Jonah 2:8

8 “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.

Jonah 2:8 in Other Translations

8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

8 Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.

8 Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies.

8 Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds, walk away from their only true love.

8 They that regard lying vanities Forsake their own mercy.

8 Those who hold on to worthless idols abandon their loyalty [to you].

8 Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love,

8 "Some people worship the worthless statues of their gods. They turn away from the grace you want to give them.

Jonah 2:8 Meaning and Commentary

Jonah 2:8

They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
] They that worship idols, who are nothing, mere vanity and lies, and deceive those that serve them, these forsake the God of their lives, and of their mercies; and so do all such who serve divers lusts and pleasures, and pursue the vanities of this life; and also those who follow the dictates of carnal sense and reason, to the neglect of the will of God, and obedience to his commands; which was Jonah's case, and is, I think, chiefly intended. The Targum, Syriac version, and so Jarchi, and most interpreters, understand it of worshippers of idols in general; and Kimchi of the mariners of the ship Jonah had been in; who promised to relinquish their idols, but did not; and vowed to serve the Lord, and sacrifice to him, but did not perform what they promised. But I rather think Jonah reflects upon himself in particular, as well as leaves this as a general instruction to others; that should they do as he had done, give way to an evil heart of unbelief, and attend to the suggestions of a vain mind, and consult with flesh and blood, and be directed thereby, to the disregard of God and his will; they will find, as he had done to his cost, that they forsake that God that has been gracious and merciful to them, and who is all goodness and mercy, ( Psalms 144:3 ) ; which to do is very ungrateful to him, and injurious to themselves; and now he being sensible of his folly, and influenced by the grace and goodness of God to him, resolves to do as follows:

Jonah 2:8 In-Context

6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit.

7 “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.

8 “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.

9 But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ ”

10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Cross References

• 1. S Deuteronomy 32:21; S 1 Samuel 12:21; 2 Kings 17:15; Jeremiah 10:8