Jonah
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Dove”
The father of the apostles Peter and Andrew, referenced when Jesus called Peter "Simon son of Jonah."
Biography
Jonah (also rendered Jona or John) is the father of the apostles Simon Peter and Andrew. His name is preserved in Jesus' words to Peter: "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona" — that is, "Simon, son of Jonah" (Matthew 16:17; John 21:15). A fisherman of Galilee, he is remembered solely as the father of two men who left their nets to follow Christ.
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Themes & lessons from Jonah
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Jonah appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
3 verses in 2 booksMatthew1 verse
Matthew 16:17
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
John2 verses
John 1:42
And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
John 21:15
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Frequently asked about Jonah
Who was Jonah in the Bible?
The father of the apostles Peter and Andrew, referenced when Jesus called Peter "Simon son of Jonah."
What does the name Jonah mean?
The name Jonah means “Dove”.
What did Jonah do in the Bible?
Jonah served as fisherman.
Who were Jonah's children?
Jonah's children include Peter, Andrew.
Where does Jonah appear in the Bible?
Jonah is mentioned 3 times across 2 books: Matthew, John.
What can we learn from Jonah?
The story of Jonah touches on themes of peter, apostles, andrew, church (2) — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Jonah's life.
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