LYING vanities

 Jonah 2:8

King James Version

8 They that observe lying vanities 

forsake their own mercy.

What did "lying vanities" mean?

Let's find out by turning to other Bible versions:

Jonah 2:8

Christian Standard Bible

8 Those who cherish worthless idols

abandon their faithful love,

Jonah 2:8

Common English Bible

8 Those deceived by worthless things lose their chance for mercy.

Jonah 2:8

International Children’s Bible

8 “People who worship useless idols

    give up their loyalty to you.

Jonah 2:8

International Standard Version

8 Those who cling to vain idols

    leave behind the gracious love that could have been theirs.

Jonah 2:8

New International Reader's Version

8 “Some people worship the worthless statues of their gods.

    They turn away from God’s love for them.

Jonah 2:8

New Living Translation

8 Those who worship false gods

    turn their backs on all God’s mercies.

In SUMMARY, "lying vanities" mean:

worthless idols

worthless things

useless idols

vain idols

worthless statues of their gods

false gods