Jonah 2:8 net — Those who worship worthless idols forfeit the mercy that could be theirs.

NET Bible

"Those who worship worthless idols forfeit the mercy that could be theirs."

— Jonah 2:8, NET Bible

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Jonah 2:8 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

KJV
“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.”
King James Version · Read this chapter in KJV
ASV
“They that regard lying vanities Forsake their own mercy. ”
American Standard Version · Read this chapter in ASV
WEB
“Those who regard lying vanities forsake their own mercy.”
World English Bible · Read this chapter in WEB
DRB
“When my soul was in distress within me, I remembered the Lord: that my prayer may come to thee, unto the holy temple.”
Douay-Rheims Bible · Read this chapter in DRB
BBE
“The worshippers of false gods have given up their only hope.”
Bible in Basic English · Read this chapter in BBE
KJVA
“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.”
King James Version with Apocrypha · Read this chapter in KJVA

Jonah 2 — Context

Water engulfed me up to my neck; the deep ocean surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.

I went down to the very bottoms of the mountains; the gates of the netherworld barred me in forever; but you brought me up from the Pit, O LORD, my God.

When my life was ebbing away, I called out to the LORD. And my prayer came to you, to your holy temple.

Those who worship worthless idols forfeit the mercy that could be theirs.

But as for me, I promise to offer a sacrifice to you with a public declaration of praise; I will surely do what I have promised. Salvation belongs to the LORD!”

Then the LORD commanded the fish and it disgorged Jonah on dry land.

Jonah 2:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions

What does Jonah 2:8 say?

Jonah 2:8 in the NET Bible reads: “Those who worship worthless idols forfeit the mercy that could be theirs.”

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 (NET): “Those who worship worthless idols forfeit the mercy that could be theirs.” 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.

Jonah 2:8 net — Those who worship worthless idols forfeit the mercy that could be theirs.

Read in Another Translation

Jonah 2:8 in Other Translations

Jonah 2 — Context

Jonah 2:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

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