The meanings of Hebrew names can almost tell the whole story by themselves. They show how the allegory is assembled. For example: Jonah means “dove” and the Holy Spirit came down upon Jesus like a dove. Also, Noah sent a dove out to determine if it was safe to get out of the ark. Jonah’s father is Amittai. His name means certainty and truth and trustworthy –the very picture of our heavenly Father!
As you read through this story about Jonah, you might want to use this list of meanings to help put the story together.
Jonah
Means: Dove
Represents: Jesus
Amittai
Means: Certainty; truth; trustworthy
Represents: God, the Father
Tarshish
Means: Market place
Represents: Judgment
Joppa
Means: Beautiful
Represents: Jesus’ life in heaven
The Ship
Represents: Living human body
Ship Captain
Represents: Human will
Sailors
Represents: Human emotions; weaknesses
The Sea
Represents: Physical life with troubles
The Fish
Represents: A body engulfed in sin and death
Nineveh
Represents: OT Saints
King of Nineveh
Represents: Their will
People of Nineveh
Represents: Their emotions; weaknesses
The Vine
Represents: Israel
The Tent
Represents: Jesus, tabernacle (body) on earth