Jonah 1:14 kjv

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 1:14 nkjv

Therefore they cried out to the LORD and said, "We pray, O LORD, please do not let us perish for this man's life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You."

Jonah 1:14 niv

Then they cried out to the LORD, "Please, LORD, do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, LORD, have done as you pleased."

Jonah 1:14 esv

Therefore they called out to the LORD, "O LORD, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O LORD, have done as it pleased you."

Jonah 1:14 nlt

Then they cried out to the LORD, Jonah's God. "O LORD," they pleaded, "don't make us die for this man's sin. And don't hold us responsible for his death. O LORD, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons."

Jonah 1 verses

Jonah 1 14 Meaning

Jonah 1:14 describes the desperate prayer of the pagan sailors to YHWH before casting Jonah into the raging sea. They appeal for divine mercy, pleading not to be held accountable for Jonah's death, which they perceive as "innocent blood." Their prayer acknowledges YHWH's ultimate sovereignty over the storm and their situation, believing that their action is aligned with His will, not a personal act of malice.

Jonah 1 14 Context

Jonah 1:14 occurs during the violent storm that threatens the ship on which Jonah is fleeing. The sailors have already prayed to their own gods, observed Jonah sleeping, woken him, and finally cast lots to discover that Jonah is the cause of the tempest. Having heard Jonah's testimony about his God, YHWH, as the Creator of the sea and land (Jonah 1:9), and seeing the escalating storm, these mariners are now convinced of YHWH's supreme power. The verse directly precedes their casting Jonah overboard, showcasing their last moral hesitation and religious acknowledgment of YHWH before taking drastic action for their own survival. Historically, ancient sailors were highly superstitious and deeply religious, quickly appealing to divine powers in times of peril. This context highlights the stark theological shift as polytheistic sailors acknowledge and appeal directly to YHWH, reflecting a powerful polemic against paganism by demonstrating the unrivaled power of Israel's God.

Jonah 1 14 Word analysis

• Therefore (וַיִּקְרְאוּ – vaYiqreu): This verbal form indicates a sequential action, following their previous questions and Jonah's revelation. The Hebrew verb kara (to call, cry out) implies a desperate, urgent appeal, shifting from simply asking questions to fervent prayer.
• they cried: Denotes an intense, vocal appeal. This is not casual speech but a deep spiritual anguish compelling them to turn to YHWH.
• unto the Lord (יְהוָה – YHWH): The significant shift from praying to "every man unto his god" (Jonah 1:5) to explicitly addressing YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. This acknowledges His supremacy, likely revealed by Jonah and powerfully demonstrated by the storm. It shows their understanding of YHWH as the true God of creation.
• and said: Introduces their direct, pleading prayer.
• We beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee (אָנָּא יְהוָה אָנָּא – anna YHWH anna): The repeated interjection anna emphasizes the desperate earnestness of their plea. It's an emphatic expression of imploring or entreaty, "Ah, Lord," or "I beg of You." Its repetition underscores their profound humility and desperation before YHWH.
• let us not perish (אַל־נָא נֹאבְדָה – al na'vdah): A negative plea, "Do not let us be lost" or "Do not let us die." They seek preservation of their own lives, which are directly threatened by the storm linked to Jonah.
• for this man's life (בְּנֶפֶשׁ הָאִישׁ – be-nefesh ha'ish): Literally "by/concerning the soul/life of this man." It means "on account of this man's life." They fear perishing because they are about to end his life. This expresses their moral dilemma regarding capital punishment for what appears to be a religious offense rather than a criminal one.
• and lay not upon us (וְאַל־תִּתֵּן עָלֵינוּ – v'al titten aleinu): "Do not put/place upon us." This phrase is a plea for God not to attribute guilt to them or hold them accountable.
• innocent blood (דָּם נָקִֽי – dam naqi): A significant legal and moral concept in the Old Testament. "Naqi" means pure, clean, innocent. They are aware of the grave implications of taking a life, especially one that has not committed a capital crime against them. This displays a surprisingly developed moral compass in these pagan sailors, aligning with principles often found in Mosaic Law, which is a powerful demonstration of God's universal law written on hearts.
• for thou (כִּי־אַתָּה – ki atta): Introduces the reason or justification for their plea. They are appealing to God's ultimate authority.
• O Lord (יְהוָה – YHWH): Again, recognizing and addressing YHWH specifically.
• hast done as it pleased thee (כַּאֲשֶׁר חָפַצְתָּ עָשִֽׂיתָ – ka-asher chafats'ta asita): This clause is a profound acknowledgment of YHWH's absolute sovereignty and divine will (chafets - to delight in, to will, to desire). They are not accusing God but attributing the entire situation (the storm, their distress, Jonah being revealed) to His predetermined plan. They understand that their action is simply fulfilling what God desires.

Jonah 1 14 Bonus section

The profound fear and respect the pagan sailors show towards YHWH in this verse (fear the Lord exceedingly in Jon 1:16, the consequence) is a foreshadowing of God's compassion for the Ninevites, who also respond to divine revelation (through Jonah) with repentance. The sailors' appeal to God's sovereign will ("as it pleased thee") echoes themes found throughout scripture about God's unchangeable purpose and predestination. This episode acts as a microcosm of the entire book's message: God's salvation extends beyond Israel to all who acknowledge Him, regardless of their prior religious background or ethnicity. The sailors are perhaps the first converts in the book of Jonah, illustrating God's broader redemptive plan.

Jonah 1 14 Commentary

Jonah 1:14 stands as a pivot point, revealing the extraordinary theological and moral awareness of the Gentile sailors. Their plea demonstrates profound humility and a shift from pagan superstition to an awe-filled recognition of YHWH's singular, sovereign power. They grasp that the tumultuous storm is not random but a direct manifestation of God's will, driving their actions. Their fervent prayer—doubling the ana for emphasis—underscores their desperation, seeking not to defy YHWH but to act in alignment with what they perceive as His unfolding purpose, yet with a moral consciousness regarding human life. Their concern for "innocent blood" reveals a surprisingly biblical ethical framework, reflecting a common grace or universal moral law implanted by God. It ironically contrasts with Jonah's disobedience, portraying pagan sailors as more obedient and ethically discerning, at least in this moment, than the prophet himself. They are a poignant example of how God's revelation of power can prompt even hardened hearts to repentance and submission.