Job 28 18

Job 28:18 kjv

No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.

Job 28:18 nkjv

No mention shall be made of coral or quartz, For the price of wisdom is above rubies.

Job 28:18 niv

Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.

Job 28:18 esv

No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; the price of wisdom is above pearls.

Job 28:18 nlt

Coral and jasper are worthless in trying to get it.
The price of wisdom is far above rubies.

Job 28 verses

Job 28 18 Meaning

Job 28:18 unequivocally declares that material treasures, even the rarest and most difficult to obtain, possess no value when compared to the profound worth of true wisdom. Even objects of immense beauty and expense, like coral and crystal, are deemed unworthy of mention in the same breath as wisdom, whose "price" or intrinsic value far exceeds the most coveted gems, like rubies. The verse powerfully elevates divine wisdom above all earthly wealth and human acquisition.

Job 28 18 Context

Job 28 stands as a magnificent poetic interlude within the book of Job, a hymn celebrating wisdom and its divine origin, interrupting the dialogue between Job and his friends. It describes humanity's extraordinary ingenuity and perseverance in unearthing precious minerals like silver, gold, iron, copper, and various rare stones, delving into the earth's deepest and darkest crevices. This passage emphasizes that while humans can locate and extract all these valuable, hidden earthly treasures, they cannot find wisdom by the same means. Wisdom's path is elusive to humanity and even to creatures. The verse, Job 28:18, is part of a series of declarations that demonstrate, through hyperbolic comparison with increasingly precious and hard-to-find materials (gold, silver, fine gold of Ophir, onyx, sapphire, crystal, coral, rubies, topaz), that wisdom's worth is far beyond anything the physical world offers or human effort can acquire. The poem ultimately reveals that wisdom belongs to God alone and is found by humanity only in "the fear of the Lord" (Job 28:28).

Job 28 18 Word analysis

• Coral (רָאמֹות - rā'môt): This term is often identified with precious red coral, possibly harvested from the Red Sea, highly prized for its vibrant color and rarity in the ancient world. The word itself can also mean "lofty things" or "high places," potentially hinting at objects brought from challenging or exalted locations. Its inclusion points to a highly valued commodity obtained from deep, often dangerous, watery realms, symbolizing human resourcefulness in seeking out hidden treasures.
• and crystal (וְגָבִ֛ישׁ - wə-ḡāḇîš): This word is linked to concepts of "congealed" or "solidified," like hail or ice, suggesting purity, hardness, and transparency. It likely refers to rock crystal or quartz, a highly esteemed clear gemstone. The mention of crystal emphasizes beauty, clarity, and significant material worth. Its cold, inanimate nature further contrasts with living, active wisdom.
• are not to be mentioned (לֹא־יִזָּכֵ֑ר - lō-yiṯṯāḵêr): This is a strong and emphatic negation. The Hebrew verb "זָכַר" (zakhar) means "to remember, mention, or recall." In this passive form, it powerfully conveys that these valuable items should not even enter one's thoughts as comparable, or that any attempt to put them in the same category as wisdom is futile and improper. Its significance lies in its absolute declaration of incomparability, silencing any argument for material equivalence to wisdom.
• The price of wisdom (וּמֶ֤שֶׁךְ חָכְמָ֥ה - ūmešeḵ ḥoḵmâ): "מֶ֤שֶׁךְ" (mešeḵ) can denote "worth," "drawing forth," or "possession." Here, it signifies the inherent value or estimation of wisdom. "חָכְמָה" (ḥoḵmâ) represents profound, comprehensive wisdom, often implying divine insight and moral discernment. The phrase implies that while wisdom has immeasurable value, it is not a commodity that can be bought with money or effort, highlighting its qualitative rather than transactional worth.
• is above rubies (מִפְּנִינִֽים׃ - mippənînîm): "פְּנִינִים" (pənînîm) typically refers to pearls, but is frequently translated as "rubies" in older versions due to its association with highly prized, deep red gems. These were among the most expensive and desirable jewels in the ancient Near East, symbolizing ultimate material wealth and beauty. The comparison with rubies, a benchmark of value, unequivocally states wisdom's supreme and unmatched preciousness.

Words-Group analysis:

• "Coral and crystal": This pairing brings together valuable gems, one obtained from deep seas, the other from deep earth, illustrating the comprehensive extent of humanity's successful quest for hidden, natural wealth. They signify the epitome of hard-earned and precious material possessions.
• "are not to be mentioned": This phrase serves as a striking hyperbole, asserting an infinite gap in value. It goes beyond merely stating "cannot be compared" by suggesting that even vocalizing a comparison is inappropriate, given wisdom's superior standing. It underscores wisdom's unique, non-negotiable transcendence.
• "The price of wisdom is above rubies": This statement provides the positive counterpart to the negation. After ruling out comparison with lesser treasures, it decisively positions wisdom at the pinnacle of value, using the "rubies" as the ultimate known material benchmark. It defines wisdom's worth as supreme and absolute.

Job 28 18 Bonus section

The profound declaration in Job 28:18, emphasizing wisdom's pricelessness beyond all jewels, is a crucial polemic against common ancient Near Eastern beliefs. Many surrounding cultures placed immense value on specific metals and stones, sometimes even associating them with divine power, status, or protection. The book of Job, through this poetic interlude, challenges such materialistic perspectives by asserting that the truly invaluable commodity, divine wisdom, is not extractable from the earth's depths nor attainable through human industry or material exchange. Instead, its source is singular and transcendent, residing solely with God. This verse therefore underlines not only the superlative value of wisdom but also its distinct and non-earthly origin, pointing towards a spiritual and relational quest for understanding rather than a material one. It sets the stage for the book's larger theological message that true insight comes from God.

Job 28 18 Commentary

Job 28:18 stands as a profound poetic assertion of the absolute supremacy of divine wisdom over all forms of earthly treasure. The preceding verses meticulously describe humanity's industrious and daring efforts to unearth the earth's hidden precious stones and metals, showcasing incredible ingenuity. Yet, this verse delivers a powerful rhetorical blow: even the most exquisitely beautiful and rare jewels—coral, crystal, and ultimately rubies—are utterly outclassed by wisdom. "Not to be mentioned" alongside wisdom signifies more than a mere quantitative difference; it implies a qualitative chasm so vast that any attempt to place them in the same category is meaningless. Wisdom's "price" is not a market value, for it cannot be bought. Its worth is inherent, spiritual, and divine, far exceeding the finite allure of glittering gems mined from the ground. The verse serves to redirect human aspiration from material gain to the pursuit of something infinitely more valuable and divinely bestowed, preparing the reader for the conclusion that wisdom is ultimately the fear of the Lord.