Job 28 6

Job 28:6 kjv

The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold.

Job 28:6 nkjv

Its stones are the source of sapphires, And it contains gold dust.

Job 28:6 niv

lapis lazuli comes from its rocks, and its dust contains nuggets of gold.

Job 28:6 esv

Its stones are the place of sapphires, and it has dust of gold.

Job 28:6 nlt

Here the rocks contain precious lapis lazuli,
and the dust contains gold.

Job 28 verses

Job 28 6 Meaning

Job 28:6 describes the incredible wealth found deep within the earth by human miners. It states that the very rocks and strata of these hidden places are a source of precious sapphires, and the earth itself contains gold not merely in nuggets, but so abundantly that it is like dust. This verse illustrates the extent of human ingenuity and labor in extracting valuable material treasures from the most inaccessible parts of the physical world. It sets the stage for a profound contrast between mankind's mastery over the material realm and its inability to discover true wisdom by its own efforts.

Job 28 6 Context

Job chapter 28 stands as a profound interlude within the dialogues of the Book of Job, a didactic poem distinct from the direct speeches of Job and his friends. It meditates on human ambition, industry, and the profound difference between the material wealth that humanity can extract from the earth and the spiritual wisdom that remains elusive to human endeavors alone. The preceding verses (v. 1-5) detail man's amazing ability to tunnel into the deepest parts of the earth, facing great dangers and overcoming natural obstacles to discover veins of silver, gold, and other precious substances. Verse 6 specifically amplifies this astonishing human achievement, presenting an even more vivid picture of the earth's rich yield.

Historically, the ancient Near East was replete with advanced mining operations, especially in Egypt and areas known for their gold, silver, and semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli (often referred to as sapphire in ancient texts). This chapter reflects a sophisticated understanding of metallurgy and mining techniques of the era, contrasting man's earthly mastery with his spiritual limitations. The poem subtly functions as a polemic against any notion that human intelligence or industrial might can independently uncover ultimate truth or wisdom regarding God's ways or the meaning of suffering. It challenges the inherent human tendency to value what can be physically attained above what is spiritually discerned.

Job 28 6 Word analysis

• Her stones: Refers to the earth or, more specifically, the deep mines and tunnels mentioned in the preceding verses (Job 28:1-5). It emphasizes the raw geological composition of these subterranean places, from which valuable minerals are extracted.

• Are the place of: Indicates an abundant, natural source or inherent location. It implies that these materials are not merely scattered occurrences, but that the very rock strata and formations constitute the matrix where these treasures are predominantly found, speaking to the immense concentration of wealth.

• Sapphires (Hebrew: sappîr - סַפִּיר): This refers to a highly prized blue precious stone in antiquity. While modern "sapphire" is corundum, ancient sappîr likely included, or primarily referred to, lapis lazuli due to its widespread availability and striking blue color. Biblically, sapphires are associated with divine glory (Exod 24:10), heavenly realms, and sacred objects (Exod 28:18). Its inclusion here signifies extreme value and beauty derived from the earth.

• And she has dust of gold:

  • She: Continues the personification of the earth or the mine as yielding these treasures.
  • Dust of gold (Hebrew: ʿăfar zāhāb - עֲפַר זָהָב): This phrase signifies an extraordinary abundance. It suggests that gold is not just found in large nuggets or veins but so pervasively that it saturates the very 'dust' or pulverized earth. This could refer to fine alluvial gold (gold found in riverbeds or gravel) or the remnants after crushing gold-bearing ore, which still possess high value. The use of "dust" contrasts the preciousness of gold with something seemingly mundane, underscoring how common it is in these deep, hidden places relative to the human effort to extract it. It also connects back to the theme of human mortality, as humanity itself is "dust."

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Her stones are the place of sapphires": This highlights the internal richness and deep, intrinsic value of the earth. The implication is that even the seemingly ordinary "stones" from these depths are imbued with, or directly yield, precious gems like sapphires, pointing to an unfathomable natural wealth that awaits human discovery through arduous labor.
  • "and she has dust of gold": This phrase completes the picture of opulence by stressing the pervasiveness of gold. Gold, the most esteemed metal, is so plentiful in these deep places that it appears as fine dust. This suggests an almost unimaginable supply, but also subtly alludes to its earthly origin and contrast with more refined forms, emphasizing that human effort is still required for its purification and utility.

Job 28 6 Bonus section

• Pervasive Contrast: This verse, along with the first part of Job 28, establishes an ironic contrast between humanity's success in conquering the natural world for material gain and its failure to apprehend wisdom, which cannot be unearthed from the ground. This masterful juxtaposition underscores the limitations of human endeavor apart from divine revelation.
• Beyond Surface-Level Value: The description of "dust of gold" elevates the earth's bounty beyond mere isolated deposits. It implies that the value is integrated into the very fabric of creation, requiring painstaking extraction and refinement, yet always present, unlike the elusive nature of wisdom.
• Divine Ownership: The chapter implicitly acknowledges that these deep earth treasures are fundamentally part of God's creation. Though man expends immense effort to bring them forth, they belong to the Creator who fashioned the earth and placed them there.

Job 28 6 Commentary

Job 28:6 paints a vivid and impressive picture of human capability in harnessing the earth's material wealth. The descriptive language, focusing on sapphires and dust of gold within the very "stones" of the earth, exaggerates the sheer abundance and the incredible skill required to penetrate to such depths. The verse, part of Job 28, serves as a rhetorical setup: it celebrates mankind's ingenuity and tireless labor in mastering the physical world to acquire its most coveted treasures. Miners journey to places unknown to any living creature, creating tunnels and overcoming obstacles to find the hidden veins of precious minerals.

However, the entire chapter pivots on a profound contrast. Despite this astonishing mastery over the physical world and its material riches, humanity remains utterly unable to locate or purchase true wisdom. The very treasures described in verse 6—gold and sapphires, regardless of their quantity or intrinsic value—are declared insufficient to acquire wisdom (Job 28:15-19). This highlights that wisdom is not a material commodity; it is not found by human effort alone, nor can it be bought with earthly wealth. The verse ultimately contributes to the chapter's overarching message: man can plumb the depths of the earth, but not the depths of divine wisdom. The true source of wisdom resides with God, and for humanity, wisdom is found in the fear of the Lord and departing from evil (Job 28:23-28). It calls for a re-evaluation of what humanity truly values and tirelessly pursues.