King James Version

What Does Job 28:13 Mean?

Job 28:13 in the King James Version says “Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.” — study this verse from Job chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.”

Job 28:13 · KJV

Context

11

He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light. overflowing: Heb. weeping

12

But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

13

Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.

14

The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.

15

It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It: Heb. Fine gold shall not be given for it

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Man knoweth not the price thereof—after describing mining's achievements (verses 1-11), Job pivots: "But where shall wisdom be found?" (verse 12). Verse 13 continues: humanity doesn't know wisdom's erek (עֵרֶךְ, "price"), meaning value, worth, or proper estimation. Neither is it found in the land of the living uses erets chayim (אֶרֶץ חַיִּים), literally "land of the living," meaning the realm of mortal existence. Wisdom cannot be located through earthly search or purchased with earthly currency.

This establishes wisdom's transcendence: it exists beyond creation's boundaries, inaccessible to natural discovery. Verses 15-19 will elaborate that no amount of gold, silver, or precious stones can purchase wisdom—it's categorically different from material treasure. Reformed theology recognizes this as the doctrine of transcendence: God and His wisdom exist beyond creation, accessible only through divine condescension in revelation. Proverbs 8:11 confirms: "wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it." Solomon, despite unprecedented wealth and wisdom, acknowledged wisdom's supreme value and divine source (1 Kings 3:9-12).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature (Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Edomite) emphasized human reason's capacity to discover truth through observation and reflection. Job's poem radically counters this: wisdom cannot be found through human search or purchased with accumulated wealth. This theological precision distinguished Israelite faith from surrounding cultures that equated wisdom with human achievement. The passage influenced later Jewish and Christian epistemology, establishing that revelation precedes discovery.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does modern culture assign 'price' to education and credentials while missing wisdom's true value and source?
  2. What does it mean practically that wisdom 'is not found in the land of the living'—that earthly life alone cannot produce it?
  3. How should recognizing wisdom's transcendent source humble our intellectual pride and drive us to Scripture and prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לֹא1 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֣ע2 of 8

“knoweth”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֱנ֣וֹשׁ3 of 8

“Man”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

עֶרְכָּ֑הּ4 of 8

“not the price”

H6187

a pile, equipment, estimate

וְלֹ֥א5 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִ֝מָּצֵ֗א6 of 8

“thereof neither is it found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ7 of 8

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַֽחַיִּֽים׃8 of 8

“of the living”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 28:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 28:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 3:14-15Proverbs 8:18-19Proverbs 8:11Psalms 19:10Proverbs 23:23Psalms 52:5

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