A Hebrew name meaning 'dove'; biblical prophet known for being swallowed by a whale.
From Hebrew Yonah meaning 'dove.' The name passed through Greek Ionas and Latin Jonas into English. The biblical Jonas (Jonah) story became a symbol of redemption and second chances.
The story of Jonah and the whale is actually mistranslated - the Hebrew text says 'great fish,' not whale. This tale of a reluctant prophet who tried to flee from God's call has inspired countless works of literature, including Herman Melville's Moby Dick.
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