Definition: And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, [and] thou heardest my voice.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jonah 2:2. It's a really powerful and somewhat surprising verse! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jonah is expressing deep distress and pleading for help. Here's a breakdown of the key parts: “And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD…” – This is the core of the message. Jonah was suffering immensely. He’d been cast out into the big ocean and he was experiencing a terrible hardship. "Affliction" means distress or trouble. “…and he heard me.” - Jonah believes that God heard his cries! It's important to note this wasn’t just random noise; he felt like someone was listening . “out of the belly of hell cried I…” – This is a very dramatic way of saying “I cried out in despair.” "The belly of hell" isn’t meant literally! It's a metaphor for intense suffering, a place of extreme pain and hopelessness. It signifies a profound sense of anguish. “[and] thou heardest my voice.” - This is the crucial part. He’s not just complaining; he’s asking someone to listen to him. He's essentially saying, "I’m begging you to understand me and acknowledge my suffering." What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to a deep sense of desperation and the importance of acknowledging our struggles. It suggests that sometimes, when we're deeply hurting, it's important to reach out for help and to let others know how we feel. It’s about being vulnerable enough to show your pain. In essence, Jonah is pleading for forgiveness and understanding because he’s facing unimaginable hardship. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?