Job 28:13
Job 28:13 in Multiple Translations
No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living.
Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.
Man knoweth not the price thereof; Neither is it found in the land of the living.
Man has not seen the way to it, and it is not in the land of the living.
Human beings do not know the way to wisdom; it is not found among the living.
Man knoweth not the price thereof: for it is not found in the land of the liuing.
Man hath not known its arrangement, Nor is it found in the land of the living.
Man doesn’t know its price, and it isn’t found in the land of the living.
Man knoweth not the price of it; neither is it found in the land of the living.
Man knoweth not the price thereof, neither is it found in the land of them that live in delights.
Humans do not know where to find it; no one can find it here on this earth where they are living.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 28:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 28:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
יָדַ֣ע
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
עֶרְכָּ֑/הּ
וְ/לֹ֥א
תִ֝מָּצֵ֗א
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
הַֽ/חַיִּֽים
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
human
N-ms
עֶרְכָּ֑/הּ
ʻêrek
H6187
valuation
N-ms | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תִ֝מָּצֵ֗א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
הַֽ/חַיִּֽים
chay
H2416
alive
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 28:13
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
"human"
N-ms
Enosh refers to a human or mankind in general, used to describe individuals or people as a whole in the Bible.
Definition: 1) man, mortal man, person, mankind 1a) of an individual 1b) men (collective) 1c) man, mankind Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare H376 (אִישׁ). See also: Deuteronomy 32:26; Psalms 8:5; Psalms 9:20.
עֶרְכָּ֑/הּ
ʻêrek
H6187
"valuation"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a valuation or estimate of something's worth. It is used to describe the price or proportion of something, like the valuation of goods in Ezekiel 40.
Definition: 1) order, row, estimate, things that are set in order, layer, pile 1a) order, row 1b) estimate, valuation Aramaic equivalent: ar.ka (אַרְכָֿא "lengthening" H0754)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: equal, estimation, (things that are set in) order, price, proportion, [idiom] set at, suit, taxation, [idiom] valuest. See also: Exodus 40:4; Leviticus 27:15; Psalms 55:14.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִ֝מָּצֵ֗א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הַֽ/חַיִּֽים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
Study Notes — Job 28:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 28:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 28:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 28:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 28:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 28:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 28:13
- Cambridge Bible on Job 28:13
- Barnes' Notes on Job 28:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 28:13
- Sermons on Job 28:13
Context — Where Can Wisdom Be Found?
11He stops up the sources of the streams to bring what is hidden to light.
12But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell?
13No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living.
14The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ 15It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 8:11 | For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. |
| 2 | Proverbs 8:18–19 | With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:14–15 | for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. |
| 4 | Psalms 119:72 | The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. |
| 5 | Proverbs 16:16 | How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. |
| 6 | Proverbs 23:23 | Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding. |
| 7 | Matthew 13:44–46 | The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it. |
| 8 | Psalms 19:10 | They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. |
| 9 | Psalms 52:5 | Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin; He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah |
| 10 | Job 28:15–19 | It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. Topaz from Cush cannot compare to it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. |
Job 28:13 Summary
[This verse, Job 28:13, tells us that wisdom is very valuable, but people can't fully understand its worth, and it's not something we can find on our own in this world. It's like what the Bible says in Isaiah 55:9, that God's ways are higher than our ways. We need to look to God for wisdom, because it comes from Him, as we see in James 1:5, where it says if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that no man can know the value of wisdom?
This verse, Job 28:13, emphasizes the elusive nature of wisdom, highlighting that its value is beyond human comprehension, much like the vastness of God's wisdom in Romans 11:33.
Is wisdom only for a select few?
According to Job 28:13, wisdom is not found in the land of the living, suggesting it's not limited to a particular group but is universally inaccessible, as also noted in Proverbs 2:6, where wisdom comes from the Lord.
How does this verse relate to our search for meaning and purpose?
The search for wisdom, as described in Job 28:13, mirrors our own quest for meaning and purpose, pointing us towards a deeper understanding that true wisdom and value come from a relationship with God, as seen in Jeremiah 9:24.
What does the 'land of the living' represent in this context?
The 'land of the living' in Job 28:13 symbolizes the earthly realm and human existence, emphasizing that true wisdom transcends earthly boundaries and human understanding, much like the eternal nature of God's Word in Psalm 119:89-90.
Reflection Questions
- How do I currently seek wisdom in my life, and am I looking in the right places?
- What are some areas where I feel like I'm lacking wisdom, and how can I seek God's guidance in those areas?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for the value of wisdom, even when it seems elusive or hard to find?
- How does the idea that wisdom is not found in the 'land of the living' challenge my perspective on life and my priorities?
Gill's Exposition on Job 28:13
Man knoweth not the price thereof,.... The worth and value of it, what price to set upon it, or offer and give for it; nor does he know where to find an equivalent to it, or what is a valuable
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 28:13
Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 28:13
Man knoweth neither where to purchase it, nor how much it is worth, nor what to offer in exchange for it. In the land of the living; amongst mortal men that live upon earth, but only amongst those blessed spirits that dwell above.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 28:13
Job 28:13 Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.Ver. 13. Man kaoweth not the price thereof] Or, the order thereof, in what manner and method God proceedeth; no, though in other things he knew as much as Homer did, of whom one saith that he was πανσοφος, καιπανταταανθρωπειαεπισταμενος, a man that knew all human affairs; or as Aristotle did, whom some have called an eagle fallen from the clouds; or as Jerome, quem nullum scibile latuit, who knew all that was knowable; or as Bishop Andrew, whom one calleth (but how truly I inquire not) a gulf of learning. Sure it is that man, sorry man, knoweth neither the price of Divine wisdom, for it is invaluable; nor the place of it, for it is investigable; nor the order of it, for that is unattainable till we come to heaven; there being a wheel within a wheel, Ezekiel 1:16, and providence shall one day be unriddled. Neither is it found in the land of the living] That is, here upon earth, by any human wit or industry. In other texts of Scripture the time while we live in this world is called, the day, John 9:4, and the light of the living, Psalms 56:13, in opposition to death, which is called, a land of darkness, as darkness itself, Job 10:22, where they that inhabit are said to be free among the dead, Psalms 88:5, free of that company. See Isaiah 38:11. None but those that live spiritually, and have senses habitually exercised to discern good and evil, Hebrews 5:14, can see anything of the worth of this wisdom so as to seek after it as silver, and prize it above gem; for ignoti nulla cupido, men covet not what they value not. Now the cock on the dunghill knows not the price or place of this inestimable jewel, and, therefore, slights it. Those epicures especially, qui suaviter vivunt, as the Vulgate here translateth, who live in pleasure upon earth, and are wanton, James 5:5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 28:13
Verse 13. Man knoweth not the price thereof] It is of infinite value; and is the only science which concerns both worlds. Without it, the wisest man is but a beast; with it, the simplest man is next to an angel. Neither is it found in the land of the living.] The world by wisdom, its wisdom, never knew God. True religion came by Divine revelation: that alone gives the true notion of God, his attributes, ways, designs, judgments, providences, &c., whence man came, what is his duty, his nature, and his end. Literature, science, arts, &c., &c., can only avail man for the present life, nor can they contribute to his true happiness, unless tempered and directed by genuine religion.
Cambridge Bible on Job 28:13
13. the price thereof] For “price” the Sept. read way—man knoweth not the way thereof (cf. Job 28:23), i. e. the way to it, and very many commentators adopt this reading, which gives a more direct answer to the question in Job 28:12. It price be read, the phrase “man knoweth not the price thereof” does not mean that “it is too precious to be bought with money,” but that it is no article of merchandise in the markets of mankind, in other words, it has never been found and is unknown among men. This meaning is clearly expressed in the second clause, “neither is it found in the land of the living.”
Barnes' Notes on Job 28:13
Man knoweth not the price thereof - The word rendered “price” (ערך ‛êrek) means properly that which is set in a pile or row, or which is arranged in order.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 28:13
13. The price thereof — The Septuagint reads, “way thereof” which Dillmann and Hitzig follow on the supposition that it agrees better with the context. As wisdom is “the highest power in God,” so for man it is the highest good.
Sermons on Job 28:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Pt 7 the Pearl of Great Price by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being hurt by someone's negative comment about the church attendance. He contrasts the reactions of two individuals, one |
|
Jane Lead's Journal Entries: 1670-1675 by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the journey of seeking divine wisdom and revelations, symbolized by passing through three gates of difficulty and progression, leading to a place of infini |
|
Eternal Riches by Thomas Manton | Thomas Manton preaches about the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the enduring nature of God's Word. He emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal treasures over tempo |
|
The Beauty of Grace by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the beauty of grace, emphasizing the connection between grace and peace, the meaning, author, necessity, and various aspects of grace. He delves into t |
|
Epistle 273 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of being strangers and pilgrims to the world and all visible things, emphasizing the need to focus on the Creator, the Lord God Almighty, r |
|
Sunshine in the Heart by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses two teachings from Psalm 37:4. The first teaching is that the life of a believer is described as a delight in God, emphasizing that true religion is |
|
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Wilderness of Judea by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the understanding and care that Jesus has for his followers. He encourages the audience to come boldly to Jesus for strength and grace in ti |