Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee.

JONAH 1:14KJV
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Jonah 1:14 (KJV)

What does Jonah 1:14 mean?

Jonah 1:14 shows the sailors praying to the LORD, asking not to be held guilty for Jonah’s death as they prepare to throw him overboard, and recognizing that God is in control of what is happening. The sailors plead for mercy, acknowledging that their actions are driven by God’s will rather than their own desire.

The speakers in Jonah 1:14 are the non-Israelite sailors on Jonah’s ship, addressing the LORD (using His personal name). They are in a desperate storm, about to throw Jonah into the sea because he told them it was the only way to calm the storm. Their prayer shows fear of shedding “innocent blood” and a respect for God’s authority, even though they are outsiders to Israel’s faith.

The Hebrew behind Jonah 1:14

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh, H3068): The sailors use God’s personal name, showing they are not just praying to any god but specifically to the God of Israel, which is unusual for non-Israelites in the Old Testament.
  • innocent (נָקִי, naqi, H5355): This word means “free from guilt or blame.” The sailors are worried about being held responsible for killing someone who has done nothing wrong to them.
  • blood (דָּם, dam, H1818): The phrase “innocent blood” is a serious concern in the Hebrew Bible, as shedding it brings guilt and judgment. The sailors want to be clear they are not acting out of cruelty or injustice.
  • pleased (חָפֵץ, chafetz, H2654): This word means “to delight in” or “to desire.” The sailors recognize that what is happening is according to God’s will, not just random chance.

Why Jonah 1:14 matters

  • Jonah 1:14 highlights the sailors’ surprising reverence for the God of Israel, even though they are outsiders, showing that God’s reputation extends beyond Israel.
  • The verse shows the sailors’ moral concern and fear of unjust violence, which contrasts with Jonah’s own reluctance to obey God.
  • Jonah 1:14 connects to the wider story by showing that even those outside Israel can recognize God’s sovereignty and seek His mercy, setting up a theme that continues throughout the book.

Where else these words appear

“thee” Hebrew H577 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 50:17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
  • Nehemiah 1:5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
  • Psalms 118:25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

“innocent” Hebrew H5355 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • Joshua 2:20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
  • Psalms 15:5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

“pleased” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
  • Ecclesiastes 8:3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.