Bible Dictionary
Whale
“Whale” is an English rendering of words that may mean a sea monster, large fish, or serpent. In Jonah the creature is called a great fish, while Jesus refers to the event using the Greek term for a large sea creature.
Biblical Usage
In Jonah, the original text speaks of a great fish prepared to swallow Jonah. Matthew uses a Greek word meaning a large sea creature. Other passages use related terms for sea monsters, serpents, or dragons.
Scripture References