What was the name of the father of the prophet Jonah?

Amittai was the father of the prophet Jonah. The Hebrew Bible identifies Jonah specifically as “Jonah son of Amittai,” both in the opening of the Book of Jonah and in a reference in 2 Kings.

Very little is known about Amittai himself. The biblical text does not provide a biography, genealogy, or account of his prophetic activity; his importance comes from identifying Jonah’s family background. Amittai’s name is commonly connected with the Hebrew idea of truth or faithfulness, though interpretations of ancient names can vary.

Jonah is presented in 2 Kings as a prophet from Gath-hepher who delivered a message during the reign of Jeroboam II. The separate Book of Jonah tells the better-known story of his mission to Nineveh, his flight toward Tarshish, and his encounter with the great fish. A common mistake is choosing Beeri, Iddo, or Pethuel: those names are associated with other biblical prophetic traditions, not Jonah’s stated father.