Book of Jonah - Chapter 1 - Verse 6

Within the book of Jonah in the Bible, this verse captures a pivotal moment in the story where a violent storm threatens to sink the ship Jonah is on. The shipmaster, in a moment of urgency shouts at Jonah, who is sleeping, asking him why he is not awake and praying to his God for help. The shipmaster's question, "What meanest thou, O sleeper?" is a call to action for Jonah to wake up and seek divine intervention through prayer. The shipmaster's plea demonstrates a sense of desperation, as they fear for their lives amidst the storm. He encourages Jonah to pray to his God in the hopes that divine intervention will save them from the impending peril. This verse highlights the theme of faith and the power of prayer in times of crisis, emphasizing the importance of turning to God for help and guidance in moments of distress.

The theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Jonah highlights the spiritual awakening that occurs when faced with imminent danger. The shipmaster's question, "What meanest thou, O sleeper?" serves as a wake-up call to Jonah, who had fallen asleep in the midst of the storm, oblivious to the chaos surrounding him. This moment can be seen as a metaphor for the need to awaken spiritually and call upon God in times of trouble. The shipmaster's exhortation for Jonah to "arise, call upon thy God" underscores the importance of turning to God for help and protection. The shipmaster's mention of God's potential intervention by saying, "if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not," reflects a sense of hope and faith in divine intervention even in the face of impending doom. Overall, this verse emphasizes the crucial role of prayer and faith in overcoming challenges and seeking divine guidance in times of crisis.