Job 28:14 - The deep says, ‘It isn’t in me.’ The sea says, ‘It isn’t with me.’

Generated Verse: Job 28:14

What does "Job 28:14" mean?


The verse Job 28:14, "The deep says, ‘It isn’t in me.’ The sea says, ‘It isn’t with me,’" is part of a larger section in Job 28 that explores the inaccessibility of wisdom. The overall message is that wisdom, which is ultimately identified as fearing the Lord and turning away from evil (Job 28:28), is not found in the natural world or by human effort alone.

Let's break down the meaning of the verse itself:

"The deep says, 'It isn’t in me.'" - "The deep" refers to the deepest parts of the ocean or the abyss, a place of immense power and mystery. The personified "deep" denies possessing wisdom. It suggests that even in the most profound and unexplored regions of the natural world, wisdom cannot be discovered. The deep signifies the vastness of the natural world and its power.

"The sea says, 'It isn’t with me.'" - The "sea," like the deep, represents another vast and powerful part of the natural world. It also denies possessing wisdom. This reinforces the idea that wisdom is not something that can be found simply by exploring or understanding the natural world. The sea represents also the dynamism and chaotic nature of life.

In summary, the verse emphasizes the following:

Wisdom is not inherent in the natural world. You cannot find it by simply studying nature or exploring the most remote corners of the earth.
Human understanding and exploration have limitations. Even with all our efforts to plumb the depths and understand the mysteries of the sea, we cannot uncover true wisdom there.
Wisdom is something beyond human reach in a worldly sense. It is not found in earthly realms, no matter how vast or complex.

Context within Job 28:

Job 28 contrasts the human ability to mine for precious stones and metals from the deepest parts of the earth with the inability to find wisdom in those same places. Humans can conquer the earth and extract its riches, but they cannot extract wisdom. The chapter concludes that wisdom ultimately comes from God. Therefore, the "deep" and the "sea" denying possession of wisdom serves to heighten the idea that it is not within human reach.

The verse is a powerful statement about the limitations of human effort and the transcendent source of true wisdom. It's a reminder that wisdom isn't just knowledge or understanding; it's a deeper quality that ultimately comes from a relationship with God.