King James Version

What Does Job 28:15 Mean?

Job 28:15 in the King James Version says “It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It: Heb. Fine gold shall not be giv... — study this verse from Job chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 28:15 · King James Version


Context

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

16

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

17

The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. jewels: or, vessels of


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof—wisdom is not a market commodity. The Hebrew cugar (סְגַר, "gotten") in some manuscripts, or natan (נָתַן, "given") in others, emphasizes exchange impossibility. Shaqal (שָׁקַל, "weighed") refers to the ancient practice of weighing precious metals for payment. Job asserts that no amount of wealth purchases wisdom—it exists in a different economy entirely.

This verse begins a series (15-19) listing increasingly valuable treasures, all inadequate to obtain wisdom. The progression demonstrates that multiplying earthly wealth—even to astronomical amounts—doesn't approach wisdom's value. Jesus taught this same principle: "what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36). The rich young ruler possessed great wealth but lacked wisdom, departing sorrowfully when confronted with the cost of discipleship (Matthew 19:22). Material prosperity and spiritual wisdom operate in different spheres; the former cannot purchase the latter. Wisdom comes through grace, not transaction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient economies, gold and silver functioned as universal currency. Job's assertion that these precious metals cannot purchase wisdom would shock his audience—what couldn't be bought with gold and silver? This rhetorical strategy prepares for verse 28's revelation: wisdom comes through fearing God, not through any human resource or achievement. The passage critiques both ancient and modern materialism that assumes wealth solves all problems.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does our culture's confidence in wealth's power to solve problems blind us to wisdom's different economy?
  2. What does it mean that wisdom is received as grace rather than earned or purchased?
  3. How should recognizing that 'it cannot be gotten for gold' reshape our priorities regarding career, wealth accumulation, and spiritual formation?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לֹא1 of 8
H3808

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

יֻתַּ֣ן2 of 8

It cannot be gotten

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

סְג֣וֹר3 of 8

for gold

H5458

properly, shut up, i.e., the breast (as enclosing the heart); also gold (as generally shut up safely)

תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ4 of 8
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

וְלֹ֥א5 of 8
H3808

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

יִ֝שָּׁקֵ֗ל6 of 8

be weighed

H8254

to suspend or poise (especially in trade)

כֶּ֣סֶף7 of 8

neither shall silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

מְחִירָֽהּ׃8 of 8

for the price

H4242

price, payment, wages


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 28:15 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 28:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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