Job 28:23

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"God understands its way, and he knows its place.

Berean Standard Bible:

But God understands its way, and He knows its place.

American Standard Version:

God understandeth the way thereof, And he knoweth the place thereof.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

God^{H430} understandeth^{H995} the way^{H1870} thereof, and he knoweth^{H3045} the place^{H4725} thereof.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Job 28:23

Job 28:23 is part of a larger poetic discourse in the Book of Job, found in the Wisdom Literature of the Hebrew Bible. This particular verse is situated within a chapter that is often referred to as the "Hymn to Wisdom," which spans from Job 28:1-28. The chapter reflects on the inaccessibility of wisdom to humans, despite their ability to mine the earth and uncover its treasures.

In Job 28:23, the verse states, "God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof." This verse is a declaration about God's unique knowledge and understanding of wisdom. It emphasizes that while humans can delve into the earth to extract precious metals and gemstones, the source and fullness of wisdom remain hidden from them. Wisdom, in this context, is not merely knowledge or intelligence but a profound understanding of life and the moral order that comes from God.

The historical context of the Book of Job is somewhat uncertain, with estimates of its composition ranging from the 7th to the 4th century BCE. It addresses the perennial question of why the righteous suffer, a theme that resonates with both ancient and modern audiences. The character of Job endures severe trials and questions why he, a man who has lived a blameless life, should suffer such misfortune.

In the broader narrative, Job's friends offer various explanations for his suffering, suggesting that it must be a punishment for some hidden sin. However, Job maintains his innocence and longs for an opportunity to present his case before God. The "Hymn to Wisdom" in chapter 28 serves to underscore the limitations of human understanding in contrast to God's omniscience. It suggests that the mysteries of suffering and the secrets of wisdom are known only to God.

Therefore, Job 28:23 encapsulates a key theme of the book: the recognition of human finiteness and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and inscrutable wisdom. It invites the reader to consider the profound difference between human and divine knowledge, and to trust in God's wisdom even when it is beyond human comprehension.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.
   
2. Strong's Number: H995
   There are 162 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בִּין
   Transliteration: bîyn
   Pronunciation: bene
   Description: a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand; attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man).
   
3. Strong's Number: H1870
   There are 627 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דֶּרֶךְ
   Transliteration: derek
   Pronunciation: deh'-rek
   Description: from דָּרַךְ; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb; along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever).
   
4. Strong's Number: H3045
   There are 873 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָדַע
   Transliteration: yâdaʻ
   Pronunciation: yaw-dah'
   Description: a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot.
   
5. Strong's Number: H4725
   There are 379 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָקוֹם
   Transliteration: mâqôwm
   Pronunciation: maw-kome'
   Description: or מָקֹם; also (feminine) מְקוֹמָה; or מְקֹמָה; from קוּם; properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind); country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever).