The answer is: 3 days

Jonah 1:17 / 2:10 - Three days and three nights, perhaps echoing the time Jesus would spend in the tomb.

The story of Jonah is packed with drama, and his three-day ordeal in the belly of a great fish really takes the cake for wild Biblical moments! Imagine a stinky, confined space for three days – now that’s a good reminder of how persistence is sometimes forced on us, isn’t it?

This period echoes not only the resurrection narrative in the New Testament but also symbolizes transformation and second chances throughout Scriptural history. Interestingly, the "three days" motif appears consistently in different contexts. For example, Abraham trekked for three days toward Mount Moriah before being tested in Genesis 22. It's like a recurring theme of preparation before a significant reveal!

Moreover, the name "Jonah" means "dove," which surfaces in various instances across the scripture representing peace and purity often signaling hope. You can envision Noah sending out a dove after the flood looking for dry land – another timely resonance with Jonah’s desperate situation. Similarly, despite his reluctance and initial flight from one calling, Jonah eventually becomes the heart of God's message of mercy for Nineveh, a story echoing the expansive love that reached beyond the Israelites.

Lastly, should you dive into the nuances of his linguistic play, you’ll discover that the book attains a vibrant depth by juxtaposing Jonah's personal struggle against a backdrop of divine compassion for a city far from perfect, nestled conveniently in today's discussions about inclusiveness. What a whirlwind!