Jonah 2:8 kjv — They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

King James Version

"They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy."

— Jonah 2:8, King James Version

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Jonah 2:8 in Other Translations

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Jonah 2 — Context

5

The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.

6

I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God.

7

When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

8

They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

9

But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.

10

And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

Jonah 2:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Jonah 2:8 say?
Jonah 2:8 in the King James Version reads: “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.”
Where is Jonah 2:8 in the Bible?
Jonah 2:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Jonah, chapter 2, verse 8.
Who wrote Jonah?
Jonah is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Jonah son of Amittai). It was written c. 785–760 BC.
What is the book of Jonah about?
Jonah, sent to preach repentance to Israel's enemies in Nineveh, runs the opposite direction — and ends up in the belly of a great fish. The story confronts every smug heart with the question: do you want God's mercy only for yourself, or for them too?
What are the major themes of Jonah?
Jonah explores themes including Mercy, Repentance, Nations, Reluctant Prophet, Sovereignty. These themes shape the meaning and context of Jonah 2:8.
What translation should I read Jonah 2:8 in?
Jonah 2:8 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Jonah 2:8?
Jonah 2:8 reads (KJV): “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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