Jonah and the Great Fish

[GratiaCorpusChristi]

Hi.

Is anybody familiar with the interpretation that 'great fish' is simply a n ancient nautical terms for a particurally strong current, and that there is no actual animal in the text at all?

Does anybody know of any specific examples where 'great fish' is used as a nautical term for a violent current in antiquity?

Thanks.

 

[Beasley]

No, the Hebrew according to Strong's just means fish. The root word means to cover over. And the word for belly means internal organs, intestines, the womb, the external belly, but also a place of emotion or distress.

 

[GratiaCorpusChristi]

No, the Hebrew according to Strong's just means fish.

Oh, of course, naturally.

No, I'm just wondering if 'great fish' was an ancient nautical term for a strong seaside current the way 'crafty fox' denotes a sneeky person and not an animal.

Seems to make sense given Jonah's praise to the Lord in 2:3 that seems to indicate he was rescued from water and mortal danger (belly of Sheol) and not an actual aquatic monster.

 

[Zeena]

Sheol is just the Hebrew term for the grave.. As in, six foot under-haha

Yes, Jonah was rescued from certain death!