Matthew 12:38-40
“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
King James Version
Jesus citing Jonah as the sign of his burial and resurrection on the third day.
Fulfillment References
Matthew 28:6 Luke 24:46 Acts 10:40
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalJesus gives the sign of Jonah — 'as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.' His death, burial, and resurrection are the one sign He offers; the prophet swallowed and restored typifies the Lord Jesus, God in flesh, buried and risen for our salvation.
JewishJonah's deliverance from the fish is read of God's mercy and Israel's mission; the resurrection application is not part of Jewish interpretation.
CatholicJonah as the great type of Christ's death and resurrection (so the Fathers and the liturgy); the only 'sign' given to an unbelieving generation.
ProtestantA direct prediction of the three days in the tomb and the resurrection, with Jonah as type — the decisive sign of Christ's identity.
AcademicMatthew develops Jonah typology; the 'three days and three nights' has generated much discussion over reckoning against a Friday-to-Sunday timeline.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.