Job 28:20
Job 28:20 in Multiple Translations
From where then does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell?
Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
Whence then cometh wisdom? And where is the place of understanding?
From where then does wisdom come, and where is the resting-place of knowledge?
So where does wisdom come from? Where is the place to gain understanding?
Whence then commeth wisedome? and where is the place of vnderstanding,
And the wisdom — whence doth it come? And where [is] this, the place of understanding?
Where then does wisdom come from? Where is the place of understanding?
Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
“So, where does wisdom come from? Where can we find out how to truly understand things?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 28:20
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 28:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְֽ֭/הַ/חָכְמָה
מֵ/אַ֣יִן
תָּב֑וֹא
וְ/אֵ֥י
זֶ֝֗ה
מְק֣וֹם
בִּינָֽה
וְֽ֭/הַ/חָכְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Conj | Art | N-fs
מֵ/אַ֣יִן
ʼayin
H370
where?
Prep | Part
תָּב֑וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וְ/אֵ֥י
ʼay
H335
where?
Conj | Part
זֶ֝֗ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
מְק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms
בִּינָֽה
bîynâh
H998
understanding
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 28:20
וְֽ֭/הַ/חָכְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Conj | Art | N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
מֵ/אַ֣יִן
ʼayin
H370
"where?"
Prep | Part
Ayin is a Hebrew word that means 'where' or 'whence'. It's used in many Bible verses, including Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13, to ask about a location or origin.
Definition: where?, whence?
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: whence, where. See also: Genesis 29:4; 2 Kings 20:14; Psalms 121:1.
תָּב֑וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וְ/אֵ֥י
ʼay
H335
"where?"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for where or how, used to ask questions about location or method, as seen in various Bible translations, including how, what, or which way.
Definition: 1) whereto ?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). See also: Genesis 3:9; Job 2:2; Proverbs 31:4.
זֶ֝֗ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
מְק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
בִּינָֽה
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means understanding or discernment, like having wisdom or knowledge. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms, guiding people to make good decisions.
Definition: 1) understanding, discernment 1a) act 1b) faculty 1c) object 1d) personified Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. See also: Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 1:2.
Study Notes — Job 28:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 28:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 28:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 28:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 28:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 28:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 28:20
- Cambridge Bible on Job 28:20
- Barnes' Notes on Job 28:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 28:20
- Sermons on Job 28:20
Context — Where Can Wisdom Be Found?
18Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
19Topaz from Cush cannot compare to it, nor can it be valued in pure gold.
20From where, then, does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell?
21It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air. 22Abaddon and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor about it.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 28:12 | But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? |
| 2 | James 1:5 | Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. |
| 3 | James 1:17 | Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. |
| 4 | Job 28:28 | And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” |
| 5 | Job 28:23 | But God understands its way, and He knows its place. |
| 6 | Proverbs 2:6 | For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 7:23–24 | All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me. What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it? |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 2:6–15 | Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. |
Job 28:20 Summary
This verse asks a profound question about the source and location of true wisdom and understanding. It's highlighting that wisdom is not something you can buy or find just anywhere, as it's more valuable than any precious stone, as seen in the preceding verses. To find wisdom, we need to look beyond earthly means and material wealth, and instead, seek it from God, who is the ultimate source of wisdom, as taught in Proverbs 2:6 and Jeremiah 10:12. By recognizing the elusiveness of wisdom and understanding, we are reminded to humble ourselves and seek God's guidance, as encouraged in Psalm 25:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main question being asked in Job 28:20?
The main question being asked is about the origin and dwelling place of wisdom and understanding, emphasizing the elusiveness of true wisdom, as also seen in Proverbs 2:6 and Jeremiah 10:12.
Is wisdom something that can be bought or acquired through material means?
According to the context provided in Job 28:18-19, wisdom is beyond material value, surpassing the worth of precious stones like rubies and topaz, indicating that it cannot be acquired through wealth or earthly means, a concept also reflected in Psalm 119:72.
How does this verse relate to the search for meaning and understanding in life?
This verse highlights the mystery and hiddenness of true wisdom and understanding, suggesting that it is not something that can be easily found or understood through human efforts alone, but rather requires a deeper, spiritual insight, as hinted in 1 Corinthians 2:14.
What does the Bible say about the ultimate source of wisdom?
The Bible teaches that true wisdom comes from God, as stated in Job 28:28 and Proverbs 9:10, emphasizing the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, a principle that guides the believer's pursuit of understanding and knowledge, as seen in Psalm 111:10.
Reflection Questions
- What does my life reveal about where I am looking for wisdom and understanding?
- How do I distinguish between worldly wisdom and the wisdom that comes from above, as mentioned in James 3:17?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord to gain true wisdom, as advised in Proverbs 1:7?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's wisdom and understanding, and how can I apply the principles found in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Job 28:20
Whence then cometh wisdom? and where [is] the place of understanding?] The same questions as in Job 28:12; repeated to set forth the superior excellency of wisdom, and to carry on the discourse, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 28:20
Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? Job 28:12 repeated with great force.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 28:20
Where this precious treasure lies, and whence a man may fetch it.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 28:20
Job 28:20 Whence then cometh wisdom? and where [is] the place of understanding?Ver. 20. Whence then cometh wisdom? &c.] q.d. Nowhere surely is she to be found but with God, the fountain of wisdom, Job 28:23. To seek her elsewhere is but laborious loss of time; witness the philosophers’ anxious, but bootless, disquisitions after the summum bonum, the true blessedness or chief good; about which there were eight various opinions, and yet all out.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 28:20
Verse 20. Whence then cometh wisdom?] Nearly the same words as in Job 28:12, where see the note.
Cambridge Bible on Job 28:20
20–22. The preceding verses indicated that Wisdom cannot be acquired by man though he should bid for it the most precious things that he possesses, in other words that it is unattainable; these verses state that idea again explicitly. The question Job 28:20 implies a negative answer—nowhere by man.
Barnes' Notes on Job 28:20
Whence then cometh wisdom? - This question is now repeated from Job 28:12, in order to give it greater emphasis.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 28:20
20. Whence… cometh wisdom — Job repeats his question that he may, if possible, enforce a reply.
Sermons on Job 28:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Get Understanding by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding above material possessions, highlighting how often we prioritize acquiring things over gaining true unders |
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Aaron's Failure by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her pa |
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Deeper Waters - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound depth of the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on the themes of sanctification and the nature of Jesus as both divine and human. He ar |
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Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl |
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love - a Personal Journey by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the presence of God, seeking His beauty, and abiding in Him as the ultimate source of strength and peace. It highlights the nee |
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Book of James by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and not being enticed away by worldly distractions. He highlights the book of James as a powerful c |
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The Danger of Pharisaism by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Luke chapter twelve, verse forty-five, which talks about a slave who becomes abusive towards other slaves because he believes his master wil |