Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” New Living Translation “Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?” English Standard Version Then they said to him, “Tell us on whose account this evil has come upon us. What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” Berean Standard Bible “Tell us now,” they demanded, “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us? What is your occupation, and where have you come from? What is your country, and who are your people?” Berean Literal Bible And they said to him, “Declare now to us, with regard to whom is this evil upon us? What is your occupation, and from where do you come? What is your land, and from which people are you?” King James Bible Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? New King James Version Then they said to him, “Please tell us! For whose cause is this trouble upon us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” New American Standard Bible Then they said to him, “Tell us, now! On whose account has this catastrophe struck us? What is your occupation, and where do you come from? What is your country, and from what people are you?” NASB 1995 Then they said to him, “Tell us, now! On whose account has this calamity struck us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” NASB 1977 Then they said to him, “Tell us, now! On whose account has this calamity struck us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” Legacy Standard Bible Then they said to him, “Tell us, now! On whose account has this calamitous evil struck us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” Amplified Bible Then they said to him, “Now tell us! Who is to blame for this disaster? What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country?” Berean Annotated Bible “Tell us now, they demanded, “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us? What is your occupation, and where have you come from? What is your country, and who are your people? Christian Standard Bible Then they said to him, “Tell us who is to blame for this trouble we’re in. What is your business, and where are you from? What is your country, and what people are you from? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then they said to him, “Tell us who is to blame for this trouble we’re in. What is your business and where are you from? What is your country and what people are you from?” American Standard Version Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; what is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? Contemporary English Version They started asking him, "Are you the one who brought all this trouble on us? What business are you in? Where do you come from? What is your country? Who are your people?" English Revised Version Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; what is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? GOD'S WORD® Translation They asked him, "Tell us, why has this disaster happened to us? What do you do for a living? Where do you come from? What country are you from? What nationality are you?" Good News Translation So they said to him, "Now, then, tell us! Who is to blame for this? What are you doing here? What country do you come from? What is your nationality?" International Standard Version So they interrogated him: "Tell us, why has this trouble come upon us? What's your occupation? Where'd you come from? What's your home country? What's your nationality?" NET Bible They said to him, "Tell us, whose fault is it that this disaster has overtaken us? What's your occupation? Where do you come from? What's your country? And who are your people?" New Heart English Bible Then they asked him, "Tell us, please, for whose cause this evil is on us. What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country? Of what people are you?" Webster's Bible Translation Then said they to him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thy occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Tell us now,” they demanded, “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us? What is your occupation, and where have you come from? What is your country, and who are your people?” World English Bible Then they asked him, “Tell us, please, for whose cause this evil is on us. What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country? Of what people are you?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they say to him, “Now declare to us, on whose account [is] this evil on us? What [is] your occupation, and where do you come from? What [is] your country, seeing you are not of this people?” Berean Literal Bible And they said to him, “Declare now to us, with regard to whom is this evil upon us? What is your occupation, and from where do you come? What is your land, and from which people are you?” Young's Literal Translation And they say unto him, 'Declare to us, we pray thee, on what account this evil is on us? what is thine occupation, and whence comest thou? what is thy country, seeing thou art not of this people?' Smith's Literal Translation And they will say to him, Announce now to us, on account of whom is this evil to us? what thy work? and from whence wilt thou come? what thy land? and from what people art thou? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they said to him: Tell us for what cause this evil is upon us, what is thy business? of what country art thou? and whither goest thou? or of what people art thou? Catholic Public Domain Version And they said to him: “Explain to us what is the reason that this disaster is upon us. What is your work? Which is your country? And where are you going? Or which people are you from?” New American Bible They said to him, “Tell us why this evil has come to us! What is your business? Where do you come from? What is your country, and to what people do you belong?” New Revised Standard Version Then they said to him, “Tell us why this calamity has come upon us. What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen they said to him, Tell us for what cause this evil has come upon us; what is your occupation? And from what place do you come? What is your country? And of what people are you? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they said to him: ’Show us why this evil has come upon us! What is your work and from where are you, and what is your land and from which people are you?’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then said they unto him: 'Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us: what is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And they said to him, Tell us what is thine occupation, and whence comest thou, and of what country and what people art thou? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Great Storm…7“Come!” said the sailors to one another. “Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. 8“Tell us now,” they demanded, “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us? What is your occupation, and where have you come from? What is your country, and who are your people?” 9“I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.”… Cross References “Tell us now,” they demanded, John 10:24 So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Matthew 26:63 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Luke 22:67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe. “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us? Joshua 7:25 “Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies. 1 Samuel 25:24 She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. 2 Samuel 24:17 When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.” What is your occupation, Genesis 47:3 “What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.” Acts 18:3 and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was. Acts 19:24 It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen. and where have you come from? Genesis 16:8 “Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied. John 8:14 Jesus replied, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going. John 9:29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.” What is your country, Genesis 24:4 but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.” Acts 21:39 But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.” Acts 22:3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. and who are your people?” 1 Samuel 17:58 “Whose son are you, young man?” asked Saul. “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem,” David replied. Treasury of Scripture Then said they to him, Tell us, we pray you, for whose cause this evil is on us; What is your occupation? and from where come you? what is your country? and of what people are you? Tell. Joshua 7:19 And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. 1 Samuel 14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. What is thine. Genesis 47:3 And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers. 1 Samuel 30:13 And David said unto him, To whom belongest thou? and whence art thou? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days agone I fell sick. Jump to Previous Account Calamity Cause Clear Country Declare Evil Making Occupation Please Responsible Struck Whence WorkJump to Next Account Calamity Cause Clear Country Declare Evil Making Occupation Please Responsible Struck Whence WorkJonah 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. “Tell us now,” they demanded, The sailors' demand reflects the urgency and desperation of the situation. In ancient maritime culture, storms were often seen as divine retribution, prompting the crew to seek answers from Jonah. This mirrors the human tendency to seek divine insight during crises, as seen in other biblical narratives like the story of Achan in Joshua 7. “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us? What is your occupation, and where have you come from? What is your country, and who are your people?” Persons / Places / Events 1. JonahA prophet of God who is fleeing from the Lord's command to go to Nineveh. His disobedience leads to a storm threatening the ship he is on. 2. Sailors The crew on the ship with Jonah, who are desperate to understand the cause of the storm and seek to save themselves and the ship. 3. The Ship The vessel Jonah boards to flee to Tarshish, representing his attempt to escape God's presence and command. 4. The Storm A divinely sent tempest that threatens the ship, symbolizing God's intervention and the consequences of disobedience. 5. The Sea Represents chaos and danger, often used in Scripture to symbolize the unknown and the uncontrollable forces of nature. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty and Human ResponsibilityGod's control over nature and circumstances is evident in the storm. Our actions have consequences, and we are accountable to God for our obedience or disobedience. The Importance of Identity and Purpose The sailors' questions to Jonah highlight the significance of knowing who we are and our purpose. As Christians, our identity in Christ should guide our actions and decisions. The Call to Repentance Jonah's account is a reminder of the need for repentance. When we stray from God's path, we must turn back to Him, acknowledging our failures and seeking His forgiveness. Witnessing to Others in Crisis The sailors' interaction with Jonah shows how crises can open opportunities for witness. Our response to life's storms can point others to God. God's Relentless Pursuit Despite Jonah's attempt to flee, God pursues him. This demonstrates God's relentless love and desire for us to fulfill His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jonah 1:8?2. How does Jonah 1:8 reveal the sailors' desperation to understand their predicament? 3. What does Jonah 1:8 teach about accountability in times of crisis? 4. How can Jonah 1:8 inspire us to seek God's guidance during confusion? 5. How does Jonah 1:8 connect with Psalm 139:7-10 about God's omnipresence? 6. How can we apply the sailors' inquiry in Jonah 1:8 to our lives? 7. Why did the sailors question Jonah's identity and actions in Jonah 1:8? 8. How does Jonah 1:8 reflect on personal responsibility and accountability? 9. What does Jonah 1:8 reveal about God's sovereignty over human affairs? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jonah 1? 11. How do the accounts of cities captured by different tribes in Judges 1 align (or conflict) with archaeological evidence regarding the settlement patterns in Canaan? 12. What is the Bible's perspective on judgment? 13. Jonah 4:11 - Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that Nineveh underwent such widespread repentance to justify Jonah's reaction in this chapter? 14. How can we interpret current events theologically? What Does Jonah 1:8 Mean “Tell us now,” they demanded– The sailors speak with urgency, convinced that supernatural forces are at work. – Like the people of Nineveh later (Jonah 3:5–8), they respond to crisis by seeking truth, not excuses. – Cross references: Psalm 107:28 shows mariners crying out to the LORD in storms; Acts 16:29–30 records the jailer’s similar plea, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The pattern is clear—trouble pushes people toward immediate, heartfelt inquiry. “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us?” – They assume moral cause and effect: someone’s guilt has triggered the tempest. – Scripture consistently links personal sin and corporate consequences (Joshua 7:11–12; Numbers 32:23). – Revelation 6:16–17 pictures humanity asking who can withstand God’s wrath; here the sailors are already feeling it. – Their question highlights the inevitability of accountability before the Almighty (Romans 14:12). “What is your occupation,” – Work often reveals calling and character. Knowing Jonah’s trade could explain the crisis. – Prophets carried weighty responsibility (2 Kings 17:13); when they run, judgment follows (Jeremiah 20:7–9). – Amos 7:14–15 contrasts a humble shepherd-turned-prophet; Jonah, by contrast, avoids his assignment. “and where have you come from?” – Origin speaks to allegiance. They want to trace the problem back to its source. – Genesis 12:1 recounts God calling Abram “out” for a mission; Jonah is fleeing “from” a mission. – Ruth 1:8–16 shows foreigners discerning spiritual heritage; the sailors are doing the same with Jonah. “What is your country,” – National identity mattered in the ancient world; gods were thought territorial (2 Kings 17:26). – Psalm 96:3 urges Israel to declare God’s glory among the nations—Jonah was meant to embody that, not hide it. – Philippians 3:20 reminds believers that ultimate citizenship is in heaven, challenging us to live loyally wherever we reside. “and who are your people?” – Lineage carries covenant implications. To know Jonah’s people is to know his God (Exodus 3:15). – 1 Peter 2:9 celebrates belonging to a “chosen people,” whose disobedience can still stumble others (Romans 2:24). – Jonah’s silence thus far shows how sin can mute a witness meant to bless many (Genesis 12:3). summary The sailors’ six rapid-fire questions expose Jonah’s flight and underline timeless truths: storms often reveal hidden sin; personal calling and national identity are inseparable from one’s witness; and, sooner or later, everyone must answer for who they are, where they come from, and why calamity has struck. God uses even pagan sailors to confront His prophet, proving that He rules the seas, the nations, and every human heart. (8) For whose cause . . .--The Hebrew idiom is peculiar, on account of which to whom; but in this verse, when addressed by the sailors to the prophet, it is expressed in a more elegant form than when used to each other in the preceding verse, one among many touches marking the artistic perfection of this narrative. It is true some MSS. omit this repetition of the question, and it is therefore by some commentators treated as a gloss. But the repetition is quite natural. The sailors seeing the lot fall on one whose appearance was so little suspicious, are anxious to have it confirmed by his confession. Not less natural is the rapid and excited leap from question to question. (Comp. Virg. 'n. 8:112, 113.)Verse 8. - The mariners having, as they supposed, discovered the culprit, proceed calmly to investigate his guilt; amid the roaring of the tempest and the peril that surrounded them, they give him every opportunity of clearing himself or confessing his crime. For whose cause. Some manuscripts of the Hebrew and the Greek omit this clause as unnecessary; but, as Keil remarks, it is not superfluous, the sailors thereby wishing to induce Jonah to confess his guilt with his own mouth. In their excitement they crowd question upon question, asking him about his business, his journey, his country, his parentage. Jerome notes the pregnant brevity of these inquiries, and compares Virgil, 'AEneid,' 8:112, etc. -"Juvenes, quae causa subegit "Warriors, what cause constrained you thus to tempt Hebrew “Tellהַגִּידָה־ (hag·gî·ḏāh-) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous us לָ֔נוּ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's Hebrew now,” נָּ֣א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' they demanded, וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “who לְמִי־ (lə·mî-) Preposition-l | Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is to blame בַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר (ba·’ă·šer) Preposition-b | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that for this הַזֹּ֖את (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, calamity הָרָעָ֥ה (hā·rā·‘āh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil that is upon us? לָ֑נוּ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's Hebrew What [is] מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what your occupation, מְּלַאכְתְּךָ֙ (mə·laḵ·tə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property and from where וּמֵאַ֣יִן (ū·mê·’a·yin) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Adverb Strong's 370: Whence? have you come? תָּב֔וֹא (tā·ḇō·w) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go What מָ֣ה (māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what is your country, אַרְצֶ֔ךָ (’ar·ṣe·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land and who וְאֵֽי־ (wə·’ê-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 335: Where?, how? are your אָֽתָּה׃ (’āt·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you people?” עַ֖ם (‘am) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Links Jonah 1:8 NIVJonah 1:8 NLT Jonah 1:8 ESV Jonah 1:8 NASB Jonah 1:8 KJV Jonah 1:8 BibleApps.com Jonah 1:8 Biblia Paralela Jonah 1:8 Chinese Bible Jonah 1:8 French Bible Jonah 1:8 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jonah 1:8 Then they asked him Tell us please (Jon. Jh) |
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