and held fast down by, the weeds in the bottom of the sea.
Trapp's Commentary on Jonah 2:5
Jonah 2:5 The waters compassed me about, [even] to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.Ver. 5. The waters compassed me about, even to the soul] That is, usque ad animae deliquium, till I laboured for life, and was as good as gone. The depth closed me round about] and further observe, that God’ s dear children may fall into desperate and deadly dangers, see Psalms 18:3; Psalms 88:3; Psalms 116:3. And this for, 1. Prevention, 2. Purgation, 3. Probation, 4. Preparations to further both mercies and duties. Let us not therefore censure ourselves or others as hated of God, because greatly distressed; but encourage ourselves in them, as did David at Ziklag, 1 Samuel 30:6. The right hand of the Lord shall change all this. “ Flebile principium melior fortuna sequetur. ” The weeds were wrapped about mine head] Alga as Alligando.
The weeds which the fish had devoured, or whereunto the fish, wherein I was, had dived and lain down among them. Or this might befall Jonah in the bottom of the sea, before the fish had swallowed him; for weeds easily wrap about those that swim, or are drowned.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jonah 2:5
(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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jonah 2:5
Verse 5. The waters compassed me about even to the soul] So as to seem to deprive me of life. I had no hope left. The weeds were wrapped about my head.] This may be understood literally also. He found himself in the fish's stomach, together with sea weeds, and such like marine substances, which the fish had taken for its aliment.
Cambridge Bible on Jonah 2:5
5. compassed me about] It would be better, perhaps, to render surrounded me, in order to show that this is a different word from that in Jonah 2:3, and then in the second clause of this verse, where the word is the same as in Jonah 2:3, to render compassed me about, instead of closed me round about. to the soul] i. e. so as to endanger my soul, or life. Comp. Psalms 69:1 (where similar language is used figuratively) and Jeremiah 4:10. the weeds] The Heb. word is sûph, which so often occurs in the name Red Sea (lit., sea of sûph). “The sûph of the sea, it seems quite certain, is a seaweed resembling wool. Such sea-weed is thrown up abundantly on the shores of the Red Sea.”—Smith’s Bible Dict., Art. Red Sea.
Barnes' Notes on Jonah 2:5
The waters compassed me about even to the soul - Words which to others were figures of distress (Psalms 69:2. See the introduction to Jonah), “the waters have come even to the soul,” were to Jonah realities.
Whedon's Commentary on Jonah 2:5
4. Two emotions struggled within the supplicant. At first despair seized him. Cast out — He thought Jehovah had no further interest in him or care for him (Psalms 31:22). But the despondency was only temporary.
Sermons on Jonah 2:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Don't Die in Your Wilderness by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto God's promises in times of trouble. He reminds the congregation that God has commanded them not to fear or be |
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Christ Is Greater 04 Greater Than Jonah by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and how his experience in the belly of the great fish teaches us about salvation. Jonah initially prayed and made promise |
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The Lost Sheep by Welcome Detweiler | The video is a sermon centered around the parable of the lost sheep. The speaker emphasizes the depth of Christ's suffering on the cross for the redemption of humanity. Despite the |
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Sunday Night Meditations 02 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the lost sheep from Luke's Gospel Chapter 15. The sermon begins by setting the context, where the religious leaders are criti |
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Soul Sickness by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the concept of 'soul sickness,' which arises from an overwhelming flood of troubles that can leave one feeling hopeless and distressed, much like King Dav |
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Psalm 69 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the intense misery experienced by the Psalmist, portraying a drowning man overwhelmed by deep waters, reflecting the sufferings of Jesus on earth. Jesus, burd |
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Exposition on Psalm 70 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the significance of Christ's sacrifice, comparing Him to a single grain of wheat that multiplies to bring life to many, including the Martyrs who imita |