Job 28:16

16 It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.

Job 28:16 in Other Translations

KJV
16 It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
ESV
16 It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire.
NLT
16 It’s worth more than all the gold of Ophir, greater than precious onyx or lapis lazuli.
MSG
16 Even famous Ophir gold can't buy it, not even diamonds and sapphires.
CSB
16 Wisdom cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire.

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 is not in me”; the sea says, “It is not with me.”
15 It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
16 It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.
17 Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold.
18 Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Genesis 10:29
  • 2. S ver 6; S Exodus 24:10
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.