Today’s post will tackle another question that the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: “Was Lot Abraham’s brother or nephew?”
Here are the two answers which the skeptic believes shows a Bible contradiction:
Jonah was swallowed by a big fish.
And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17)
Jonah was swallowed by a whale.
for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Matthew 12:40)
(Note: Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)
Here’s a closer look at whether or not there is a contradiction:
- When dealing with skeptics’ claim of a Bible contradiction it seems one can never be reminded too much of what exactly is a contradiction. A contradiction occurs when two or more claims conflict with one another so that they all cannot simultaneously be true in the same sense and at the same time.
- Looking at our passages that mention “big fish” and “whale,” we need to remember that the English translation of both verses comes from two texts that was originally written in two different languages.This should caution the skeptic in making a claim that there’s a Bible contradiction if one haven’t looked at the usage of the term lexically and the range of possible meaning for the terms used to describe the sea creature that swallowed Jonah. For instance, one way in which we can see the contradiction get resolved is if the word in one language overlap with another word in another language. Logically speaking the possibility of overlap can be that one word is more general while the other word is more specific; or both words have multiple meanings but among the semantic range they both refer to the same object. Thus in this post I will focus more on the original languages rather than our English translations per se.
- Let’s familiarize ourselves with the words in the original languages that is foundational for all that would follow. As part of the Jewish Old Testament Jonah 1:17 was written in Hebrew and the phrase “big fish” in Hebrew is דָּ֣ג גָּדֹ֔ול, with the word דָּ֣ג being the one translated as “fish,” and גָּדֹ֔ול being an adjective meaning “big, large, etc.” As part of the New Testament Matthew 12:40 was written in Greek and the word translated in English as “whale” (KJV) or “sea monster” (NASB) is from the Greek word κῆτος.
- My argument is going to be that there is no contradiction when one studies the semantic range of both the Hebrew and Greek terms being used since they both are referring to the same thing. What follows below is my argument that starts from the simple and progresses to the more technical aspect of my argument.
- One doesn’t have to pretend to be a Hebrew and Greek professor to see there’s not a contradiction in the original language in terms of the meaning of the words. The truth of the matter is, there’s a sense that the scholars between the time of the Old and New Testament would know the languages of Greek and Hebrew better than most of our contemporary language scholars since these are today “dead languages” that we don’t converse with in a day to day manner like the ancients did. We must then ask whether the religious Jews and early Christians who knew Greek saw a contradiction between the Hebrew word דָּ֣ג (what the English translated as “fish”) and the Greek term κῆτος (what the English translated as “whale” or “sea monster”)? How would we be able to find out such a thing? Sometime between the first century BC to first century AD before the dawn of Christianity Jewish scribes and scholars put together a Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament called the Septuagint. Of course they had to translate the Hebrew word דָּ֣ג into an appropriate Greek term since דָּ֣ג is found three times in the book of Jonah (in our English Bibles, it is in Jonah 1:17, 2:1, 2:10). What Greek words did they choose? They chose the Greek word κῆτος. κῆτος is the same word that is found in Matthew 12:40! Contrary to our skeptic, these scholars (who knew the language better than our skeptic does) did not see a contradiction between דָּ֣ג and κῆτος. Since the scholars behind the Septuagint was translating this for Greek speaking Jews this further reinforce our argument that a necessary contradiction of meaning between דָּ֣ג and κῆτος is unlikey lest the people reading it would have raised an eyebrow.
- We don’t have to depend upon the translators of the Septuagint to clear the contradiction. Let’s also look at the Hebrew דָּ֣ג a little more closely and note why we don’t have a contradiction.
- There is not a necessary contradiction between דָּ֣ג and κῆτος once we understand the lexical range of the Hebrew word דָּ֣ג. First off, the word דָּ֣ג can be used as a general term for sea creatures and shouldn’t be understood as merely “fish,” as we understand that term in our modern English.
- In Genesis 9:2 we read “The fear of you and the terror of you will be on every beast of the earth and on every bird of the sky; with everything that creeps on the ground, and all the fish of the sea, into your hand they are given.” Here we see that דָּ֣ג which is translated loosely as “fish” has the meaning of sea creatures in general according to the context. In Genesis 9 God is making the Noahic covenant which is a universal covenant in which the recipients and benificaries are all of God’s creatures. To capture the universal aspect of the covenant God addresses creatures in the area of ground, air and sea. Thus in light of the reference to other creatures of the ground and air is general we should also understand דָּ֣ג as referring to sea creatures in general.
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Lexicon also lists Psalm 8:9, Hosea 4:3, Zephaniah 1:3 and Ezekiel 38:20 as additional verses that are “opposed to beasts & birds” which contrasts suggests that דָּ֣ג can be used to refer to sea creatures in general.
- The point is this: If דָּ֣ג can be used as a general term for sea creatures, the thought that Jonah being swallowed by a דָּ֣ג (which is stated without the adjective “big” in Jonah 2:1 and 2:10) is not contradictory with Matthew 12:40 in which Matthew 12:40 identifies the sea creature more specifically.
- While Jonah 2:1 and 2:10 uses the term דָּ֣ג without any adjectives, it seems that with the adjective “big” דָּ֣ג can refer to a sea creature that’s a little more specific in Jonah 1:17. Obviously it is one that is be big enough to swallow Jonah who was an adult male Jewish prophet. Such a creature definitely matches the description of the Greek word κῆτος and therefore is not a contradiction.
- There is not a necessary contradiction between דָּ֣ג and κῆτος once we understand the lexical range of the Hebrew word דָּ֣ג. First off, the word דָּ֣ג can be used as a general term for sea creatures and shouldn’t be understood as merely “fish,” as we understand that term in our modern English.
- Let’s look at the Greek κῆτος a little more closely and note why we don’t have a contradiction.
- Koine Greek had more words for sea creatures than Biblical Hebrew does. Jesus’ deliberate use of the term κῆτος in Matthew 12:40 followed that of the Greek Septuagint and κῆτος is the best term to describe the sea creature in Jonah. Thus there is no contradiction.
- Besides κῆτος, there’s also the word ἰχθύς for “fish.” But ἰχθύς is often used to refer to little fish or fishes that can be caught, eaten and sold by man (see “ἰχθύς,” New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis 2:564-65). The word ἰχθύς certainly isn’t fitting to describe the sea creature of Jonah 1-2.
- In fact, if Jesus used the term ἰχθύς it would more likely to be a contradiction than if He used the term κῆτος. Thus the use of κῆτος is contrary to the skeptic’s claim of a contradiction.
- What does κῆτος mean then? They were essentially monsters of the sea. It is a term that makes it appearances in Greek mythology to refer to large sea creatures. It appropriately describes the sea creature of Jonah 1-2. Thus, Jesus used the term in Matthew 12:40 and so do others as the Septuagint attests.
- Koine Greek had more words for sea creatures than Biblical Hebrew does. Jesus’ deliberate use of the term κῆτος in Matthew 12:40 followed that of the Greek Septuagint and κῆτος is the best term to describe the sea creature in Jonah. Thus there is no contradiction.
- The contradiction before us have already been cleared. However sometimes skeptic persists to say that a whale is not a “big fish.” But we must not impose our taxonomy and specific break down of animal biology and read them unto the Greek or Hebrew text. That would be a word study fallacy. Also, language by nature isn’t always as precise and exacting; it only would be so when the need arises. We must not make the categorical fallacy of dismissing a general term because a specific one can be later used. At the same time this does not mean that since language isn’t as exact as it can be (especially at a later date), that doesn’t mean there’s no truth behind what was said for what is the referents remain the same. Don’t confuse that since a word is not as precise that must mean it is saying something false. One witness said he saw a dog attacked a man. Another person said a big dog attack a man. Still another witness says a German Shepherd attacked a man. All witnesses are telling the truth, though their language might vary with its precision concerning the referent.
If someone tells you this is a Bible contradiction, well now you know something is fishy with their conclusion.
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Thanks for the reblog!
You’re very welcome Pastor Jim 😎
Does it matter in the end what swallowed Jonah? Would the people of that time have even understood that fish, whale, and “sea monster” might not just be the same thing…i.e. a really big swimming thing that swallowed a man.
Another good one, thanks
“Does it matter in the end what swallowed Jonah? “<–That's true. Might have overkilled this one but I don't want people to "swallow" the monstrous lie that this is a Bible contradiction. Hope you have a good one on your day off, I'm off to church soon =)
Ha Jim!
People swallow camels everyday………….while they strain at gnats.
The Lord Christ Himself said it was a whale…………and the opening of Genesis says as much that God created.great whales…………….
No contradiction, as it seems a bit of sarcasm was utilized in the book of Jonah (it was a big fish I tell ya!!!)
Kinda set in stone it would seem.
Amen! I had to fish out your comment from my spam box for some reason…I’m glad I checked there.
Was there more? LOL.
Oh I wasn’t saying talking about it is a problem…sorry brother if I sounded like that
I meant people who argue all day about whether it was a whale or gush
Not you!
LOL no worries, I got your point. It is though a pretty petty thing that a skeptic would bring up when one think of the bigger picture of things. But this is an objection that I’ve actually encountered in person during campus evangelism and online…
Ok my friend…just don’t want any hurt feelings!
Thanks for the analysis, Jim. I always enjoy these critiques of alleged contradictions.
You’re welcome, I’m glad you read and commented on this. Hope you had a blessed Sunday at church?
Thanks, Jim. I hope your time at church was blessed, also. Our church definitely aims at the younger (20-40) crowd, which creates some problems and tensions for us being 60 years old. The preaching is doctrinally sound and we enjoy/appreciate the sermons but the music portion is a Christian rock concert replete with lightshow, etc. The congregation’s singing cannot be heard above the din. That grates on us at times. There’s also lot’s of technology with many video messages on the big screen but I’ve noticed over the past year that not one “older” member has ever been featured, every speaker is under 40. In their goal to appeal to the young, older people are somewhat, no, make that pretty much ignored. As we get even older it’s going to feel less and less comfortable. We may try a couple of more traditional churches in the weeks to come but as I’ve mentioned before, we are somewhere between the traditionalists and the “progressives” at our current church. Could you please say a prayer for us regarding a church family? Thanks, Jim.
I will be praying. Wow my heart broke reading this. Do you mind if I share this as a quote in a future post? I’ve been thinking a lot about those who are older and also those who are elderly in the church lately.
Thanks a lot, Jim! Yes, you may certainly quote me. My wife and I will visit a couple of more traditional churches the next two weeks and see what the Lord has for us!
I do believe there is such a thing as becoming a little too progressive. And, yes, older people are becoming ignored. My husband and I decided to go to a slightly more traditional setting with older people after trying a few churches that were ‘progressive’. Maybe I am not as young as I used to be, I don’t know. But, I think one of the great misfortunes of church in America is believing that we somehow need to make it a show just to keep young people in their seats. Loving the Lord with all of our hearts and walking in the fear of God should not require such extremes, especially if our hearts are truly sincere. I guess that is just my perspective. May God bless your desire to have a church family that nurtures your faith walk.
Thanks so much for your understanding comments. I imagine many of the seniors and near-seniors at our church feel the same way but don’t want to be “negative.” I’m aware of how many evangelical pastors are trying to emulate the Warren/Hybels/Drucker model of church growth – turn it into a rock concert with coffee bars where the doctrine doesn’t get too heavy and they will come. I realize the days of hymnals, organs, and choirs in robes is fading quickly (much of that formality I could also do without) but the pandering to millennials has gone to extremes by, as you say, “making it a show.”
You know I feel the same with you that the church ought not to cater to young people to the detriment of the rest of the body of Christ and I say this as a Millennial myself! I have seen the ungodly fruit it has produced in campus ministries I was apart of when I was younger and how it can be quite shallow for some attending in the audiences. I pastor a church with many young people and a lot of elderly since we are a small church and from time to time I preach to those who are young to grow in their goal of being mature and grow up in Christ! Its a frequent theme I try to take with me as I preach often for youth confrences and events. Thanks sister for this encouraging comment to our brother Tom! It encouraged me to keep all generations in mind when I minister.
I agree… God made it so simple a child can doo it… instead we are feeding the flesh instead of the spirit of man… no wonder the younger generation is running around to and fro trying to find something to satisfy their spiritual hunger they just don’t know it? The Word sells itself… doesn’t need bells and whistles… ice cream with whip cream and cherries on top! That junk food that does not last… they need MEAT! who will be the first to give the youth spiritual MEAT they are craving …
I feel your pain… I can not find a church that is not full of rock and roll entertainment instead of true worship… I enjoy my own worship service with God.. I get to choose what music how long and how He wants to speak and move in me and through me…It has been life altering experience… I t is a Most Holy Place… where I meet with God and just love on him praise him and don’t have to put up with church leaders putting God back in the box before he even has a chance to speak heal or move upon the people to change lives and set captives free… Churches have always put God on a time limit… they have an appointment with a buffet table waiting for them… so their god is their stomach????
Sometimes, I truly wish it was fundamental to include Greek, Latin, and Hebrew with Bible teachings.
yes and amen…The Holy Spirit led me to this several years ago I have quite a bit of teaching on my blog from the Hebrew… This is what the Holy Spirit taught me and I am in awe and wonder of his simplicity and yet such intricate details that all things are interconnected spirit, soul and body!
Glad for you visiting our blog!
So cool you know Hebrew
That would be a wonderful idea to implement!
There can be no true bible other than the original Hebrew old testament….greek Newtestament is incomplete set of letters excluding other important letters…it is sad today people think they know bible by reading in their languages that lack the characteristics of Hebrew and greek languages and alphabets….We only get to know 10-20 percent of what is written in the original bible if we have studied in our languages especially english and guess what?? the bible translated in other languages refer to english ones rather than original greek and hebrew…the meanings also gets diverted..creating more contradiction and controversies.
Amen! new to blogging I am glad He lead me to seek and find… The Holy Spirit led me to seek truth from the original Hebrew teaching… He started with the Aleph-Bet… preschool and has taken me into such greater mysteries through prophetic words, dreams, visions and unusual words of knowledge. I have been blessed to know Him as He is… Glad he resurrected me from … you know what! Half truths are still a lie! by the way I like the Name… I am ever so slowing learning Hebrew and I am amazed by its mysteries meanings and pictures all wrapped up in one!
thats awesome…
[…] Was Jonah swallowed by a fish or a whale? […]
I had a free moment and found myself on your blog, Slim…and I see I was preceded here by a fan of mine. Funny.
Anyway, thanks for the good work you’ve done on this.
It’s a helpful reminder, and I personally think that when Jonah went overboard, God released the Kraken.
I bet a Kraken could eat Jonah, and the sailors, and the boat.
I say that jokingly, but there’s a full possibility that God released some sort of sea creature that doesn’t even exist anymore. He may have had some sort of super leviathan beast that was created for the very purpose of swallowing Jonah and keeping him alive (or not, it’s possible, though arguable, that he died and was resurrected too…) and has since gone extinct.
Sadly, we’ll never know.
Good news is that we don’t need to know!
Thanks Lyndon for your comment. Yes our little troll is still around as you can tell…I agree with you that it is good news we don’t need to know firsthand what kind of creature that could swallow Jonah! Hope you are doing well brother!
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[…] Was Jonah swallowed by a fish or a whale? […]
Reblogged this on RG's 2 Cents Studios and commented:
Hey Jim! I think this very argument is what inspired me to make a picture of Jonah being swallowed by a giant large mouth bass. 😆 It was pretty good but seems to have disappeared into old worn out computers. Anyway, megalodon was a shark large enough to swallow a man whole (they are said to be solitary hunters that preyed on full grown whales), and I’m sure there were others that could have done the same.
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Using the Skeptic Annotated Bible is worst than using Wikipedia as a source. The skeptic’s narrative about the Bible containing errors has too many plot holes.
[…] Was Jonah swallowed by a fish or a whale? […]
I googled and found your answer
These skeptics hate Christianity. This attack is irrational. I appreciate if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!