Book of Jonah - Chapter 1 - Verse 1

When the verse states "Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying," it signifies the beginning of God's message to the prophet Jonah. This verse marks the initiation of a divine directive given directly from God to Jonah. Throughout the Bible, the phrase "the word of the LORD" is often used to refer to the message or commandments delivered by God to his chosen messengers. In this context, Jonah, the son of Amittai, is the recipient of this specific message from God. The use of this phrase indicates that what follows in the subsequent verses are the words spoken directly by God to Jonah, setting the stage for the narrative that unfolds in the book of Jonah. By understanding the significance of this phrase, readers can grasp the authority and importance of the message that Jonah receives, highlighting the divine communication between God and his chosen servant.

In the verse 'Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,', the theological interpretation focuses on the idea of divine communication. The phrase "the word of the LORD" carries significant weight in biblical studies as it signifies a direct message from God. This phrase emphasizes the authority and importance of the message that Jonah received. Additionally, the mention of Jonah as the son of Amittai highlights his identity and background, further grounding the story in historical context. The word "saying" indicates that what follows is the actual message delivered to Jonah, setting the stage for the prophetic mission that he will undertake.