But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

JONAH 1:3KJV
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Jonah 1:3 (KJV)

What does Jonah 1:3 mean?

Jonah 1:3 describes how Jonah, instead of obeying God's command, tries to escape by traveling in the opposite direction, heading to Tarshish by ship from the port of Joppa. The verse emphasizes Jonah's deliberate attempt to flee "from the presence of the LORD," showing his resistance to God's call.

Jonah is the main character here, and God has just told him to go to Nineveh with a message. Instead, Jonah chooses to run away, going to Joppa (a port city) and paying for passage on a ship bound for Tarshish, which was thought to be far west, the opposite way from Nineveh. The verse highlights Jonah's determination to avoid God's assignment, not just by leaving his homeland but by trying to escape God's presence altogether.

The Hebrew behind Jonah 1:3

  • "Presence" (פָּנִים, pānîm): This word means "face" or "presence" and is used here to show Jonah's attempt to get away from being before God, not just physically but relationally—trying to avoid God's attention or call.
  • "Flee" (בָּרַח, bāraḥ): This verb means to run away or escape, underlining that Jonah's action is not just travel but an intentional act of avoidance.
  • "Down" (יָרַד, yārad): The verse repeats that Jonah "went down" to Joppa and then "went down" into the ship, which often signals a movement away from God’s will or presence in Hebrew storytelling.
  • "Tarshish" (תַּרְשִׁישׁ, Tarshish): This place name is repeated three times, stressing how determined Jonah is to get as far away as possible from where God wants him to go.

Why Jonah 1:3 matters

  • Jonah 1:3 makes it clear that Jonah's disobedience is not accidental or half-hearted; he takes concrete steps and pays money to avoid God's mission, highlighting the seriousness of his resistance.
  • The verse sets up the tension for the rest of the story, showing that running from God is a central theme, and it prepares the reader for the consequences that will follow.
  • By repeating "from the presence of the LORD," the verse raises the question of whether it is even possible to escape God's reach, which is a key idea explored throughout the book.

Where else these words appear

“Joppa” Hebrew H3305 · used in 4 verses

  • Joshua 19:46 And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:16 And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.
  • Ezra 3:7 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

“Jonah” Hebrew H3124 · used in 17 verses

  • 2 Kings 14:25 He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher.
  • Jonah 1:17 Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
  • Jonah 3:4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

“Tarshish” Hebrew H8659 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 10:4 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
  • Isaiah 23:14 Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.

“fare” Hebrew H7939 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • Numbers 18:31 And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • Isaiah 40:10 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.