Jonah 2:8 — Word Study
WLCמְשַׁמְּרִ֖ים הַבְלֵי־ שָׁ֑וְא חַסְדָּ֖ם יַעֲזֹֽבוּ׃
BSAto turn asideʻâṭaph uponʻal soulnephesh Obj.ʼêth The LordYᵉhôvâh to rememberzâkar Lebobôwʼ to(wards)ʼêl prayertᵉphillâh to(wards)ʼêl templehêykâl Holy Placeqôdesh
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| מְשַׁמְּרִ֖ים | [those who] pay regard | Verb, Piel, participle (active) masculine plural |
| הַבְלֵי־ | vanities of | Noun common, masculine plural construct |
| שָׁ֑וְא | nothingness | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| חַסְדָּ֖ם | loyalty their | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| יַעֲזֹֽבוּ׃ | they abandon | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Those who cling to worthless idols forsake His loving devotion. |
| KJV | They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. |
| ASV | They that regard lying vanities Forsake their own mercy. |
| YLT | Those observing lying vanities their own mercy forsake. |
| WEB | Those who regard vain idols forsake their own mercy. |
| BBE | The worshippers of false gods have given up their only hope. |
The translations agree on the message that those who cling to idols forsake God's mercy.
The sentence is structured with a main clause followed by a subordinate clause that describes the action taken by the subject.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbבְּ
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Jonah 2:8
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Jonah's Prayer from the Fishgenerated
Jonah 2:8 occurs during Jonah's prayer while he is inside the fish, reflecting on his predicament. He acknowledges the futility of idolatry and recognizes the importance of God's loving devotion. This prayer emphasizes the contrast between those who pursue empty idols and those who remain faithful to the Lord, highlighting the need for repentance and reliance on God's mercy.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 12:21 | Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 17:15 | They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and themselves became worthless, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. |
| 3 | Psalm 31:6 | I hate those who cling to worthless idols, but in the LORD I trust. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 2:13 | “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns— broken cisterns that cannot hold water. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 10:8–14 | But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood! |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מְשַׁמְּרִ֖ים, me.sha.me.Rimgenerated
The word שָׁמַר (*shamar*) means to keep, guard, or observe. In this context, it refers to those who pay regard to worthless idols, indicating a protective or obsessive attachment to something that ultimately holds no value.
The participle form suggests an ongoing action, portraying these individuals as actively clinging to falsehoods. This word underscores the futility of their actions, as they forsake God's loving devotion in favor of these empty pursuits.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree that those who cling to idols forsake God's mercy.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verbs in this verse are מְשַׁמְּרִ֖ים and יַעֲזֹֽבוּ, which govern the actions of the subjects. The structure presents a clear cause-and-effect relationship: those who cling to idols are the ones who abandon God's loving kindness.
The sentence emphasizes the subject's actions and their consequences, illustrating a moral lesson about the dangers of idolatry.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates מְשַׁמְּרִ֖ים with the Greek word ἐν (in), which indicates a focus on the state of being rather than the action of clinging. This choice may reflect a broader interpretation of the relationship between the worshippers and their idols.
This translation highlights the emptiness of the idols and suggests a deeper commentary on the nature of false worship.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Jonah 2:8 states that those who cling to worthless idols abandon the mercy of God. This verse highlights the futility of worshipping false gods and the importance of turning back to the Lord for His loving kindness.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Clinging to worthless idols refers to holding onto false beliefs or practices that do not provide true value or fulfillment, leading one away from God's mercy.
The verse contrasts the emptiness of idol worship with the richness of God's loving devotion, suggesting that turning to idols results in forsaking the true source of mercy.
Jonah's prayer serves as a reflection on his situation and a recognition of the need for repentance and reliance on God's mercy, highlighting the importance of faithfulness.
This verse encourages us to examine what we cling to in our lives and to ensure that we prioritize our relationship with God over any empty pursuits that may lead us away from His loving kindness.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some modern-day idols that people might cling to instead of trusting in God?
- How can I ensure that I am not forsaking God's mercy in my own life?
- In what ways can I encourage others to turn away from empty pursuits and seek God's loving devotion?
- How does recognizing the futility of idols impact my faith and relationship with God?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers, such as Jerome and Cyril of Alexandria, comment on this verse, emphasizing the contrast between idol worship and God's mercy.
"They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy." LXX: 'those that keep mistaken vanities lose their mercy'. By nature God is merciful and ready by his mildness to save those whom he can't save by justice.Early Church Fathers on Jonah 2 →
When my soul was fainting within me, I remembered the Lord; and let my prayer come to you, into your holy temple. For those who wish to be well-pleasing, toil is not without profit, nor would affliction be considered burdensome.Early Church Fathers on Jonah 2 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Jonah 2:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThey that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. They that worship idols, who are nothing, mere vanity and lies, and deceive those that serve them, these forsake the God of their lives, and
Read John Gill on Jonah 2 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThey that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. They that observe lying vanities - regard or reverence idols, powerless to save .
Read Robert Jamieson on Jonah 2 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleWhoever they are that do, as the heathen mariners, seek to, depend upon, and wait for help from idols, false gods, whoever choose them for their assistance, and worship them, do depend upon most false grounds, wait for most lying and deceiving objects; and this of the prophet is true of, and applicable to, all our creature dependencies, to all trust reposed in any but God himself; these dig to themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water, . Forsake; turn away from, and do really and practically forsake, God, as he leaves the east who goeth on to the west; trust in God and idols are as opposite as is the east to the west. Their own mercy; the Lord, who is to all that seek…
Read Matthew Poole on Jonah 2 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJonah 2:8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.Ver. 8. They that observe lying vanities] That listen to sense and reason in matters of God, and make provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof, as Jonah had done to his cost, till, having paid for his learning, he descried them all to be but "lying vanities," or most vain vanities, empty nothings. Forsake their own mercy] Are miserable by their own election, because sinners, in a special manner, "against their own souls," as were Korah and his accomplices, Numbers 15:38; as was Pope Silvester, who gave his soul to the devil for seven years’ enjoyment of the popedom; and as are all those wilful wicked persons…
Read John Trapp on Jonah 2 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(8) They that observe lying vanities.—See Note, Psalms 31:6. Forsake their own mercy—i.e., forfeit their own share of the covenant grace. In Psalms 37:28 it is said that Jehovah does not forsake his chasîdim; they, however, by forsaking Jehovah (Himself called Israel’s mercy, Psalms 144:2, margin) and His law (Psalms 89:30) can forfeit their chesed or covenant privilege.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Jonah 2 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 8. They that observe lying vanities] They that trust in idols, follow vain predictions, permit themselves to be influenced with foolish fears, so as to induce them to leave the path of obvious duty, forsake their own mercy. In leaving that God who is the Fountain of mercy, they abandon that measure of mercy which he had treasured up for them.
Read AdamClarke on Jonah 2 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8. observe lying vanities] Comp. Psalms 31:6, where the same Heb. word is rendered “regard.” By “lying vanities” we are to understand “all inventions with which men deceive themselves” (Calvin), all false, and therefore vain and disappointing objects of trust and confidence. Idols and false gods are no doubt included, but the sentiment is conceived and expressed in the most general form, and therefore embraces Jonah’s own case. He had observed the lying vanity, the deceitful promise of his own will and his own way, as opposed to God; and not only had he found that God was stronger than he, but he had been brought to see and confess that in such a course he had been his own enemy. forsake…
Read Cambridge on Jonah 2 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThey that observe lying vanities - , i. e., (by the force of the Hebrew form , that diligently watch, pay deference to, court, sue, “vanities of vanities,” vain things, which prove themselves vain at
Read Albert Barnes on Jonah 2 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Those who cling to worthless idols forsake His loving devotion.
Those who regard vain idols forsake their own mercy.
Those who cling to worthless idols forsake His loving devotion.
Those who worship worthless idols forfeit the mercy that could be theirs.
Tyndale line
They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
They that regard lying vanities Forsake their own mercy.
They that regard lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
They that waite vpon lying vanities, forsake their owne mercie.
Strictly literal
They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
Those observing lying vanities their own mercy forsake.
Those observing lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
(2:9) They that guard false vanities forsake [the source of] their kindness.
They give attention to useless gods while they forsake loving faithfulness.
From the Latin
When my soul was in distress within me, I remembered the Lord: that my prayer may come to thee, unto thy holy temple.
Simplified
Those who worship worthless idols give up their trust in God's goodness.
The worshippers of false gods have given up their only hope.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text presents the verse as מְשַׁמְּרִ֖ים הַבְלֵי־ שָׁ֑וְא חַסְדָּ֖ם יַעֲזֹֽבוּ׃. The Septuagint matches four of the five words closely, indicating a strong agreement on the core message. The Dead Sea Scrolls show partial restorations, with some words supplied by editors, but maintain the essence of the verse.
מְשַׁמְּרִ֖ים הַבְלֵי־ שָׁ֑וְא חַסְדָּ֖ם יַעֲזֹֽבוּ׃
4 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
בהתעטף על׳י נפש׳י את [יהוה] [זכרתי] [ותבוא] אלי׳ך תפלת׳י אל היכל קדש׳ך
4 words on the leather — 5 partly restored, 3 supplied entire by an editor.
[בהתעטף] על׳י נפש׳י את יהוה זכרתי [ותבוא] אלי׳כה
4 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 2 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Jonah 2:8
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word שָׁמַר (*shamar*) is a primitive root meaning to keep, guard, or observe. It encompasses a wide range of actions including protecting, waiting for, and celebrating obligations like the Sabbath. The verb appears in various forms, indicating nuances such as being on guard or refraining from certain actions. It is used extensively in the Old Testament, reflecting both physical and moral vigilance.
שָׁמַר 465 vb. keep, watch, preserve
Qal 425
keep, have charge of
keep, guard, captives
hence, watch for, wait for
watch, observe
keep, retain, of storing up (food)
keep within bounds, restrain
observe, celebrate
keep sabbath
of other obligations
observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)
sts. י׳ subj.
keep, reserve, weeks of harvest
Niph.
36be on one's guard
keep oneself, refrain, abstain
be kept, guarded
Pi. those paying regard to false vanities
Hithp. I kept myself from
base
H8104 שָׁמַר keep, watch, preserve .. . keep, have charge of
. keep, guard, captives
. hence, watch for, wait for
. watch, observe
. . keep, retain, of storing up (food)
. keep within bounds, restrain
. . observe, celebrate
. keep sabbath
. of other obligations
. observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)
. sts. י׳ subj.
. keep, reserve, weeks of harvest
. . be on one's guard
. keep oneself, refrain, abstain
. be kept, guarded
. those paying regard to false vanities
. I kept myself from
8104 shamar shaw-mar'
a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns),
i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:--beward,
be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark,
look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save
(self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man).
שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: obey.
: obey/observe
1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to keep, have charge of
1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
1a2a) watch, watchman (participle)
1a3) to watch for, wait for
1a4) to watch, observe
1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)
1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain
1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)
1a8) to keep, preserve, protect
1a9) to keep, reserve
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware
1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain
1b3) to be kept, be guarded
1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed
1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: guard.
: guard
1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to keep, have charge of
1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
1a2a) watch, watchman (participle)
HVprmpa — Verb · Piel · participle (active) masculine pluralHVprmpa
הֶ֫בֶל (hevel) refers to vapour or breath, and is often associated with concepts of emptiness or vanity, indicating something transitory and unsatisfactory. The word can function as an adverb meaning 'vainly.' It is derived from a root meaning 'to breathe' and appears in contexts discussing the fleeting nature of life.
הֶ֫בֶל 73 n.m. vapour, breath
base
H1892 הֶ֫בֶל vapour, breath
1892 hebel heh'bel
or (rarely in the abs.) habel {hab-ale'}; from 1891;
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and
unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb:--X altogether, vain,
vanity.
see HEBREW for 01891
הֶ֫בֶל (he.vel) — vanity.
1) vapour, breath
1a) breath, vapour
1b) vanity (fig.)
adv
2) vainly
HNcmpc — Noun common · masculine plural constructHNcmpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word שָׁוְא (*shav*) means emptiness or vanity. It conveys ideas of falsehood, worthlessness, and deception, both in a literal sense and in terms of moral or spiritual emptiness. The lexicons highlight its use in describing empty speech or conduct that is devoid of value.
שָׁוְא n.[m.] emptiness, vanity
base
H7723 שָׁוְא emptiness, vanity
7723 shav' shawv
or shav {shav}; from the same as 7722 in the sense of
desolating; evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally
(especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false,
subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, objective; also
adverbially, in vain):--false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity.
see HEBREW for 07722
שָׁוְא (shav) — vanity: false.
: false
1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood
1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity
1b) emptiness of speech, lying
1c) worthlessness (of conduct)
Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
שָׁוְא (shav) — vanity: vain.
: vain/empty/worthless
1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood
1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity
1b) emptiness of speech, lying
1c) worthlessness (of conduct)
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) primarily means kindness or goodness, often referring to the kindness of people towards one another, especially towards the needy. It can also denote God's lovingkindness and mercy. Additionally, it has a secondary meaning of shame or reproach. The entries reflect a range of uses, from human interactions to divine attributes.
חֶ֫סֶד 247 n.m. goodness, kindness
of man:
kindness of men toward men, in doing favours and benefits
kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy
(rarely) affection of Isr. to י׳, love to God, piety
lovely appearance
of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures.
base
חֶ֫סֶד n.m. shame, reproach
base
H2617a חֶ֫סֶד goodness, kindness . of man: . kindness of men toward men, in doing favours and benefits
. kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy
. (rarely) affection of Isr. to י׳, love to God, piety
. lovely appearance
. of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures.
H2617b חֶ֫סֶד shame, reproach
2617 checed kheh'-sed
from 2616; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety:
rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty:--favour,
good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-)kindness, merciful
(kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing.
see HEBREW for 02616
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — kindness.
goodness, kindness, faithfulness
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — shame.
a reproach, shame
HNcmsc/Sp3mp — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3mp
עָזַב (azab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to leave, forsake, or let loose. It encompasses a range of actions from abandoning or neglecting to setting free. The entries suggest it can also imply restoration or repair, though this aspect is less emphasized. Notably, the term can describe both active and passive states, such as being forsaken or deserted.
עָזַב 213 vb. leave, forsake, loose
Qal
leave, c. acc.
leave, abandon, forsake
let loose, set free, let go
Niph.
be left to
be forsaken, of house of God
H5800a עָזַב leave, forsake, loose .. leave, c. acc.
. leave, abandon, forsake
. let loose, set free, let go
. . be left to
. be forsaken, of house of God
. (or Qal pass.) be deserted, of city
H5800b עָזַב restore, repair(?)
5800 `azab aw-zab'
a primitive root; to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit,
etc.:--commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave
(destitute, off), refuse, X surely.
עָזַב (a.zav) — to leave: forsake.
1) to leave, loose, forsake
1a) (Qal) to leave
1a1) to depart from, leave behind, leave, let alone
1a2) to leave, abandon, forsake, neglect, apostatise
1a3) to let loose, set free, let go, free
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be left to
1b2) to be forsaken
1c) (Pual) to be deserted
עָזַב (a.zav) — to restore.
1) to restore, repair
1a) (Qal) to repair
עָזַב (a.zav) — to leave: release.
1) to leave, loose, forsake
1a) (Qal) to leave
1a1) to depart from, leave behind, leave, let alone
1a2) to leave, abandon, forsake, neglect, apostatise
1a3) to let loose, set free, let go, free
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be left to
1b2) to be forsaken
1c) (Pual) to be deserted
עָזַב (a.zav) — Forsaken.
This name means to restore, repair
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
עָזַב (a.zav) — to leave: neglect.
HVqi3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp