Job 28:16

16 It can't be purchased with choice gold from Ofir, or with precious onyx or sapphires.

Job 28:16 Meaning and Commentary

Job 28:16

It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir
Which is often spoken of in Scripture as choice gold, if not the best; (See Gill on Job 22:24); the sense is, that the gold of Ophir is not of the value of wisdom, or of the same worth with that, and so not sufficient to purchase it: with the precious onyx and sapphire: two precious stones that were in the breastplate of the high priest, of which (See Gill on Exodus 28:9), (See Gill on Exodus 28:18), and (See Gill on Exodus 28:20); but not so precious, or of such value as wisdom. Pliny F25 speaks of the onyx stone as in Arabia, near which Job lived, and who doubtless was acquainted with it and its worth, and also with the sapphire he makes mention of before, (See Gill on Job 28:6). The word for "valued" is by some rendered "strowed" F26, as goods are when they are exposed to sale; but wisdom should not be laid, or put on a level with these, though so excellent and precious.


FOOTNOTES:

F25 Nat. Hist. l. 37. c. 6.
F26 (hlot) "verbum significat sternere", Michaelis.

Job 28:16 In-Context

14 The deep says, 'It isn't in me,'and the sea says, 'It isn't with me.'
15 It can't be obtained with gold, nor can silver be weighed out to buy it.
16 It can't be purchased with choice gold from Ofir, or with precious onyx or sapphires.
17 Neither gold nor glass can be compared with it; nor can it be exchanged for a bowl of fine gold,
18 let alone coral or crystal; for indeed, the price of wisdom is above that of pearls.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.