Modern and not so modern interpretations of the Book of Jonah

Abstract

Among the prophetic Books of the Old Testament, the Book of Jonah seems to present a peculiar challenge to the biblical-theological interpreter. Its dissimilarity to the other prophetic works creates diverse problems about its classification. Consequently, this Book requires an adequate hermeneutical exercise taking into account the various literary features in this composition. The traditional view is taken first in this study. Then, Jonah, an important actor in this narrative is considered in the light of various interpretations presented by different scholars.