Definition: And he said unto them, I [am] an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry [land].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jonah 1:9. It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious passage! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Jonah is expressing deep fear and doubt about God. He’s questioning whether he can truly follow God’s instructions. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he said unto them…” : This tells us Jonah is speaking to a group of people – likely his own followers, or perhaps others who are listening. “…I [am] an Hebrew…” : Jonah was Jewish. This establishes that he’s talking about the traditions and beliefs of his culture. “and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven…” : This is a direct plea to acknowledge the importance of God. Jonah is acknowledging his devotion to God. “which hath made the sea and the dry land.” : This is where it gets interesting! This part describes a very unusual situation. Jonah was sent out on a mission to preach to the people of Nineveh. But, he did disobey God’s command and ran away into the ocean. So, what does this mean? Jonah's fear isn’t just about disobeying God; it’s about feeling like he is part of the problem. He believes he's separate from God, and his disobedience has caused a disaster – he's causing trouble! He’s worried that his actions are leading to something negative and frightening. In essence, the verse is a moment of doubt and repentance. It highlights Jonah's struggle with obedience and his realization that he needs to reconsider his path. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a reminder: To stay faithful: It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when we make mistakes or face difficult situations. To be humbled: It shows the importance of recognizing our limitations and seeking forgiveness from God. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? Perhaps you’d like to know about: The context of Jonah's story? What biblical symbolism might be involved?