Now the word of Yahweh came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,
The word Jonah means "dove," the same "being a symbol of Israel,"[7] and thus a most appropriate name for one whose life in this record must be seen as a typical prophecy of the future fate of Israel.  The word "Amittai" means truth.  This word comes from the root of the Hebrew term which gives us "Amen"; thus, "Jonah son of Amittai means `mourning dove, son of truth.'"[8]