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Cover of The Book of Jonah

The Book of Jonah

An Exegetical Commentary on the Hebrew Text

  • Biblical Studies & Commentaries
  • Publisher: Wipf and Stock
  • Published: 2025

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Publisher's Description

The book of Jonah does not cease to fascinate children and to challenge scholars alike. In terms of its literary form, imagery, and meaning, the book is both simple and profound. Moreover, it is unique among the prophetic books. It is not about the message of the prophet but rather about the prophet himself. And, unlike the other biblical prophets, Jonah was disobedient to the call of the Lord. Yet, ultimately, the Lord still achieved his purposes for Nineveh through his prophet Jonah. This commentary offers further training in original language exegesis by illustrating the significance of Hebrew for understanding and teaching the book of Jonah; as such, it fills the gap between learning the basics of Hebrew grammar and using Hebrew in practical preparation for teaching and preaching. Therefore, after a general overview of the theme and purpose of the book of Jonah, the commentary provides an in-depth analysis of the Hebrew text. Having observed how the Hebrew text informs interpretation, readers may then apply the same methods and principles to other sections of the Hebrew Bible.


Endorsements (4)

“Dr. Ferreira’s commentary is useful and helpful to understand the book of Jonah, especially for pastors and students who have had a course in Hebrew and who would like to study the original text in depth. The commentary not only offers sound exegesis, but with its methodology and approach, it also serves as a guide to do the exegetical task, a very special feature of the book. It contributes to enriching our learning tools. I welcome its publication and recommend its wide circulation.”

Wilson W. Chow

“As Johan Ferreira notes, when you have got your mind round basic Hebrew, Jonah is an ideal Old Testament book to study. And this commentary is ideal as a companion for studying it. It is a marvelously thorough word-by-word analysis of the text that will enable you to make huge progress in your grasp of Hebrew and in your interaction with the intriguing, engaging, challenging book of Jonah.”

John Goldingay

“We welcome the publication of Johan Ferreira’s commentary on the book of Jonah. This exegetical commentary on the Hebrew text will enable students and pastors to do proper exegesis of the text and appreciate the beauty of the descriptive narrative in Jonah. The exegetical notes are carefully done and very readable. The introduction gives a good analysis of the themes and purpose of the book. Indeed, it is God who speaks through the book of Jonah, revealing His lovingkindness!”

Joseph Shao

“This all-in-one guide to exegeting the book of Jonah is perfectly suited to students who have completed introductory study of Biblical Hebrew grammar and are ready to undertake exegesis. For each verse, Ferreira presents the Hebrew text, a fluid translation, and concise identification of every grammatical element. Best of all, he offers expert exegetical observations that show the student how the pieces of the text fit together, complemented by relevant historical, geographical, and archaeological information. Exemplifying attention to detail as well as a rich view of the whole, this excellent guide will both form and inform the student.”

Daniel Timmer

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