Job 28:16 - It can’t be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
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What does "Job 28:16" mean?
Job 28:16, "It can’t be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire," is part of a larger passage (Job 28:1-28) exploring the inaccessibility and surpassing value of wisdom.
Let's break down what this verse means:
"It": Refers to wisdom as described in the surrounding verses. The entire chapter is a search for and meditation on wisdom.
"Can't be valued": Implies that wisdom is priceless and beyond monetary worth. You cannot purchase it or exchange it for anything tangible.
"Gold of Ophir": Ophir was a legendary (possibly real) ancient region known for its pure and abundant gold. It was considered the highest standard of gold.
"Precious onyx": Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, a form of quartz. "Precious" onyx suggests a high-quality, valuable type of this gemstone.
"Sapphire": A highly prized blue gemstone.
Therefore, the verse means that wisdom is more valuable than even the most precious earthly riches, including the purest gold from Ophir, the finest onyx, and the most exquisite sapphires. No amount of wealth can buy or equal the worth of true wisdom.
The broader context of Job 28 is important:
Verses 1-11: Detail the human capacity to mine for and discover precious materials hidden deep within the earth. It highlights human ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Verses 12-19: The passage shifts. It contrasts human ability to find physical riches with the inability to discover wisdom. It emphasizes that wisdom is hidden and not easily found. It's not in the land of the living (v.13), the sea (v.14), or acquirable through the exchange of gold, silver, or gems (v.15-19).
Verses 20-28: God alone understands and possesses wisdom. It's ultimately a gift from God, and true wisdom is defined as fearing God and turning away from evil.
In conclusion, Job 28:16 is a powerful statement about the immeasurable and unattainable value of wisdom through material means. It highlights that wisdom is beyond price and must be sought from God.
Job 28:16 - It can’t be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
What does "Job 28:16" mean?
Job 28:16, "It can’t be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire," is part of a larger passage (Job 28:1-28) exploring the inaccessibility and surpassing value of wisdom.
Let's break down what this verse means:
"It": Refers to wisdom as described in the surrounding verses. The entire chapter is a search for and meditation on wisdom.
"Can't be valued": Implies that wisdom is priceless and beyond monetary worth. You cannot purchase it or exchange it for anything tangible.
"Gold of Ophir": Ophir was a legendary (possibly real) ancient region known for its pure and abundant gold. It was considered the highest standard of gold.
"Precious onyx": Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, a form of quartz. "Precious" onyx suggests a high-quality, valuable type of this gemstone.
"Sapphire": A highly prized blue gemstone.
Therefore, the verse means that wisdom is more valuable than even the most precious earthly riches, including the purest gold from Ophir, the finest onyx, and the most exquisite sapphires. No amount of wealth can buy or equal the worth of true wisdom.
The broader context of Job 28 is important:
Verses 1-11: Detail the human capacity to mine for and discover precious materials hidden deep within the earth. It highlights human ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Verses 12-19: The passage shifts. It contrasts human ability to find physical riches with the inability to discover wisdom. It emphasizes that wisdom is hidden and not easily found. It's not in the land of the living (v.13), the sea (v.14), or acquirable through the exchange of gold, silver, or gems (v.15-19).
Verses 20-28: God alone understands and possesses wisdom. It's ultimately a gift from God, and true wisdom is defined as fearing God and turning away from evil.
In conclusion, Job 28:16 is a powerful statement about the immeasurable and unattainable value of wisdom through material means. It highlights that wisdom is beyond price and must be sought from God.