King James Version

What Does Job 28:18 Mean?

Job 28:18 in the King James Version says “No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. coral: or, Ramoth” — study this verse from Job chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 28:18 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

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

18

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

19

The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.

20

Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?

Read Job 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls—even naming these precious items in comparison to wisdom is inappropriate. Hebrew ramoth (רָאמוֹת, "coral") refers to red coral, highly prized for jewelry. Gabish (גָּבִישׁ, "pearls") may refer to crystal or pearls. For the price of wisdom is above rubies uses meshek (מֶשֶׁךְ, "price"), meaning acquisition or drawing out, and peninim (פְּנִינִים, "rubies"), probably referring to corals or pearls, possibly rubies. The comparison is dismissed—wisdom so transcends these valuables that mentioning them together seems absurd.

This verse echoes Proverbs 3:15 ("She is more precious than rubies") and 8:11 ("wisdom is better than rubies"), establishing a canonical theme: wisdom's incomparable worth. The repetition across wisdom literature emphasizes this foundational truth: no earthly treasure compares to fearing the Lord. Jesus commanded: "lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20). Earthly treasures—coral, pearls, rubies—are temporary; wisdom is eternal. The wise merchant sold all to purchase the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46)—Christ Himself, God's wisdom incarnate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Coral from the Red Sea, pearls from the Persian Gulf, and rubies from India were luxury trade goods circulating in ancient Near Eastern commerce. Mentioning them together represents the sum of commercial wealth. Job's dismissal—they're not even worth mentioning in comparison to wisdom—would shock an audience familiar with these items' astronomical value. The passage exposes materialism's bankruptcy regarding ultimate values.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does our culture's obsession with luxury goods (modern equivalents of coral, pearls, rubies) reveal misplaced values?
  2. What does it mean practically to 'sell all' to obtain the pearl of great price (Christ, God's wisdom)?
  3. How should recognizing wisdom's supreme worth affect our daily choices about time, money, and priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
רָאמ֣וֹת1 of 7

“shall be made of coral”

H7215

something high in value, i.e., perhaps coral

וְ֭גָבִישׁ2 of 7

“or of pearls”

H1378

crystal (from its resemblance to ice)

לֹ֣א3 of 7
H3808

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

יִזָּכֵ֑ר4 of 7

“No mention”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

וּמֶ֥שֶׁךְ5 of 7

“for the price”

H4901

a sowing; also a possession

חָ֝כְמָ֗ה6 of 7

“of wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

מִפְּנִינִֽים׃7 of 7

“is above rubies”

H6443

ruby

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 28:18 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 28:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 3:15Proverbs 31:10Lamentations 4:7Ezekiel 27:16Revelation 18:12Matthew 7:6

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