King James Version
What Does Job 28:4 Mean?
“The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.”
Context
2
Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone. earth: or, dust
3
He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.
4
The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.
5
As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire.
6
The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold. dust: or, gold ore
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4*)* **The flood breaketh out . . .** is very uncertain. We may render, *Man breaketh open a shaft where none sojourneth; they are forgotten where none passeth by: i.e., *the labourers in these deserted places, they hang afar from the haunts of men, they flit to and fro. Or it may be, *The flood breaketh out from the inhabitants, even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from man: *that is, the very course of rivers is subject to the will and power of man. Those who walk over the place forget that it was once a river, so completely has man obliterated the marks of it.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 28:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.