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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jonah 3:6 When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jonah/3-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/32_Jon_03_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jonah 3:6 - Nineveh Repents" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jonah/3-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jonah/3-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jonah/">Jonah</a> > <a href="/jonah/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jonah/3-5.htm" title="Jonah 3:5">◄</a> Jonah 3:6 <a href="/jonah/3-7.htm" title="Jonah 3:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/jonah/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/jonah/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When Jonah&#8217s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jonah/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the king of Nineveh heard what Jonah was saying, he stepped down from his throne and took off his royal robes. He dressed himself in burlap and sat on a heap of ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jonah/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jonah/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jonah/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered <i>him</i> with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jonah/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered <i>himself</i> with sackcloth and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jonah/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, removed his robe from himself, covered <i>himself</i> with sackcloth, and sat on the dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jonah/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him, covered himself with sackcloth and sat on the ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jonah/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him, covered <i>himself</i> with sackcloth, and sat on the ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jonah/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, laid aside his mantle from him, covered <i>himself</i> with sackcloth, and sat on the ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jonah/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When word reached the king of Nineveh [of Jonah’s message from God], he rose from his throne, took off his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in the dust [in repentance].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jonah/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jonah/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, put on sackcloth, and sat in ashes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jonah/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the tidings reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jonah/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the king of Nineveh heard what was happening, he also dressed in sackcloth; he left the royal palace and sat in dust. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jonah/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the tidings reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jonah/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his robe, put on sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jonah/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the king of Nineveh heard about it, he got up from his throne, took off his robe, put on sackcloth, and sat down in ashes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jonah/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the message reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, removed his royal garments, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat down in ashes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jonah/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jonah/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, put on sackcloth, and sat on ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jonah/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The news reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jonah/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For word came to the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jonah/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The news reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jonah/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />seeing the word comes to the king of Nineveh, and he rises from his throne, and removes his honorable robe from off him, and spreads out sackcloth, and sits on the ashes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jonah/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> seeing the word doth come unto the king of Nineveh, and he riseth from his throne, and removeth his honourable robe from off him, and spreadeth out sackcloth, and sitteth on the ashes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jonah/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the word will reach to the king of Nineveh, and he will rise from his throne, and he will take away his wide cloak from off him, and he will cover with sackcloth, and he will sit upon ashes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jonah/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the word came to the king of Ninive; and he rose up out of his throne, and cast away his robe from him, and was clothed with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jonah/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And word reached the king of Nineveh. And he rose from his throne, and he threw off his robe from himself and was clothed in sackcloth, and he sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jonah/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jonah/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jonah/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when the news reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne and took off his crown from his head and covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jonah/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the word arrived to the King of Nineva, and he arose from his throne and he removed his crown from himself and he wore sackcloth and sat down on ashes<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jonah/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the tidings reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jonah/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the word reached the king of Nineve, and he arose from off his throne, and took off his raiment from him, and put on sackcloth, and sat on ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jonah/3-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lfTdDqEKJXA?start=331" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/jonah/3.htm">Nineveh Repents</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5</span>And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">When word</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5060.htm" title="5060: way·yig·ga‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to touch, i.e. Lay the hand upon; by implication, to reach; violently, to strike.">reached</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mɛ·lɛḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/5210.htm" title="5210: nî·nə·wêh (N-proper-fs) -- Capital of Assyr. Of foreign origin; Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.">of Nineveh,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">he got up</a> <a href="/hebrew/3678.htm" title="3678: mik·kis·’ōw (Prep-m:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Seat of honor, throne. Or kicceh; from kacah; properly, covered, i.e. A throne.">from his throne,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: way·ya·‘ă·ḇêr (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">took off</a> <a href="/hebrew/155.htm" title="155: ’ad·dar·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Glory, a cloak. Feminine of 'addiyr; something ample; also the same as 'eder.">his royal robe,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3680.htm" title="3680: way·ḵas (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To cover. A primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. Fill up hollows; by implication, to cover.">covered himself</a> <a href="/hebrew/8242.htm" title="8242: śaq (N-ms) -- Sack, sackcloth. From shaqaq; properly, a mesh, i.e. Coarse loose cloth or sacking; hence, a bag.">with sackcloth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šeḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">and sat</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘ā·lāw (Prep-m:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/665.htm" title="665: hā·’ê·p̄er (Art:: N-ms) -- Ashes. From an unused root meaning to bestrew; ashes.">ashes.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-27.htm">Daniel 4:27</a></span><br />Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1-3</a></span><br />When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. / But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate. / In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-41.htm">Matthew 12:41</a></span><br />The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-32.htm">Luke 11:32</a></span><br />The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27-29</a></span><br />When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly. / Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying: / “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity during his days, but I will bring it upon his house in the days of his son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/36-24.htm">Jeremiah 36:24</a></span><br />Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a></span><br />Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-14</a></span><br />“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. / Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him—grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-21.htm">Matthew 11:21</a></span><br />“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5-7</a></span><br />Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? / Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Acts 17:30</a></span><br />Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9-10</a></span><br />Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. / Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/33-12.htm">2 Chronicles 33:12-13</a></span><br />And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. / And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition. So He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Nehemiah 9:1-2</a></span><br />On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth, with dust on their heads. / Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all the foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/2-1.htm">Zephaniah 2:1-3</a></span><br />Gather yourselves, gather together, O shameful nation, / before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the Day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you. / Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For word came to the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.</p><p class="hdg">word.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/13-18.htm">Jeremiah 13:18</a></b></br> Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, <i>even</i> the crown of your glory.</p><p class="hdg">and he arose.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-10.htm">Psalm 2:10-12</a></b></br> Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/1-9.htm">James 1:9,10</a></b></br> Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6-10</a></b></br> But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble… </p><p class="hdg">and covered.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1-4</a></b></br> When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/2-8.htm">Job 2:8</a></b></br> And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6</a></b></br> Wherefore I abhor <i>myself</i>, and repent in dust and ashes.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Ashes</a> <a href="/daniel/11-4.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-10.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/hosea/13-8.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Haircloth</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-9.htm">Himself</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-13.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-1.htm">News</a> <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Nineveh</a> <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Nin'eveh</a> <a href="/daniel/8-23.htm">Reached</a> <a href="/jonah/3-3.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/hosea/2-3.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/daniel/3-21.htm">Robes</a> <a href="/jonah/2-7.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/amos/7-13.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/daniel/7-10.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/amos/6-3.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/daniel/7-9.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/daniel/11-44.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/jonah/3-3.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/malachi/4-3.htm">Ashes</a> <a href="/micah/4-8.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/jonah/3-8.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/nahum/2-5.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/jonah/3-8.htm">Haircloth</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-8.htm">Himself</a> <a href="/micah/5-1.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/nahum/1-15.htm">News</a> <a href="/jonah/3-7.htm">Nineveh</a> <a href="/nahum/1-1.htm">Nin'eveh</a> <a href="/micah/1-9.htm">Reached</a> <a href="/micah/7-6.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/micah/2-8.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-3.htm">Robes</a> <a href="/jonah/4-7.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/haggai/2-22.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/jonah/3-8.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/jonah/4-5.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/jonah/4-5.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/haggai/2-22.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/nahum/1-15.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/micah/1-1.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jonah 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jonah/3-1.htm">Jonah, sent again, preaches to the Ninevites.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Upon their repentance,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jonah/3-10.htm">God relents.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jonah/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jonah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/jonah/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When word reached the king of Nineveh</b><br>The city of Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its power and cruelty. The king of Nineveh, likely a title for the ruler of the Assyrian Empire, would have been a figure of immense authority. The fact that the message of Jonah reached him indicates the widespread impact of Jonah's proclamation. This moment highlights the power of God's word to penetrate even the highest echelons of power. Historically, Assyrian kings were seen as divine or semi-divine figures, making the king's response even more significant.<p><b>he got up from his throne</b><br>The throne symbolizes authority and power. The king rising from his throne signifies a voluntary relinquishment of his authority in response to a higher power. This act of humility is significant, as it shows the king's recognition of God's sovereignty over his own. In biblical terms, getting up from the throne can symbolize repentance and a change of heart, as seen in other scriptures where leaders humble themselves before God.<p><b>took off his royal robe</b><br>The royal robe is a symbol of the king's status and authority. Removing it is an act of humility and repentance, indicating that the king is setting aside his earthly power and glory. This act parallels other biblical instances where individuals remove their garments as a sign of mourning or repentance, such as in the story of Job. It reflects a deep acknowledgment of sin and a desire to seek God's mercy.<p><b>covered himself with sackcloth</b><br>Sackcloth is a coarse material traditionally worn as a sign of mourning and repentance. In the ancient Near East, wearing sackcloth was a common practice to express sorrow and humility before God. This act by the king signifies a public acknowledgment of sin and a plea for forgiveness. It is a physical manifestation of an inner change, aligning with biblical themes of repentance seen throughout the Old and New Testaments.<p><b>and sat in ashes</b><br>Sitting in ashes is another traditional sign of mourning and repentance. Ashes symbolize desolation and ruin, reflecting the king's acknowledgment of the potential destruction facing Nineveh. This act is consistent with other biblical examples, such as Job and Daniel, who used ashes to express deep repentance and humility before God. It underscores the seriousness of the king's response to Jonah's message and his desire for divine mercy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king_of_nineveh.htm">The King of Nineveh</a></b><br>The ruler of the Assyrian city of Nineveh, who responds to Jonah's message of impending judgment with humility and repentance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/nineveh.htm">Nineveh</a></b><br>A major city in the Assyrian Empire, known for its wickedness, which God sent Jonah to warn of impending destruction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonah.htm">Jonah</a></b><br>A prophet of God who initially fled from God's command but later delivered God's message to Nineveh.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sackcloth_and_ashes.htm">Sackcloth and Ashes</a></b><br>Traditional symbols of mourning and repentance in ancient Near Eastern cultures, indicating the king's sincere contrition.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/repentance.htm">Repentance</a></b><br>The central event in this passage, where the king and the people of Nineveh turn from their evil ways in response to God's warning.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_humility.htm">The Power of Humility</a></b><br>The king of Nineveh's actions demonstrate the importance of humility before God. True repentance begins with acknowledging one's own sinfulness and need for God's mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_leads_to_transformation.htm">Repentance Leads to Transformation</a></b><br>The king's response shows that genuine repentance can lead to a change in behavior and avert God's judgment. This is a call for believers to examine their lives and turn from sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_mercy_is_available_to_all.htm">God's Mercy is Available to All</a></b><br>The account of Nineveh illustrates that God's mercy is not limited to a specific group but is available to all who genuinely repent, regardless of their past.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_in_repentance.htm">Leadership in Repentance</a></b><br>The king's leadership in repentance sets an example for others to follow. Leaders in any capacity should model humility and repentance for those they lead.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_responding_to_god's_word.htm">The Urgency of Responding to God's Word</a></b><br>The immediate response of the king and the people of Nineveh to Jonah's message underscores the urgency of responding to God's call without delay.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jonah_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jonah 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_the_king_heed_jonah's_message.htm">Jonah 3:6 – Why would the king of such a powerful city immediately accept Jonah’s message and call for fasting and repentance? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_sackcloth_and_ashes_symbolize.htm">What do sackcloth and ashes symbolize?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_nineveh_respond_so_quickly.htm">Jonah 3:5 – What evidence exists that an entire city as vast as Nineveh would respond so quickly and fully to a single prophet's warning? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_nineveh's_repentance.htm">Jonah 4:11 – Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that Nineveh underwent such widespread repentance to justify Jonah’s reaction in this chapter?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jonah/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">For word came.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">And the matter reached.</span> The Authorised Version treats the royal edict that follows as the same with the <span class= "ital">proclamation</span> in <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm" title="So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.">Jonah 3:5</a>. This is possible, but it is more probable that the writer intended to describe the effect produced on each district of the vast city in succession, and on all grades of people. The piercing cry uttered from street to street, from square to square, reaches at last the king on his throne of state.<p><span class= "bld">And he laid</span> . . .--Stripping off the state mantle (the Hebrew word implies <span class= "ital">amplitude.</span> See <a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm" title="And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice to him, and said, What do you here, Elijah?">1Kings 19:13</a>.) It is interesting to find it used of the "Babylonish garment," found in Achan's tent. See <a href="/joshua/7-21.htm" title="When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the middle of my tent, and the silver under it.">Joshua 7:21</a>), the monarch assumes a mourning dress. To form a conception of the change involved, the descriptions of Assyrian royal magnificence should be studied in Layard, or their representations in the Assyrian courts of the Crystal Palace. For the usual signs of Oriental mourning, comp. <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm" title="And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth on his loins, and mourned for his son many days.">Genesis 37:34</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm" title="And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.">2Samuel 3:31</a>; <a href="/job/2-8.htm" title="And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself with; and he sat down among the ashes.">Job 2:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/35-13.htm" title="But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into my own bosom.">Psalm 35:13</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/26-16.htm" title="Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit on the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at you.">Ezekiel 26:16</a>, &c. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jonah/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For word came;</span> <span class="accented">and the mater came</span>; <span class="greek">ἤγγισεν ὁ λόγος</span>, "the word came near" (Septuagint). The tokens of penitence mentioned in ver. 5 were not exhibited in obedience to any royal command. Rather, as the impression made by the prophet spread among the people, and as they adopted these modes of showing their sorrow, the news of the movement reached the king, and he put himself at the head of it. The reigning monarch was probably either Shalmaneser III. or one of the two who succeeded him, Asshur-danil and Asshur-nirari, whose three reigns extended from <span class="date">B.C. 781</span> to 750. <span class="cmt_word">His robe</span> (<span class="accented">addereth</span>); the word used for the "Babylonish garment" in <a href="/joshua/7-21.htm">Joshua 7:21</a>. The magnificence of the Assyrian kings attire is attested by the monuments. <span class="cmt_word">Sat in ashes</span> (comp. <a href="/job/2-8.htm">Job 2:8</a>; <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Esther 4:3</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jonah/3-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When word</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדָּבָר֙</span> <span class="translit">(had·dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">reached</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּגַּ֤ע</span> <span class="translit">(way·yig·ga‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5060.htm">Strong's 5060: </a> </span><span class="str2">To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֣לֶך‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Nineveh,</span><br /><span class="heb">נִֽינְוֵ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(nî·nə·wêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5210.htm">Strong's 5210: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nineveh -- capital of Assyr</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he got up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֙קָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·qām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from his throne,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִכִּסְא֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(mik·kis·’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3678.htm">Strong's 3678: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seat of honor, throne</span><br /><br /><span class="word">took off</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּעֲבֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·ḇêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his royal robe,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַדַּרְתּ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ad·dar·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_155.htm">Strong's 155: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something ample</span><br /><br /><span class="word">covered [himself]</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְכַ֣ס</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḵas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3680.htm">Strong's 3680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To plump, fill up hollows, to cover</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with sackcloth,</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׂ֔ק</span> <span class="translit">(śaq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8242.htm">Strong's 8242: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mesh, coarse loose cloth, sacking, a bag</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and sat</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·šeḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽעָלָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ā·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ashes.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֵֽפֶר׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ê·p̄er)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_665.htm">Strong's 665: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ashes</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jonah/3-6.htm">OT Prophets: Jonah 3:6 The news reached the king of Nineveh (Jon. Jh) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jonah/3-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jonah 3:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jonah 3:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jonah/3-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jonah 3:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jonah 3:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>