Job 28:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Man {H582} knoweth {H3045} not the price {H6187} thereof; neither is it found {H4672} in the land {H776} of the living {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No one knows its value, and it can't be found in the land of the living.

Berean Standard Bible

No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 28:13 is a profound declaration embedded within a poetic interlude that contrasts humanity's remarkable ability to unearth precious earthly treasures with its utter inability to discover true wisdom. The verse asserts that wisdom's "price" is unknown and immeasurable, placing it beyond any human valuation or acquisition. Furthermore, it states that wisdom "is not found in the land of the living," emphasizing its transcendent nature and inaccessibility through human effort, intellect, or earthly exploration alone. This verse serves to underscore wisdom's divine origin and its exclusive possession by God, setting the stage for the ultimate revelation of divine knowledge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 28 of Job stands as a unique and beautiful "hymn to wisdom," a theological pause that interrupts the ongoing dialogue between Job and his three friends. While the preceding chapters detail Job's suffering and the friends' attempts to explain it through retributive theology, this chapter shifts the focus dramatically to a universal truth about the nature of ultimate knowledge and understanding. It meticulously describes humanity's impressive feats in mining and metallurgy (Job 28:1-11), highlighting how man can penetrate the earth's deepest recesses to find valuable minerals. Yet, immediately after this display of human ingenuity, the chapter pivots to declare that wisdom remains elusive, its path unknown even to the keenest human eye (Job 28:12). This interlude serves as a crucial theological bridge, preparing the reader for God's eventual appearance and demonstrating that only the Creator truly comprehends wisdom's dwelling place and its source, a truth reiterated in [Job 28:23](/job/28-23 "Job 28:23 - God Understands Wisdom's Way").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The descriptions of mining operations in Job 28:1-11 reflect a sophisticated understanding of ancient Near Eastern (ANE) metallurgy and engineering. Cultures like the Egyptians, Hittites, and Mesopotamians were known for their advanced mining techniques, extracting gold, silver, copper, and precious stones from deep shafts and tunnels. The "land of the living" (Hebrew: *eretz hachayyim*) is a common biblical idiom referring to the realm of human existence, as opposed to the grave or the spiritual realm of God. This phrase emphasizes that wisdom is not a discovery made within the boundaries of human life, earthly exploration, or intellectual pursuit alone. The chapter's portrayal of human industriousness in contrast to its spiritual blindness resonates with broader ANE wisdom literature, which often explored the limits of human knowledge and the divine origin of true understanding, as seen in texts like the Babylonian "Dialogue of Pessimism" or Egyptian wisdom instructions.
* **Key Themes:** Job 28:13 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Inestimable Value of Wisdom**, declaring that wisdom's "price" is unknown and beyond human valuation. It cannot be bought, bartered, or found through any human effort or exploration, positioning it as the most precious commodity, far surpassing gold, silver, or precious stones, a sentiment echoed in [Proverbs 3:13-15](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-15 - Blessed is the One Who Finds Wisdom"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Human Limitation in Acquiring Wisdom**. Despite humanity's technological prowess and investigative spirit, true wisdom remains beyond its grasp. It is "not found in the land of the living," meaning it is not discoverable through earthly means, human intellect, or worldly experience alone. This theme sets the stage for the ultimate revelation that **Wisdom's Origin is Divine**. By declaring wisdom inaccessible to humanity, the verse implicitly points to a higher source. If man cannot find it, then it must originate from a divine realm, belonging exclusively to God. This profound statement emphasizes the [divine source of true wisdom](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom"), which cannot be found through human endeavor, preparing the reader for God's speeches in later chapters where He reveals His sovereign wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Price (Hebrew, _meker'_):** This term refers to the value, cost, or exchange rate of something. In the context of Job 28:13, its usage underscores that wisdom has no earthly equivalent by which it can be valued or acquired. It cannot be bought or sold, nor can its true worth be ascertained by human economic or intellectual systems. This highlights wisdom's transcendent nature, placing it beyond the realm of human commerce and material exchange.
* **Knoweth (Hebrew, _yada'_):** While often translated as "to know," *yada'* encompasses a deeper, more experiential understanding, including the ability to discover, find, or possess. Here, it implies that humanity does not merely lack intellectual comprehension of wisdom's price but is utterly incapable of discovering or obtaining wisdom through its own efforts or explorations, no matter how diligent.
* **Land of the living (Hebrew, _eretz hachayyim'_):** This idiomatic phrase refers to the realm of human existence, the physical world where people live and operate, as opposed to the grave (Sheol) or the spiritual, divine realm. The declaration that wisdom is "not found in the land of the living" means it is not a product of human ingenuity, earthly exploration, or worldly experience. It emphasizes that wisdom's origin and dwelling place are outside the scope of human discovery and earthly boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Man knoweth not the price thereof":** This clause asserts humanity's fundamental inability to comprehend or establish the true value of wisdom. Despite all human endeavors to quantify, categorize, and acquire valuable things, wisdom remains immeasurable and beyond any earthly system of valuation. It cannot be purchased, negotiated for, or obtained through any human transaction. This immediately sets wisdom apart from all material treasures.
* **"neither is it found in the land of the living":** This second clause reinforces the first by stating that wisdom is not discoverable within the sphere of human existence or through human means. It is not a resource that can be mined, explored, or stumbled upon in the physical world. This emphasizes wisdom's transcendent nature, indicating that its source and accessibility lie beyond the human domain and earthly limitations.

#### Literary Devices
Job 28:13, within its broader chapter, masterfully employs several literary devices. The primary device is **Contrast**, setting humanity's remarkable prowess in extracting earthly treasures (gold, silver, jewels) against its utter futility in discovering true wisdom. This stark juxtaposition elevates wisdom to a status far beyond any material wealth. **Hyperbole** is also evident in the assertion that wisdom's "price" is unknown and that it is "not found in the land of the living," emphasizing its extreme elusiveness and inaccessibility to humanity. While not a direct personification, the abstract concept of wisdom is treated as something that could theoretically have a "price" or be "found," lending it a tangible quality that further highlights its absence. The entire chapter functions as a **Rhetorical Question** (implied: "Where then does wisdom come from?"), leading the reader to the inevitable conclusion that only God knows its source and path, as explicitly stated in [Job 28:23](/job/28-23 "Job 28:23 - God Understands Wisdom's Way").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 28:13 serves as a pivotal theological statement, asserting that true, ultimate wisdom is not a human construct or discovery but a divine attribute and possession. This truth humbles humanity, reminding us that our greatest intellectual and exploratory feats fall short of grasping the deepest realities of existence and the mind of God. The verse underscores that genuine wisdom originates from outside the human sphere, belonging exclusively to the Creator. This sets the stage for the later chapters of Job, where God Himself speaks, revealing His unsearchable wisdom and sovereignty. It shifts the paradigm from Job's suffering and human arguments to the profound mystery of divine knowledge, which can only be received as a gift or revelation, rather than earned or discovered.

* [Proverbs 8:10-11](/proverbs/8-10 "Proverbs 8:10-11 - Wisdom Better Than Gold")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - The Depth of God's Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 28:13 offers a profound lesson in humility and the limits of human understanding. In a world that often prizes self-reliance, intellectual achievement, and technological advancement, this verse reminds us that the most valuable and foundational wisdom—that which truly illuminates the mysteries of life, suffering, and God's purposes—cannot be generated or discovered by human effort alone. It calls us to acknowledge our intellectual and spiritual boundaries, fostering a posture of dependence on a higher source. Rather than endlessly searching for answers within the confines of our own experience or knowledge, we are invited to turn to God, the sole possessor and dispenser of true wisdom. This means cultivating a spirit of prayer, diligently engaging with divine revelation (especially Scripture), and seeking discernment that transcends mere human logic or worldly success. It encourages us to re-evaluate what we truly value and where we invest our deepest energies, recognizing that the pursuit of earthly treasures, however impressive, pales in comparison to the pursuit of divine wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our modern pursuit of knowledge and success, particularly when it relies solely on human ingenuity?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely solely on human wisdom rather than seeking God's wisdom?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater dependence on God as the source of true wisdom in your daily decisions and understanding of life's challenges?**

### FAQ
**What is the "price" of wisdom that man cannot know?**

Answer: The "price" of wisdom in Job 28:13 is not a monetary value in the traditional sense, but rather its inherent worth, its source, and the means of its acquisition. The verse emphasizes that wisdom is so profoundly valuable and transcendent that it cannot be quantified, purchased, or exchanged for any earthly commodity, no matter how precious. It's beyond human valuation and outside the realm of human commerce or discovery. This highlights that wisdom is not a commodity to be bought or sold, but a divine attribute that must be received.

**Why is wisdom "not found in the land of the living"?**

Answer: The phrase "not found in the land of the living" means that wisdom is not discoverable through human exploration, intellect, or experience alone within the earthly realm. Despite humanity's impressive ability to unearth hidden treasures from the deepest parts of the earth, true wisdom remains elusive to purely human endeavor. It signifies that wisdom originates from outside the human sphere, from God Himself, and therefore cannot be attained through worldly means or human ingenuity. It emphasizes wisdom's transcendent nature and its exclusive possession by the divine.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 28:13's declaration that humanity cannot know wisdom's price or find it in the land of the living finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. What was inaccessible to human discovery and beyond human valuation is fully revealed and embodied in Him. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the very **incarnation of divine wisdom**. [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") declares Christ to be "the power of God and the wisdom of God," and [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - All Treasures of Wisdom in Christ") states that "in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Humanity, in its earthly pursuits, could never unearth this ultimate wisdom, but God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, brought it to the "land of the living" through the person of Jesus. Through Christ, we no longer merely acknowledge wisdom's inaccessibility but are invited to partake in it. He is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")), providing access to the very wisdom of God that leads to salvation, understanding, and a life lived in accordance with divine truth. Thus, what was a profound mystery in Job becomes a glorious reality in the Christ who dwells among us.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 119:72

¶ The law of thy mouth [is] better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

Job 28:21

Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.

Job 28:22

Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.

Proverbs 8:18

Riches and honour [are] with me; [yea], durable riches and righteousness.

Proverbs 8:19

My fruit [is] better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

Proverbs 23:23

Buy the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Psalms 19:10

More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.