Historical context of Jonah

Who wrote Jonah, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Anonymous (about Jonah)

Date written

c. 760 BC

Original audience

Israel.

Genre

Narrative / Prophecy

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

4

Background and setting

8th-century BC Assyria.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Jonah was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Jonah or jump into chapter 1.