Bible Dictionary
Jonas
Jonas is the Greek form of Jonah and is used in the New Testament for the prophet Jonah. Some older readings also use it for the father of Peter and Andrew, where John is preferred in later translations.
Definition
Jonas is the Greek form of Jonah and is used in the New Testament when referring to the prophet Jonah. In older readings, Jonas also appears as the name of the father of Peter and Andrew, though John is the reading adopted in the Revised Version.
Biblical Usage
Jesus referred to Jonah under the form Jonas in the Gospel passages concerning Jonah’s sign. The name also occurs in an older reading for the father of Peter and Andrew.
Historical Background
The name is identified as meaning “a dove.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1.) Greek form of Jonah (Matt. 12:39, 40, 41, etc.). (2.) The father of the apostles Peter (John 21:15-17) and Andrew; but the reading should be (also in 1:42), as in the Revised Version, “John,” instead of Jonas.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(a dove).