Job 28 9

Job 28:9 kjv

He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots.

Job 28:9 nkjv

He puts his hand on the flint; He overturns the mountains at the roots.

Job 28:9 niv

People assault the flinty rock with their hands and lay bare the roots of the mountains.

Job 28:9 esv

"Man puts his hand to the flinty rock and overturns mountains by the roots.

Job 28:9 nlt

People know how to tear apart flinty rocks
and overturn the roots of mountains.

Job 28 verses

Job 28 9 Meaning

Job 28:9 speaks of humanity's extraordinary prowess and determination in overcoming the earth's natural obstacles to extract its hidden treasures. It describes how humans actively and forcefully delve into the hardest rocks and profoundly disturb the very foundations of mountains, demonstrating an impressive capacity for engineering and discovery in their quest for valuable minerals. This verse serves as a preamble to the chapter's main theme, setting up a sharp contrast between humanity's success in uncovering earthly riches and its fundamental inability to find wisdom's true source or value.

Job 28 9 Context

Job chapter 28 stands as a profound lyrical interlude within the ongoing dialogue of the book of Job. It departs from the direct arguments between Job and his friends, offering Job's own extended reflection on wisdom. This chapter opens by vividly detailing humanity's incredible feats of engineering and relentless efforts to uncover the earth's most hidden and precious resources—silver, gold, iron, copper (vv. 1-11). It marvels at the ingenuity and courage required for such endeavors, as miners tunnel deep into the earth, overcoming darkness and immense geological challenges. Verses 9-11 particularly highlight this physical conquest of nature.

The broader context of the book of Job explores the complexities of human suffering and divine justice, challenging simplistic views of retribution. Job's friends posit that suffering is always a result of sin, a position Job vehemently rejects, while affirming his righteousness and seeking answers from God. Chapter 28 elevates the discussion, asking: if humanity can accomplish such remarkable physical feats, why can it not grasp the ultimate truth and wisdom concerning God's ways? This sets the stage for God's ultimate answer from the whirlwind in chapters 38-41, demonstrating His inscrutable power and wisdom far beyond human comprehension. Historically, ancient societies, including those in the Near East, were known for advanced mining techniques (e.g., copper mining in Timna, silver mining) and impressive architectural feats, making Job's descriptions culturally relatable to the original audience and enhancing the awe with which these human accomplishments were viewed.

Job 28 9 Word analysis

• He puts forth his hand: This phrase (Hebrew: יָשְׁלַח, yāšlaḥ) denotes active, forceful engagement and dominion. It signifies deliberate and assertive action, highlighting the intentional and strenuous effort humanity exerts.
• to the flinty rock: The term "flinty rock" (Hebrew: צֹר, tzor) refers to extremely hard, unyielding stone. It emphasizes the difficult and resistant nature of the material that humanity confronts. It suggests perseverance in the face of daunting natural obstacles.
• he overturns: This word (Hebrew: הָפַךְ, hāpak) implies a powerful, transformative action. It goes beyond simple excavation, suggesting a complete disruption or radical alteration of the natural landscape. It reflects human capacity for monumental earth-moving and reshaping.
• mountains: Mountains are formidable, enduring features of the earth, often symbolic of stability or immovability. The action against them underscores the magnitude of human effort.
• by the roots: The "roots" (Hebrew: שֹׁרֶשׁ, shōreš) of mountains refer to their deepest, most fundamental foundations. This signifies that human efforts are not superficial; they penetrate to the very core of these massive formations, implying extensive tunneling and excavation, reaching deep underground. It suggests going to the source of the obstacle, however deep or firm it is.

Words-group analysis:

• "He puts forth his hand to the flinty rock": This entire phrase illustrates humanity's active and challenging confrontation with the earth's hardest elements. It portrays humanity as a conqueror of physical barriers, driven by the desire for what is hidden within the earth. This is a vivid picture of human labor and mastery over creation.
• "he overturns mountains by the roots": This powerful statement depicts human ingenuity and engineering prowess on an immense scale. It is a hyperbolic description of deep mining or tunneling that reshapes the earth itself. It encapsulates the extraordinary capability of humans to defy and alter the natural order to achieve their aims. This highlights the determination to overcome even the most daunting natural challenges.

Job 28 9 Bonus section

The awe expressed in Job 28 regarding human technological capability foreshadows modern industrial feats. While seemingly celebrating human power, this chapter, including verse 9, subtly acts as a humbling prelude. The incredible capacity described here (extracting minerals, diverting waters underground as in v.10) serves to magnify the ultimate message: that divine wisdom is vastly superior and completely distinct from any form of human wisdom or knowledge gained through exploration or intellectual endeavor. The implicit danger of such deep mining, including collapses and gas pockets, underscores the bravery and risks involved in this ancient profession, further highlighting humanity's drive despite perils. This verse can also be seen as a fulfillment of God's mandate for humans to subdue the earth, albeit with a focus on a very specific, intensive aspect of that dominion.

Job 28 9 Commentary

Job 28:9 presents a striking testament to human endeavor and dominion over the natural world, marveling at the persistent and forceful ingenuity applied to mining. Humanity is portrayed as not merely extracting surface minerals but profoundly altering the very topography, pushing through the hardest "flinty rock" and overturning the deep "roots of mountains." This imagery is hyperbolic yet evocative, illustrating ancient, yet sophisticated, mining techniques that involved deep shafts, tunneling, and supporting structures, as revealed by archaeological evidence from regions like Edom and Sinai. The verse underscores human determination, intelligence, and capacity to master physical challenges for material gain. It serves as a crucial setup for the core message of Job 28: if humanity can conquer the physical earth to find hidden wealth, why can it not find divine wisdom? This highlights a profound irony: the same species that can pierce mountains remains incapable of discovering the source and path of true wisdom, which lies beyond all earthly discovery and price, residing only with God.