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.

In the Book of Jonah, the time Jonah spent inside that great fish—three days and three nights—casts a significant shadow over several storytelling elements found in biblical texts. It's intriguing to see how Jonah’s experience parallels other narratives in scripture, like when Jesus rose after three days in the tomb, often interpreted that way to demonstrate prophetic foreshadowing.

One fun bit of trivia: the small town of Nínive (Nineveh) that Jonah was aiming for after his rather dramatic detour is often connected to real historical findings in Mesopotamia, expanding our understanding of the time period.

Additionally, Jonah wasn’t merely swallowed as punishment for his disobedience; it's as if for three days, he had the ultimate time out where he was not only physically enclosed but also interpersonally reflective about his mission and the grace he needed to extend toward others. This reflection can elevate our comprehension of mercy and the lengths one goes to understand one’s destiny.

Furthermore, early Christian writers didn't shy away from linking Jonah’s tale to notions of resurrection. So, in this scripture, you find a beautiful interplay between judgment and grace while serving as an expansive commentary on meaningful second chances. The story reminds us that sometimes it takes being confined to think deeply about what truly matters in life—making it both gripping and deliberately poignant in its final unveiling!