Definition: For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jonah 2:3. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jonah was sent out to the sea by God to save Nineveh, a city that had been wicked for awhile. But Jonah ignored God’s command and swam away into the deep, right in the middle of the stormy seas. What happened next? God then reacted . He used the storm to show Jonah how truly desperate he was – he was completely lost and overwhelmed by the waves. He didn't just let him be; He turned the storms around to protect him! Here’s what it says literally: "For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.” “Thou hadst cast me…” – This is a formal way of saying "God did..." or “It was God who...” "...into the deep..." - Jonah was in a very dangerous situation. "...in the midst of the seas..." - He was trapped and surrounded by water. "and the floods compassed me about..." – This is the key part! "Compassed me about" means he was completely swept around by the waves, like a boat being tossed about in a storm. The Meaning & Significance: This verse highlights several important things: God’s Sovereignty: God isn't just passively allowing things to happen; He actively intervenes and uses events for His purposes. He doesn't simply let the storms run their course without any impact. Responsibility & Obedience: Jonah’s disobedience is a big problem. He wasn't just unlucky; he was responsible for his own situation. God’s response shows that obedience to His commands is vital. God's Power: The storm itself becomes a demonstration of God’s immense power and control over the world. In short, this verse tells us that God is involved in every situation, even when we don’t deserve it, and He isn’t afraid to use difficult circumstances to show His love and care. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse further? Give you some examples of how this story relates to real-world situations (like facing challenges)?