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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, whichwas of Gathhepher.

Matthew 12:39
But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

Matthew 16:4
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

Jonas.

to Jonah
Jonah is identified as the recipient of God's message. He is a historical figure mentioned in2 Kings 14:25, where he is noted as a prophet during the reign of Jeroboam II, king of Israel. This historical reference places Jonah in the 8th century BC, providing a timeframe for the events of the book. Jonah's name means "dove," which can symbolize peace or, in some contexts, a reluctant messenger. His story is unique among the prophets because it focuses more on his personal journey and response to God's call than on the content of his prophecy.

son of Amittai
This designation provides a genealogical context, linking Jonah to his father, Amittai. The name Amittai means "truth" or "faithfulness," which may contrast with Jonah's initial reluctance to obey God's command. Genealogical references are common in biblical texts to establish identity and legitimacy. This phrase also connects Jonah to the historical and cultural context of Israel, grounding the narrative in a real-world setting.

saying,
The use of "saying" introduces the direct speech of God, a common narrative technique in biblical literature to convey divine instructions or revelations. This sets the stage for the specific command that God will give to Jonah, highlighting the personal and direct nature of God's communication with His prophets. The immediacy of the word "saying" underscores the urgency and importance of the message that follows.

• A tiny word that signals God is about to act in real time, just as He did with Abram (Genesis 12:1) or Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1).

• It invites expectation: the Lord remains present and active (Psalm 90:1-2;Matthew 28:20).

• This is divine revelation, carrying absolute authority (2 Timothy 3:16;Hebrews 4:12).

• Prophets repeatedly receive messages introduced by this phrase (Jeremiah 1:4;Ezekiel 1:3), underscoring God’s faithfulness to speak (Isaiah 55:11).

• God’s word pursues both Israel and the nations, revealing His covenant heart (Amos 3:7;Romans 10:18).

• God addresses a specific, historical individual—the prophet also noted in2 Kings 14:25.

• Jonah’s lineage grounds the narrative in real history, reinforcing its literal reliability (Luke 3:23-38).

• Like Moses (Exodus 4:10-13) or Gideon (Judges 6:15), Jonah is an imperfect yet chosen messenger, demonstrating that calling rests on divine sovereignty, not human merit.

• God speaks clearly; His commands are understandable even when difficult (Genesis 12:1;Acts 9:6).

• Revelation always demands a response—obedience or resistance (Deuteronomy 30:19-20;John 14:15).

• The word “saying” anticipates action, just as Isaiah heard and then went (Isaiah 6:8) or Peter obeyed after his vision (Acts 10).

Jonah 1:1 sets the stage for everything that follows: the living God speaks decisively in the present, entrusting His authoritative word to a real prophet. The verse highlights God’s initiative, Jonah’s historical reality, and the necessity of responding to divine revelation with obedient faith.

(1)Now . . .--More strictly,And; but the English quite adequately represents the Hebrew style of beginning a narrative, whether it formed a book by itself, or merely continued an historical account. (See the opening of Exodus, Leviticus, and other historical books;Ezekiel 1:1; and comp.1Kings 17:1, &c.)

Jonah the son of Amittai.--See Introduction.