Jonah 1:5
New International Version
All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.

New Living Translation
Fearing for their lives, the desperate sailors shouted to their gods for help and threw the cargo overboard to lighten the ship. But all this time Jonah was sound asleep down in the hold.

English Standard Version
Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep.

Berean Standard Bible
The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.

King James Bible
Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

New King James Version
Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep.

New American Standard Bible
Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried out to his god, and they hurled the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the stern of the ship, had lain down, and fallen sound asleep.

NASB 1995
Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down and fallen sound asleep.

NASB 1977
Then the sailors became afraid, and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down, and fallen sound asleep.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the sailors became fearful, and every man cried to his god, and they hurled the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down below into the innermost part of the vessel, lain down, and fallen deep asleep.

Amplified Bible
Then the sailors were afraid, and each man cried out to his god; and to lighten the ship [and diminish the danger] they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship and had lain down and was sound asleep.

Christian Standard Bible
The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his god. They threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel and had stretched out and fallen into a deep sleep.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his god. They threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel and had stretched out and fallen into a deep sleep.

American Standard Version
Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god; and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it unto them. But Jonah was gone down into the innermost parts of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

Contemporary English Version
The sailors were frightened, and they all started praying to their gods. They even threw the ship's cargo overboard to make the ship lighter. All this time, Jonah was down below deck, sound asleep.

English Revised Version
Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god; and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it unto them. But Jonah was gone down into the innermost parts of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The sailors were afraid, and they cried to their gods for help. They began to throw the cargo overboard to lighten the ship's load. Now, Jonah had gone below deck and was lying there sound asleep.

Good News Translation
The sailors were terrified and cried out for help, each one to his own god. Then, in order to lessen the danger, they threw the cargo overboard. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone below and was lying in the ship's hold, sound asleep.

International Standard Version
At this point the mariners became terrified, and each man cried out to his gods. They began to throw the cargo into the sea in order to lighten the vessel. But Jonah had gone down into the vessel's hold, had lain down, and was fast asleep.

Majority Standard Bible
The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.

NET Bible
The sailors were so afraid that each cried out to his own god and they flung the ship's cargo overboard to make the ship lighter. Jonah, meanwhile, had gone down into the hold below deck, had lain down, and was sound asleep.

New Heart English Bible
Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man to his god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten it. But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship, and he was laying down, and was fast asleep.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man to his god, and cast the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah had gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

World English Bible
Then the mariners were afraid, and every man cried to his god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship and he was laying down, and was fast asleep.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the mariners are afraid, and they each cry to his god, and cast the goods that [are] in the ship into the sea, to make [it] light of them; and Jonah has gone down to the sides of the vessel, and he lies down, and is fast asleep.

Young's Literal Translation
and the mariners are afraid, and cry each unto his god, and cast the goods that are in the ship into the sea, to make it light of them; and Jonah hath gone down unto the sides of the vessel, and he lieth down, and is fast asleep.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the seamen will fear, and they will cry each to his God, and they cast down the vessels which were in the ship into the sea to lighten from them. And Jonah went down to the sides of the ship, and he will lie down and snore.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the mariners were afraid, and the men cried to their god: and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship, into the sea, to lighten it of them: and Jones went down into the inner part of the ship, and fell into a deep sleep.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the mariners were afraid, and the men cried out to their god. And they threw the containers that were in the ship into the sea in order to lighten it of them. And Jonah went down into the interior of the ship, and he fell into a painful deep sleep.

New American Bible
Then the sailors were afraid and each one cried to his god. To lighten the ship for themselves, they threw its cargo into the sea. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down into the hold of the ship, and lay there fast asleep.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried to his god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten it for them. Jonah, meanwhile, had gone down into the hold of the ship and had lain down, and was fast asleep.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the mariners were afraid and cried every man to his god, and they threw the wares that were in the ship into the sea to lighten it. But Jonah had gone down into the inner hold of the ship; and he lay and was fast asleep.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sailors were afraid and they cried out, each man to his god, and they cast away the vessels of the ship into the sea that they would be clear of them, but Yonan had gone down by himself to the bottom of the ship and fell asleep
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god; and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it unto them. But Jonah was gone down into the innermost parts of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sailors were alarmed, and cried every one to his god, and cast out the wares that were in the ship into the sea, that it might be lightened of them. But Jonas was gone down into the hold of the ship, and was asleep, and snored.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Great Storm
4Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart. 5The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6The captain approached him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call upon your God. Perhaps this God will consider us, so that we may not perish.”…

Cross References
Mark 4:38
But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?”

Matthew 8:24-25
Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

Acts 27:18-20
We were tossed so violently that the next day the men began to jettison the cargo. / On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. / When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the great storm continued to batter us, we abandoned all hope of being saved.

Luke 8:23-24
As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm.

Psalm 107:23-30
Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. / They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. / For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. ...

Acts 27:29
Fearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.

Acts 27:38
After the men had eaten their fill, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

1 Samuel 14:45
But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.

1 Kings 18:26-29
And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made. / At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!” / So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them. ...

Jeremiah 2:27-28
say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. Yet in the time of trouble, they say, ‘Rise up and save us!’ / But where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them rise up in your time of trouble and save you if they can; for your gods are as numerous as your cities, O Judah.

Isaiah 44:17
From the rest he makes a god, his graven image. He bows down to it and worships; he prays to it and says, “Save me, for you are my god.”

Ezekiel 8:12
“Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? For they are saying, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’”

Habakkuk 2:18-19
What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. / Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.”

Psalm 115:4-8
Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ...

Psalm 135:15-18
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man to his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

cried.

Jonah 1:6,14,16
So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not…

1 Kings 18:26
And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.

Isaiah 44:17-20
And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god…

and cast.

Job 2:4
And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

Acts 27:18,19,38
And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; …

Philippians 3:7,8
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ…

the sides.

1 Samuel 24:3
And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.

and was.

Judges 16:19
And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.

Matthew 25:5
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

Matthew 26:40,41,43,45
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? …

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Jonah 1
1. Jonah, sent to Nineveh, flees to Tarshish.
4. He is betrayed by a great storm;
11. thrown into the sea;
17. and swallowed by a fish.














The sailors were afraid
The phrase "The sailors were afraid" captures the immediate and visceral reaction of the mariners to the tempestuous storm. In the Hebrew text, the word for "afraid" is "yare," which conveys a deep, reverential fear often associated with the divine. This fear is not merely a reaction to the physical danger but also an acknowledgment of a supernatural force at play. Historically, sailors were known to be superstitious, often attributing natural phenomena to the whims of deities. This fear sets the stage for the spiritual awakening that will follow.

and each cried out to his own god
The phrase "and each cried out to his own god" highlights the polytheistic nature of the sailors' beliefs. In the ancient Near East, it was common for people to worship a pantheon of gods, each responsible for different aspects of life and nature. The Hebrew word "qara" for "cried out" suggests a desperate plea for intervention. This moment underscores the futility of relying on false gods, setting a contrast with the monotheistic faith of Jonah, who serves the one true God. It also foreshadows the eventual recognition of God's sovereignty by the sailors.

And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship
The action described in "And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship" is both practical and symbolic. The Hebrew verb "tul" for "threw" indicates a forceful action, reflecting the urgency of the situation. Historically, jettisoning cargo was a common practice to stabilize a ship during a storm. Symbolically, this act represents the shedding of worldly burdens in the face of divine judgment. It serves as a metaphor for repentance, a theme that runs throughout the book of Jonah.

But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel
The phrase "But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel" is rich with meaning. The Hebrew verb "yarad" for "gone down" is used repeatedly in Jonah's narrative, symbolizing his spiritual descent and disobedience. The "lowest part" of the ship, or "yarkete," signifies Jonah's attempt to hide from God's presence, both physically and spiritually. This descent is a stark contrast to the upward call of God, illustrating Jonah's initial resistance to his prophetic mission.

where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep
Finally, "where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep" reveals Jonah's state of denial and spiritual apathy. The Hebrew word "radam" for "deep sleep" suggests a profound, almost unnatural slumber, indicating Jonah's attempt to escape reality and responsibility. In the context of the storm, his sleep is incongruous, highlighting his disconnection from God and the world around him. This moment serves as a prelude to Jonah's eventual awakening, both physically and spiritually, as God intervenes to redirect his path.

(5) And cried every man unto his god.--If Ph?nicians, the sailors would have their favourite deities in the national Pantheon; but they may have been a motley crew composed of various nationalities. For the panic comp. Psalm 107:23-30, and Shakespeare's Tempest,

"All lost! to prayers! to prayers, all lost!"

Wares.--The Hebrew word is of general import for furniture of any kind, and so including all the movables in the ship. The cargo would probably, as in the case of St. Paul's shipwreck, be reserved till the last extremity.

To lighten it of them.--This gives the sense, though the Hebrew idiom appears to mean, to give themselves relief. (Comp. Exodus 18:22, "So shall it be easier for thyself;" 1Kings 12:10, "Make thou it lighter unto us.")

Sides.--Rather, recesses. The word is used of the inner part of the Temple (1Kings 6:16), of a cave (1Samuel 24:3), of a dwelling-house (Psalm 128:3). . . .

Verse 5. - The mariners (mallachim). Those who have to do with the salt sea. The word is used by Ezekiel (Ezekiel 27:9, 27, 29). Cried every man unto his god. They were either Phoenicians from different localities, or men of various nations; hence the multiplicity of their gods. The heathen are represented throughout the book as devout and sincere according to their lights. They cast forth the wares; Septuagint, ἐκβολὴν ἐποήσαντο τῶν σκευῶν, "cast out the furniture, or wares," as Acts 27:18, 19; Vulgate, miserunt vasa. They threw overboard probably both all spare tackling and movables, and the cargo. The freight may have been corn, which was exported in considerable quantifies from Joppa (comp. Ezekiel 27:17), or manufactured articles from Tyre, which were exchanged with Spain for silver and other metals. To lighten it of them; literally, to lighten from against them; i.e. to ease the ship of its burden, or to ease them of their trouble, is Exodus 18:22. The LXX. takes the former interpretation, τοῦ κουφισθῆναι ἀπ αὐτῶν, "that it might be lightened of them;" Vulgate, ut alleviaretur ab eis. The sides of the ship. The innermost parts (interiora, Vulgate) of the ship; τὴν κοίλην (Septuagint); "the hold" (comp. 1 Samuel 24:3). Jonah hid himself there before the storm arose. The Hebrew word for "ship" (sephinah) is found nowhere else, and, probably from its derivation (saphan, "to cover"), implies that the vessel was decked. He lay, and was fast asleep; ἐκάθευδε καὶ ἔρεγχε, "was asleep and snoring," (Septuagint); dormiebat sopore gravi (Vulgate). The word used implies a very deep sleep, as that of Sisera (Judges 4:21) or of the Assyrians (Psalm 76:6). He was fatigued and worn out with mental anxiety, and now being, as he thought, secure, and longing for solitude, he lay down to sleep, unconscious of danger. Contrast this sleep in the storm with that of Christ (Mark 4:38), and that of the apostles who slept for sorrow (Luke 22:45).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The sailors
הַמַּלָּחִ֗ים (ham·mal·lā·ḥîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4419: A mariner

were afraid,
וַיִּֽירְא֣וּ (way·yî·rə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

and each
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

cried out
וַֽיִּזְעֲקוּ֮ (way·yiz·‘ă·qū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2199: To shriek, to announce, convene publicly

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his own god.
אֱלֹהָיו֒ (’ĕ·lō·hāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

And they threw
וַיָּטִ֨לוּ (way·yā·ṭi·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2904: To pitch over, reel, to cast down, out

the ship’s
בָּֽאֳנִיָּה֙ (bā·’o·nî·yāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 591: A ship

cargo
הַכֵּלִ֜ים (hak·kê·lîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

into
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the sea
הַיָּ֔ם (hay·yām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

to lighten
לְהָקֵ֖ל (lə·hā·qêl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling

the load.
מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֑ם (mê·‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition-m | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

But Jonah
וְיוֹנָ֗ה (wə·yō·w·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3124: Jonah -- an Israelite prophet

had gone down
יָרַד֙ (yā·raḏ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the lowest part
יַרְכְּתֵ֣י (yar·kə·ṯê)
Noun - fdc
Strong's 3411: Flank, side, extreme parts, recesses

of the vessel,
הַסְּפִינָ֔ה (has·sə·p̄î·nāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5600: A vessel, ship

where he lay down
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֖ב (way·yiš·kaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7901: To lie down

and fell into a deep sleep.
וַיֵּרָדַֽם׃ (way·yê·rā·ḏam)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7290: To be in or fall into heavy sleep


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OT Prophets: Jonah 1:5 Then the mariners were afraid and cried (Jon. Jh)
Jonah 1:4
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