Definition: So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jonah 1:6. It’s a really interesting and somewhat puzzling passage in the Bible! Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about responsibility and being humbled. It’s essentially a plea from God to someone who’s been sleeping (or not listening) and is causing trouble. Let’s unpack it word by word: “So the shipmaster came to him…” – This refers to a captain or leader of a ship. “…and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper?” - "O Sleeper" is a poetic way of saying "the one who’s been sleeping." It's a metaphor for someone who's been complacent, perhaps lost in their own thoughts or worries. “rise, call upon thy God…” – This is the core instruction. “Rise” means to wake up and answer God. “Call upon thy God” means to pray and turn to God for help. “…if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.” - This is the key part. "If so be" – this is a conditional statement – meaning only if God hears and responds, then something good will happen. “Think upon us” means to pay attention to us – to notice our situation. “We perish not” – which means we don’t die. So, what's the big takeaway? Jonah was in charge of a ship and he had been sleeping! God is telling him to wake up and actively pray to God because He wants to save his people from impending disaster. It’s a warning to be aware of your actions and to seek help when you're not listening. Why is this important? This story teaches us about: Responsibility: We are responsible for our choices and actions, especially when they affect others. Humility: It’s a reminder that we don’t always have all the answers and that seeking help from God is vital. Prayer: It emphasizes the importance of prayer – a direct and personal connection with God. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its significance within the context of the whole book of Jonah? For example, we could delve into: The symbolism of the “sleeper” How this story relates to other biblical themes (like repentance)?