Jonah 1:15

15 And they lift up Jonah, and cast him into the sea, and the sea ceaseth from its raging;

Jonah 1:15 Meaning and Commentary

Jonah 1:15

So they took up, Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea
They took him out of the hold or cabin where he was, and brought him upon deck; they took him, not against his will, but with his full consent, and according to the direction and advice he gave them: "they", for there were more than one employed in this affair; one or more very probably took him by the legs, and others put their hands under his arm holes, and so threw him into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging;
immediately, and became a calm; and the wind also ceased from blowing, which is supposed; the end being answered by the storm, and the person found and obtained, what was sought after by it, it was still and quiet. The story the Jews F13 tell of his being let down into the sea to his knees, upon which the sea was calm, but became raging again upon his being taken up; and so, at the second time, to his navel; and the third time to his neck; is all fabulous; but he being wholly thrown in, it raged no more.


FOOTNOTES:

F13 Pirke Eliezer, c. 10. fol. 10. 2.

Jonah 1:15 In-Context

13 And the men row to turn back unto the dry land, and are not able, for the sea is more and more tempestuous against them.
14 And they cry unto Jehovah, and say, `We pray Thee, O Jehovah, let us not, we pray Thee, perish for this man's life, and do not lay on us innocent blood, for Thou, Jehovah, as Thou hast pleased, Thou hast done.'
15 And they lift up Jonah, and cast him into the sea, and the sea ceaseth from its raging;
16 and the men fear Jehovah -- a great fear, and sacrifice a sacrifice to Jehovah, and vow vows.
17 And Jehovah appointeth a great fish to swallow up Jonah, and Jonah is in the bowels of the fish three days and three nights.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.