The story of the strange prophet Jonah is one of the most beautiful yet also one of the most challenging narratives in the Bible. By incorporating both synchronous and diachronic aspects, a detailed analysis reveals the profile and theology of this book. Important aspects include its positioning and origin within the Book of the Twelve Prophets. The fascination emanating from the Jonah narrative is rooted not least in the profound experience of a person for whom the image of God becomes obscured beyond recognition. His deep life crisis is based on the discovery that God's mercy and repentance extend even to the godless Nineveh.