Job 28:13 speaks about wisdom, not a literal object. The verse is part of a larger poem in Job 28 where the writer contemplates the elusiveness and great value of wisdom. Let's break it down:
"Man doesn't know its price...": This emphasizes that wisdom is incredibly valuable, far beyond what any human can afford or calculate. It's not something you can simply buy or earn through conventional means. The "price" here represents the effort, understanding, and resources required to obtain wisdom. It's beyond human calculation.
"...Neither is it found in the land of the living.": This suggests that wisdom isn't simply discovered through everyday life, experience, or the natural world. "The land of the living" represents the realm of ordinary human activity and observation. Wisdom is deeper and more profound than what can be gleaned from these sources alone. It's not merely knowledge or skill acquired through experience.
In essence, the verse highlights the following key points:
Wisdom's Incalculable Value: Wisdom is more valuable than any earthly treasure.
Wisdom's Elusive Nature: Wisdom is not easily attained through ordinary human experience or worldly observation.
A Quest for Wisdom: The verse sets the stage for the rest of Job 28, which explores where wisdom can be found (ultimately concluding that true wisdom comes from God).
Context within Job 28:
Job 28 explores the limits of human knowledge and skill. It contrasts humanity's ability to mine precious metals and gems from the earth with its inability to find true wisdom. The poem acknowledges that humans can discover hidden resources and master complex skills, but true wisdom—the understanding of how to live a righteous and meaningful life—remains elusive.
The overall message of the verse and the chapter is a humbling reminder that true wisdom is not something humans can achieve on their own. It is a gift from God and is found in fearing and obeying Him (Job 28:28).
Job 28:13 speaks about wisdom, not a literal object. The verse is part of a larger poem in Job 28 where the writer contemplates the elusiveness and great value of wisdom. Let's break it down:
"Man doesn't know its price...": This emphasizes that wisdom is incredibly valuable, far beyond what any human can afford or calculate. It's not something you can simply buy or earn through conventional means. The "price" here represents the effort, understanding, and resources required to obtain wisdom. It's beyond human calculation.
"...Neither is it found in the land of the living.": This suggests that wisdom isn't simply discovered through everyday life, experience, or the natural world. "The land of the living" represents the realm of ordinary human activity and observation. Wisdom is deeper and more profound than what can be gleaned from these sources alone. It's not merely knowledge or skill acquired through experience.
In essence, the verse highlights the following key points:
Wisdom's Incalculable Value: Wisdom is more valuable than any earthly treasure.
Wisdom's Elusive Nature: Wisdom is not easily attained through ordinary human experience or worldly observation.
A Quest for Wisdom: The verse sets the stage for the rest of Job 28, which explores where wisdom can be found (ultimately concluding that true wisdom comes from God).
Context within Job 28:
Job 28 explores the limits of human knowledge and skill. It contrasts humanity's ability to mine precious metals and gems from the earth with its inability to find true wisdom. The poem acknowledges that humans can discover hidden resources and master complex skills, but true wisdom—the understanding of how to live a righteous and meaningful life—remains elusive.
The overall message of the verse and the chapter is a humbling reminder that true wisdom is not something humans can achieve on their own. It is a gift from God and is found in fearing and obeying Him (Job 28:28).