Jonah 1:14
What does Jonah 1:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Jonah 1:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Jonah 1:14 means
Before acting, the sailors pray to Jehovah by name. They plead not to perish because of Jonah, and not to be charged with innocent blood. They confess that Jehovah has done as it pleased Him, acknowledging divine sovereignty over the storm and their situation. This prayer marks a remarkable shift: men who a moment ago cried to many gods now seek favor from the One true God. Their request is humble and reverent, asking for mercy and moral cleansing as they prepare to do what justice and necessity require.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore they cried unto Jehovah, and said, We beseech thee, O Jehovah, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood; for thou, O Jehovah, hast done as it pleased thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, and said, We beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore they cried unto Jehovah, and said, We beseech thee, O Jehovah, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood; for thou, O Jehovah, hast done as it pleased thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So, crying to the Lord, they said, Give ear to our prayer, O Lord, give ear, and do not let destruction overtake us because of this man's life; do not put on us the sin of taking life without cause: for you, O Lord, have done what seemed good to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they cry unto Jehovah, and say, `We pray Thee, O Jehovah, let us not, we pray Thee, perish for this man's life, and do not lay on us innocent blood, for Thou, Jehovah, as Thou hast pleased, Thou hast done.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they cried to the Lord, and said: We beseech thee, O Lord let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, oh Lord, hast done as it pleased thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they cried unto Jehovah and said, Ah, Jehovah, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, Jehovah, hast done as it pleased thee.
Context
The sailors’ failed attempt to row ashore leads them to prayer. This is the narrative’s spiritual high point for the crew, showing their growing fear of and faith in Jehovah. With conscience engaged and responsibility accepted, they are ready to act. The next verse shows them obeying Jonah’s word and God’s purpose, resulting in immediate calm—a powerful confirmation that Jehovah rules the sea.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 135:6
Whatsoever Jehovah pleased, that hath he done, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps;
- Isaiah 26:16
Jehovah, in trouble have they visited thee; they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them.
- Jonah 1:16
Then the men feared Jehovah exceedingly; and they offered a sacrifice unto Jehovah, and made vows.
- Ephesians 1:9
making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him
- Deuteronomy 21:8
Forgive, O Jehovah, thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and suffer not innocent blood to remain in the midst of thy people Israel. And the blood shall be forgiven them.
- Psalms 107:28
Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he bringeth them out of their distresses.
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