Job 28:15
Job 28:15 in Multiple Translations
It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
It cannot be gotten for gold, Neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
Gold may not be given for it, or a weight of silver in payment for it.
It cannot be bought with gold; nor can it be purchased with silver.
Golde shall not be giuen for it, neyther shall siluer be weighed for the price thereof.
Gold is not given for it, Nor is silver weighed — its price.
It can’t be gotten for gold, neither will silver be weighed for its price.
It cannot be obtained for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price of it.
The finest gold shall not purchase it, neither shall silver be weighed in exchange for it.
People cannot buy wisdom by paying for it with silver or gold.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 28:15
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 28:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
יֻתַּ֣ן
סְג֣וֹר
תַּחְתֶּ֑י/הָ
וְ/לֹ֥א
יִ֝שָּׁקֵ֗ל
כֶּ֣סֶף
מְחִירָֽ/הּ
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֻתַּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
סְג֣וֹר
çᵉgôwr
H5458
enclosure
N-ms
תַּחְתֶּ֑י/הָ
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִ֝שָּׁקֵ֗ל
shâqal
H8254
to weigh
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כֶּ֣סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
מְחִירָֽ/הּ
mᵉchîyr
H4242
price
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 28:15
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.
יֻתַּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
סְג֣וֹר
çᵉgôwr
H5458
"enclosure"
N-ms
This word refers to something that is enclosed or shut up, like the breast that holds the heart. It can also mean gold that is safely stored away. In the Bible, it's used to describe valuable things, like the gold in the Temple.
Definition: enclosure, encasement, fine gold
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: caul, gold. See also: Job 28:15; Hosea 13:8.
תַּחְתֶּ֑י/הָ
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
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.
יִ֝שָּׁקֵ֗ל
shâqal
H8254
"to weigh"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To weigh or measure something, like a merchant weighing goods, is what this Hebrew word means, as seen in Proverbs 16:11.
Definition: 1) to weigh, weigh out, pay out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weigh 1a2) to weigh out (a price) 1a3) of grief (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be weighed 1b2) to be weighed out Aramaic equivalent: te.qal (תְּקַל "to weigh" H8625A)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: pay, receive(-r), spend, [idiom] throughly, weigh. See also: Genesis 23:16; Esther 4:7; Isaiah 33:18.
כֶּ֣סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
מְחִירָֽ/הּ
mᵉchîyr
H4242
"price"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the price or payment for something, it can also mean wages or reward. It is used in various contexts in the Bible to describe financial transactions.
Definition: 1) price, hire 1a) price 1b) hire, reward, gain
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: gain, hire, price, sold, worth. See also: Deuteronomy 23:19; Proverbs 17:16; Psalms 44:13.
Study Notes — Job 28:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 28:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 28:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 28:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 28:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 28:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 28:15
- Cambridge Bible on Job 28:15
- Barnes' Notes on Job 28:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 28:15
- Sermons on Job 28:15
Context — Where Can Wisdom Be Found?
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.
16It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. 17Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:16 | How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. |
| 2 | Proverbs 8:10–11 | Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. |
| 3 | Proverbs 8:19 | My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. |
| 4 | Proverbs 3:13–15 | Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, 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. |
| 5 | Proverbs 8:17 | I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me. |
| 6 | Job 28:18 | Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. |
Job 28:15 Summary
This verse, Job 28:15, tells us that wisdom is so valuable that it can't be bought with gold or silver. It's saying that wisdom is more precious than any amount of money or material possessions, which is a theme also found in Proverbs 3:13-18. This means that we should prioritize seeking wisdom and spiritual growth over trying to accumulate wealth or earthly treasures, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21. By recognizing the immense value of wisdom, we can focus on what truly matters in life and cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being referred to in Job 28:15 that cannot be bought with gold or silver?
The verse is speaking about wisdom, which is a precious and valuable commodity that cannot be purchased with material wealth, as seen in Proverbs 3:13-18 and Job 28:13-14.
Is it possible to put a price on wisdom according to Job 28:15?
No, according to Job 28:15, wisdom cannot be valued in terms of gold or silver, emphasizing its infinite worth, similar to what is stated in Psalm 119:72 and Proverbs 8:10-11.
How does this verse relate to our modern understanding of wealth and materialism?
This verse reminds us that true wealth and value come from wisdom and a relationship with God, not from material possessions, as echoed in Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 Timothy 6:10.
What is the significance of using gold and silver as a comparison in Job 28:15?
Gold and silver were highly valued in ancient times, so using them as a comparison highlights the immense value and worth of wisdom, which surpasses even the most precious earthly treasures, as seen in Job 28:16-17 and Isaiah 13:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have been trying to buy or earn wisdom with material wealth or earthly success?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the value of wisdom in my daily life?
- What are some ways I can prioritize seeking wisdom and spiritual growth over material gain or earthly treasures?
- In what ways can I apply the principle from Job 28:15 to my relationships and interactions with others, recognizing the infinite worth of wisdom and spiritual growth?
Gill's Exposition on Job 28:15
It cannot be gotten for gold,.... Having in general said that there is nothing in the whole compass of the terraqueous globe, nothing that is upon the surface of the earth, or in the bowels of it, or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 28:15
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 28:15
For gold; the choicest gold laid up in treasures, as the word signifies. Weighed, to wit, in the balance; for in those times money was paid by weight, not by tale. See ,10.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 28:15
Job 28:15 It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed [for] the price thereof.Ver. 15. It cannot be gotten for gold] Non emitur, nec aestimatur, it is not purchased or procured with money, as other learning may ( en precium et praestantiam sapientiae). "With a great sum obtained I this freedom," said that colonel, Acts 22:28. So may many say of their learning, they have sufficiently paid for it. Cleanthes parted with all he had for learning; Plato gave thirty thousand florins for three books; Reuchlin gave the Jew that taught him Hebrew a crown for every hour’ s pains; Jerome got his skill in that language with the hazard of his life, and held it a good bargain. But here is no such trading. See Acts 8:18-20. Fie (quoth that rich and wretched cardinal, when he saw he must die), will money do nothing? will not death be hired? may not heaven be purchased? No, no, God is no money merchant; his kingdom is not partum, wealthy, but paratum, the prepared, Matthew 25:34, his grace is gratuitous; Matthew 13:11, To you it is given (and what more free than gift?) to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God. And to you it is given, freely given, on behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, &c., Philippians 1:29.
That proud merit monger that said, Gratis non accipiam, I will not have grace or glory of free cost, could not but go without both (Vega).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 28:15
Verse 15. It cannot be gotten for gold] Genuine religion and true happiness are not to be acquired by earthly property. Solomon made gold and silver as plentiful as the stones in Jerusalem, and had all the delights of the sons of men, and yet he was not happy; yea, he had wisdom, was the wisest of men, but he had not the wisdom of which Job speaks here, and therefore, to him, all was vanity and vexation of spirit. If Solomon, as some suppose, was the author of this book, the sentiments expressed here are such as we might expect from this deeply experienced and wise man.
Cambridge Bible on Job 28:15
15–19. As the preceding verses (1–14) expressed the idea that there was no “place” of Wisdom where men could find it and from which they could bring it forth, these verses express the idea that it can be acquired by no price which men can offer for it. It is altogether unattainable. The passage may contain the additional idea of the preciousness or desirableness of Wisdom (see Job 28:18), but the purpose of these verses is not to set forth wisdom as a good or as the chief good, for which one might willingly give all that he holds most precious; the thought of the passage is that though one should offer gold and precious stones for Wisdom it cannot be procured, being nowhere to be found. That the Writer’s purpose is to express this conception mainly is evident from the refrain which closes the passage, as a similar one closed the preceding passage: But Wisdom whence cometh it? and where is the place of understanding? (Job 28:20).
Barnes' Notes on Job 28:15
It cannot be gotten for gold - Margin, “fine gold shall not be given for it.” The word which is here rendered “gold.” and in the margin “fine gold” (סגור segôr), is not the common word used to denote this metal.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 28:15
15. Gold — Hebrew, segor. Four different words are used for gold in this chapter.
Sermons on Job 28:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Listen to Wisdom by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of listening to the wisdom of God found in the Scriptures, highlighting the blessings that come to those who diligently seek and listen to wi |
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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 |
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New Years' Address, January 1866 by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delivers a New Year's Address in January 1866, emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual profit in all aspects of life. He urges readers to assess whether their |
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The Lips of Knowledge Are a Precious Jewel by John Piper | John Piper reflects on the value of knowledge as highlighted in Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding over material riches. He delves into the si |
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(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) the Cross and Our Self-Will by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of applying the teachings of the Bible to our daily lives. He criticizes the exaggerated and artificial way some preachers sp |
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The Benefits of Wisdom by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in one's life. He encourages listeners to seek wisdom and not to forsake the instructions o |
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Eternal House of Wisdom by Steve Gallagher | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building an eternal house of wisdom by submitting to God's authority, word, dealings in life, and living out wisdom. It contrasts the rewar |