Iyov 28:16

16 It cannot be valued with the fine gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

Iyov 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.

Iyov 28:16 In-Context

14 The tehom (abyss) saith, It is not in me; and the yam saith, It is not with me.
15 It cannot be gotten in exchange for fine gold, neither shall kesef be weighed for the price thereof.
16 It cannot be valued with the fine gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
17 The zahav and the crystal cannot equal it, and the exchange of it shall not be for the jewel of gold.
18 Nor shall mention be made of coral or crystal, for the price of chochmah is above pearls.
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