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Jonah 2:8 Cross References
They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Jonah 2:8. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
Jonah 2:8 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Jonah 2:8 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.

Jeremiah 2:13 (KJV) »
For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

2 Kings 17:15 (KJV) »
And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.

1 Samuel 12:21 (KJV) »
And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

Jeremiah 10:8 (KJV) »
But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.

Jeremiah 10:14 (KJV) »
Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

Jeremiah 16:19 (KJV) »
O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.

Habakkuk 2:18 (KJV) »
What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?
Jonah 2:8 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Understanding Jonah 2:8
Jonah 2:8: "They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy."
Verse Meaning and Summary
This verse is a reflection of Jonah's recognition of the futility of idols and self-deception while he finds himself in the depths of despair. Jonah emphasizes that those who cling to falsehoods—referred to as "lying vanities"—ultimately abandon the grace and mercy that could be theirs.
Insights from Biblical Commentaries
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry suggests that "lying vanities" represent the idols and deceptions that people hold onto, leading them away from the true source of help, which is God’s mercy. He emphasizes how faith and reliance on God is paramount, especially in moments of trouble.
Albert Barnes' Notes
Barnes emphasizes that the verse serves as a warning against the dangers of turning away from God and pursuing illusions. He points out that genuine mercy is found in God, and by prioritizing false hopes, one risks losing that vital connection with divine grace.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Clarke notes that the verse encapsulates the core theme of prophetic literature: the futility of worshiping idols. It reflects Jonah's understanding that true deliverance arises from repentance and faith in God’s mercy, as opposed to reliance on meaningless pursuits.
Bible Cross-References
Jonah 2:8 connects with various other scriptures, deepening our understanding of its themes:
- Psalm 31:6: "I have hated those who regard useless idols; But I trust in the Lord."
- Psalm 119:37: "Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way."
- Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other."
- Romans 1:25: "Who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator."
- 1 John 5:21: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
- Isaiah 44:9: "Those who make an image, all of them are useless, and their precious things shall not profit."
- Jeremiah 10:14: "Every man is brutish in his knowledge; every goldsmith is confounded by the graven image."
Thematic Bible Verse Connections
The theme of trusting in God’s mercy instead of vanities is echoed throughout the Bible. Such themes resonate with the need for heartfelt repentance and the futility of idolatry:
- Isaiah 53:6: "All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, everyone, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."
- Hosea 14:3: "Assyria shall not save us; We will not ride on horses; Nor will we say anymore, 'To the work of our hands'"
Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing
To fully grasp the implications of Jonah 2:8, one can use various tools and methods in Bible study:
- Bible Concordance: Helps you locate specific terms related to mercy and idolatry.
- Cross-Reference Bible Guides: Provide thematic connections between various books and verses.
- Comparative Bible Studies: Allows for in-depth analysis of similar themes across different Bible passages.
Conclusion
In summary, Jonah 2:8 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of relying on false idols and the importance of seeking true mercy found in God. By cross-referencing related verses, we can better understand the underlying biblical themes of repentance, grace, and the rejection of deceitful pursuits.