How should we understand the word “their” in Jonah 2:8?

The word “their” in Jonah 2:8 highlights the tragedy of apostasy: people forsake the God who is the very source of mercy for them. It does not mean that God belongs to human beings as a possession, but rather points to a gracious covenant relationship that people despise by choosing hollow hopes.

The book of Jonah presents the prophet’s prayer from the depths of the sea, once he had come to realize the consequences of his disobedience. In this context, an essential spiritual truth is uttered regarding all who rely on idols, superstitions, their own strength, or anything else instead of the Lord.

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit their own mercy.” Jonah 2:8

“Their” relates to the Merciful God

In some traditional Slavic and literal renderings, it is translated as “have forsaken their Merciful One.” Grammatically, “their” depends on the word “Merciful,” which refers to God. The meaning is this: those who revere deceitful things turn away from their gracious God—the One who revealed His love to them, called them, and was ready to save.

This does not mean that a person can possess God, or that the Lord is the God of only a specific group. He is the Creator and Sovereign of the whole universe. Yet, Scripture frequently describes God’s relationship with people in covenant language: “I will be your God, and you will be My people.” In such a relationship, the Lord reveals His faithfulness, forgiveness, and care in a particularly close and personal way.

“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” Psalm 86:5

Thus, “their” carries a personal and covenantal nuance: people do not merely reject an abstract idea of mercy, but the living God who has already extended mercy to them.

The nature of the Hebrew expression

The Hebrew text of Jonah 2:8 can be literally rendered as “they forsake their mercy” or “they abandon their lovingkindness.” The word chesed is rich in meaning: mercy, steadfast love, kindness, covenant faithfulness. For this reason, translators render this phrase in various ways. Some emphasize God’s mercy available to a person; others emphasize God as the Merciful One from whom people turn away.

These perspectives do not contradict one another. To reject God means to renounce His mercy. Not because the Lord suddenly stops loving the sinner, but because the person withdraws from the only Source of life, forgiveness, and salvation.

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” Jeremiah 2:13

The image of broken cisterns explains Jonah’s thought. Idols promise security, success, control, or pleasure, but they cannot grant what God gives. They are “worthless idols,” empty hopes incapable of either hearing or saving.

What are “worthless idols” today?

Modern idolatry is not always associated with physical statues or pagan temples. An idol becomes anything that receives our ultimate trust, love, and obedience instead of God. It can be money, career, political power, popularity, addictions, human approval, or even religious ritual without a living faith.

When the heart seeks its ultimate foundation in these things, it repeats the error Jonah speaks of. A person may remain outwardly religious, yet inwardly rely on something other than the Lord. That is why the first commandment is of foundational importance.

“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

Mercy is not earned; it is received by faith

Jonah’s own experience is deeply telling: the prophet himself fled from God’s calling, yet in utter helplessness, he cried out to the Lord. He acknowledged that salvation belongs to God, not to human merits or clever schemes.

“But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’” Jonah 2:9

This aligns with the central biblical message of salvation through Christ. God does not abandon those who genuinely return to Him. Ellen White repeatedly emphasized that God’s power can restore even those who have wandered far away, if only they turn in repentance and trust the Savior.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Conclusion and practical application

In phrases speaking of God as “their Merciful One,” the word “their” conveys the thought of a God who drew near to His people in His mercy, yet whom they abandoned for false hopes. At the same time, the Hebrew text reveals another facet: by rejecting the Lord, people forfeit the mercy and lovingkindness that He freely offers them.

Today, it is worth asking ourselves honestly: what do I rely on most—on God or on the “broken cisterns” of this world? Name in prayer whatever competes with the Lord in your heart, let go of that false crutch, and daily choose to place your trust in Christ. The Merciful God never turns away from anyone who returns to Him.