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From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice." /><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/2-2.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/2-2.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/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 2</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="/ad2.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/2-1.htm" title="Jonah 2:1">◄</a> Jonah 2:2 <a href="/jonah/2-3.htm" title="Jonah 2:3">►</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/2.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/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He said: &#8220In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jonah/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He said, “I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jonah/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />saying, “I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jonah/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jonah/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, <i>and</i> thou heardest my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jonah/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he said: “I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, And He answered me. “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, <i>And</i> You heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jonah/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and he said, “I called out of my distress to the LORD, And He answered me. I called for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jonah/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and he said, &#8220I called out of my distress to the LORD, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jonah/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and he said, “I called out of my distress to the LORD, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; Thou didst hear my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jonah/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and he said, “I called out of my distress to Yahweh, And He answered me. I cried for help from the belly of Sheol; You heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jonah/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and said, “I called out of my trouble <i>and</i> distress to the LORD, And He answered me; Out of the belly of Sheol I cried for help, And You heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jonah/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I called to the LORD in my distress, and he answered me. I cried out for help from deep inside Sheol; you heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jonah/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I called to the LORD in my distress, and He answered me. I cried out for help in the belly of Sheol; You heard my voice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jonah/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, I called by reason of mine affliction unto Jehovah, And he answered me; Out of the belly of Sheol cried I, And thou heardest my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jonah/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When I was in trouble, LORD, I prayed to you, and you listened to me. From deep in the world of the dead, I begged for your help, and you answered my prayer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jonah/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said, I called by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he answered me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jonah/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jonah prayed: "I called to the LORD in my distress, and he answered me. From the depths of my [watery] grave I cried for help, and you heard my cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jonah/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"In my distress, O LORD, I called to you, and you answered me. From deep in the world of the dead I cried for help, and you heard me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jonah/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He said: "I called out to the LORD from the midst of affliction directed at me, and he answered me. From the depths of death I cried out for help; and you heard my cry. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jonah/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and said, "I called out to the LORD from my distress, and he answered me; from the belly of Sheol I cried out for help, and you heard my prayer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jonah/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He said, "I called because of my affliction to the LORD. He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried. You heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jonah/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And said, I cried by reason of my affliction to the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardst my voice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jonah/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jonah/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He said, “I called because of my affliction to Yahweh. He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried. You heard my voice. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jonah/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he says: “I called, because of my distress, to YHWH, "" And He answers me, "" From the belly of Sheol I have cried, "" You have heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jonah/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he saith: I called, because of my distress, to Jehovah, And He doth answer me, From the belly of sheol I have cried, Thou hast heard my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jonah/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, I called out of straits to me to Jehovah, and he will answer me; from the belly of hades I cried for help, thou heardest my voice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jonah/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he said: I cried out of my affliction to the Lord, and he heard me: I cried out of the belly of hell, and thou hast heard my voice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jonah/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 2:3>And he said: “I cried out to the Lord from my tribulation, and he heeded me. From the belly of hell, I cried out, and you heeded my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jonah/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Out of my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me; From the womb of Sheol I cried for help, and you heard my voice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jonah/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />saying, “I called to the LORD out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jonah/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I cried to the LORD in my distress and he answered me; out of the depths of Sheol cried I, and thou heardest my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jonah/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he said: “I cried to LORD JEHOVAH in my distress and he answered me; from the belly of Sheol I cried and you heard my voice!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jonah/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he said: I called out of mine affliction Unto the LORD, and He answered me; Out of the belly of the nether-world cried I, And Thou heardest my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jonah/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and said, I cried in my affliction to the Lord my God, and he hearkened to me, <i>even</i> to my cry out of the belly of hell: thou heardest my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jonah/2-2.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=196" 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/2.htm">Jonah's Prayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the LORD his God, <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying:</a> <a href="/hebrew/6869.htm" title="6869: miṣ·ṣā·rāh (Prep-m:: N-fs) -- Tightness, a female rival. Feminine of tsar; tightness; transitively, a female rival.">“In my distress</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: qā·rā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">I called</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘ă·nê·nî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To answer, respond.">and He answered me.</a> <a href="/hebrew/990.htm" title="990: mib·be·ṭen (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- From an unused root probably meaning to be hollow; the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything.">From the belly</a> <a href="/hebrew/7585.htm" title="7585: šə·’ō·wl (N-cs) -- Or shol; from sha'al; Hades or the world of the dead, including its accessories and inmates.">of Sheol</a> <a href="/hebrew/7768.htm" title="7768: šiw·wa‘·tî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To cry out (for help). A primitive root; properly, to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively, to halloo.">I called for help,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·ma‘·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">and You heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: qō·w·lî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">my voice.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current swirled about me; all Your breakers and waves swept over me.…<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="/psalms/18-6.htm">Psalm 18:6</a></span><br />In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1</a></span><br />A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/30-2.htm">Psalm 30:2-3</a></span><br />O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me. / O LORD, You pulled me up from Sheol; You spared me from descending into the Pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/86-13.htm">Psalm 86:13</a></span><br />For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/116-3.htm">Psalm 116:3-4</a></span><br />The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow. / Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, deliver my soul!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-55.htm">Lamentations 3:55-56</a></span><br />I called on Your name, O LORD, out of the depths of the Pit. / You heard my plea: “Do not ignore my cry for relief.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/118-5.htm">Psalm 118:5</a></span><br />In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Psalm 40:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. / He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-1.htm">Psalm 69:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. / I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/130-1.htm">Psalm 130:1-2</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD! / O Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-7.htm">2 Samuel 22:7</a></span><br />In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Matthew 12:40</a></span><br />For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-30.htm">Luke 11:30</a></span><br />For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-24.htm">Acts 2:24-27</a></span><br />But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep Him in its grip. / David says about Him: ‘I saw the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. / Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will dwell in hope, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-13.htm">Romans 10:13</a></span><br />for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And said, I cried by reason of my affliction to the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and you heard my voice.</p><p class="hdg">I cried.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7-12,24-28</a></b></br> Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that <i>was</i> with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/30-6.htm">1 Samuel 30:6</a></b></br> And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/4-1.htm">Psalm 4:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me <i>when I was</i> in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.</p><p class="hdg">by reason of mine.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm">1 Samuel 1:16</a></b></br> Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.</p><p class="hdg">out.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-5.htm">Psalm 18:5,6</a></b></br> The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/61-2.htm">Psalm 61:2</a></b></br> From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock <i>that</i> is higher than I.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/86-13.htm">Psalm 86:13</a></b></br> For great <i>is</i> thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.</p><p class="hdg">hell.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/16-10.htm">Psalm 16:10</a></b></br> For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/14-9.htm">Isaiah 14:9</a></b></br> Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet <i>thee</i> at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, <i>even</i> all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Matthew 12:40</a></b></br> For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.</p><p class="hdg">and thou.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/34-6.htm">Psalm 34:6</a></b></br> This poor man cried, and the LORD heard <i>him</i>, and saved him out of all his troubles.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/65-2.htm">Psalm 65:2</a></b></br> O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/obadiah/1-13.htm">Affliction</a> <a href="/jonah/2-1.htm">Belly</a> <a href="/jonah/1-14.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/jonah/1-2.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/joel/1-14.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Deepest</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-60.htm">Depth</a> <a href="/amos/9-2.htm">Depths</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-14.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/amos/9-2.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-1.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-56.htm">Heardest</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-8.htm">Heardst</a> <a href="/amos/9-2.htm">Hell</a> <a href="/amos/5-6.htm">Help</a> <a href="/amos/9-2.htm">Nether-World</a> <a href="/amos/3-11.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/amos/9-2.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-13.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/amos/9-2.htm">Underworld</a> <a href="/jonah/1-2.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jonah/4-6.htm">Affliction</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-16.htm">Belly</a> <a href="/jonah/3-4.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/jonah/3-8.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/jonah/3-4.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-4.htm">Deepest</a> <a href="/jonah/2-3.htm">Depth</a> <a href="/jonah/2-3.htm">Depths</a> <a href="/nahum/1-7.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/jonah/4-3.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/nahum/1-14.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/micah/1-2.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/micah/5-15.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/john/11-41.htm">Heardest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-36.htm">Heardst</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">Hell</a> <a href="/micah/3-4.htm">Help</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">Nether-World</a> <a href="/jonah/4-4.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/jonah/4-6.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/jonah/2-6.htm">Underworld</a> <a href="/jonah/2-9.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jonah 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jonah/2-1.htm">The prayer of Jonah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jonah/2-10.htm">He is delivered out of the belly of the fish.</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/2.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/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>saying:</b><br>This introduction indicates that Jonah is recounting his prayer. It sets the stage for a personal and heartfelt communication with God, emphasizing the sincerity and urgency of his plea.<p><b>In my distress I called to the LORD,</b><br>Jonah acknowledges his dire situation, which is a common theme in the Psalms where individuals cry out to God in times of trouble (e.g., <a href="/psalms/18-6.htm">Psalm 18:6</a>). This reflects the human condition of turning to God when in need, highlighting God's role as a refuge and deliverer.<p><b>and He answered me.</b><br>This phrase underscores God's faithfulness and readiness to respond to those who seek Him. It echoes the assurance found in scriptures like <a href="/psalms/34-4.htm">Psalm 34:4</a>, where God delivers those who call upon Him. It also foreshadows the New Testament promise that God hears and answers prayers (1 <a href="/john/5-14.htm">John 5:14-15</a>).<p><b>From the belly of Sheol I called for help,</b><br>"Sheol" is often understood as the realm of the dead or a place of deep despair. Jonah's use of this term indicates the severity of his situation, akin to being on the brink of death. This imagery is paralleled in <a href="/psalms/30-3.htm">Psalm 30:3</a>, where God brings the psalmist up from Sheol, symbolizing deliverance from death.<p><b>and You heard my voice.</b><br>This reaffirms God's attentiveness to Jonah's plight. It is a testament to God's omnipresence and His ability to hear and respond to His people, regardless of their circumstances. This assurance is mirrored in scriptures like <a href="/psalms/116.htm">Psalm 116:1-2</a>, which celebrate God's responsiveness to prayer.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonah.htm">Jonah</a></b><br>A prophet of God who initially fled from God's command to go to Nineveh, resulting in his being swallowed by a great fish.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, who is sovereign and merciful, responding to Jonah's prayer.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sheol.htm">Sheol</a></b><br>A Hebrew term often used to describe the realm of the dead or a place of deep despair, symbolizing Jonah's dire situation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_great_fish.htm">The Great Fish</a></b><br>The creature appointed by God to swallow Jonah, serving as both a means of judgment and deliverance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/n/nineveh.htm">Nineveh</a></b><br>The city to which Jonah was originally commanded to prophesy, representing God's concern for all nations.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god_hears_our_cries.htm">God Hears Our Cries</a></b><br>Just as God heard Jonah from the depths, He hears us in our moments of distress. We can confidently call upon Him, knowing He listens.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>Jonah's prayer signifies a turning back to God. In our own lives, repentance leads to restoration and renewed purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_mercy.htm">God's Sovereignty and Mercy</a></b><br>The account of Jonah illustrates God's control over creation and His willingness to extend mercy, even when we stray.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_depths_of_despair.htm">The Depths of Despair</a></b><br>Jonah's reference to Sheol reminds us that no situation is too dire for God's intervention. He is present even in our darkest moments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/foreshadowing_of_christ.htm">Foreshadowing of Christ</a></b><br>Jonah's experience points to the greater deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who overcame death and offers us eternal life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jonah_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jonah 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jonah_pray_inside_the_fish.htm">How did Jonah compose and recite his detailed prayer while trapped inside a fish? (Jonah 2:2, 9) </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jonah_die_inside_the_fish.htm">Did Jonah die inside the fish?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_jonah's_rescue_align_with_other_miracles.htm">How does Jonah’s miraculous rescue align or conflict with other biblical miracles, potentially raising doubts about consistency? (Jonah 2; Matthew 12:39–41)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_sign_of_jonah_signify.htm">What does the sign of Jonah signify?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jonah/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">By reason of mine affliction.--</span>See margin. There is a close correspondence between this opening and that of Psalms 120 Comp. also <a href="/psalms/18-6.htm" title="In my distress I called on the LORD, and cried to my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.">Psalm 18:6</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Out of the belly of hell.</span>--This remarkable expression--a forcible figure for imminent death--has its nearest parallel in <a href="/isaiah/5-14.htm" title="Therefore hell has enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoices, shall descend into it.">Isaiah 5:14</a>, where <span class= "ital">sheol</span> (see <a href="/psalms/6-5.htm" title="For in death there is no remembrance of you: in the grave who shall give you thanks?">Psalm 6:5</a>) is represented as opening a huge mouth to swallow the princes of the world and their pomp. The <span class= "ital">under-world</span> represents the Hebrew word <span class= "ital">sheol</span> more nearly than <span class= "ital">hell</span> or the <span class= "ital">grave</span> (margin). (Comp. <a href="/psalms/18-5.htm" title="The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.">Psalm 18:5</a>; <a href="/psalms/30-3.htm" title="O LORD, you have brought up my soul from the grave: you have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.">Psalm 30:3</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jonah/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - He introduces the prayer with the tact that he cried to God in distress and was heard. <span class="cmt_word">By reason of mine affliction;</span> better, <span class="accented">out of my affliction.</span> This may be a reminiscence of <a href="/psalms/120-1.htm">Psalm 120:1</a> or <a href="/psalms/18-6.htm">Psalm 18:6</a>; but from such coincidences nothing can be established concerning the date of the book. Like circumstances call forth like expressions; and the writers may have composed them quite independently of one another. Hell (<span class="accented">Sheol</span>). The unseen world (<a href="/ezekiel/32-21.htm">Ezekiel 32:21</a>). He was as though dead when thus engulfed (comp. <a href="/psalms/18-5.htm">Psalm 18:5</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Cried I</span> (<a href="/psalms/28-1.htm">Psalm 28:1, 2</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Thou heardest my voice</span> (<a href="/psalms/130-1.htm">Psalm 130:1, 2</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jonah/2-2.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">saying:</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֗אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“In my distress</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצָּ֥רָה</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·ṣā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6869.htm">Strong's 6869: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tightness, a female rival</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I called</span><br /><span class="heb">קָ֠רָאתִי</span> <span class="translit">(qā·rā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and He answered me.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיַּעֲנֵ֑נִי</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·nê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">From the belly</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבֶּ֧טֶן</span> <span class="translit">(mib·be·ṭen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_990.htm">Strong's 990: </a> </span><span class="str2">The belly, the womb, the bosom, body of anything</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Sheol</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁא֛וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(šə·’ō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7585.htm">Strong's 7585: </a> </span><span class="str2">Underworld (place to which people descend at death)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I called for help,</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁוַּ֖עְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(šiw·wa‘·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7768.htm">Strong's 7768: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be free, to halloo</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] You heard</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁמַ֥עְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(šā·ma‘·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my voice.</span><br /><span class="heb">קוֹלִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(qō·w·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jonah/2-2.htm">Jonah 2:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jonah/2-2.htm">Jonah 2:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jonah/2-2.htm">Jonah 2:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jonah/2-2.htm">Jonah 2:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jonah/2-2.htm">Jonah 2:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jonah/2-2.htm">Jonah 2:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jonah/2-2.htm">Jonah 2:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jonah/2-2.htm">Jonah 2:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jonah/2-2.htm">Jonah 2:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jonah/2-2.htm">Jonah 2:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jonah/2-2.htm">OT Prophets: Jonah 2:2 He said I called because of my (Jon. Jh) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jonah/2-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jonah 2:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jonah 2:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jonah/2-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jonah 2:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jonah 2:3" /></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>