Job 28:15

KJV

It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed [for] the price thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

It cannot be gotten {H5414} for gold {H5458}, neither shall silver {H3701} be weighed {H8254} for the price {H4242} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

It can't be obtained with gold, nor can silver be weighed out to buy it.

Berean Standard Bible

It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.

American Standard Version

It cannot be gotten for gold, Neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 28:15 stands as a profound declaration within a poetic interlude, asserting the inestimable value of true wisdom. This verse emphatically states that wisdom, unlike any earthly commodity, cannot be acquired through the most precious metals, gold or silver, nor can its worth be measured by any material wealth. It underscores the spiritual and divine nature of wisdom, placing it far beyond the reach of human commerce or effort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 28 of Job is a magnificent poetic interlude, distinct from the preceding dialogues between Job and his three friends (Chapters 3-27) and the subsequent speeches of Elihu (Chapters 32-37). It serves as a profound meditation on the nature, origin, and value of wisdom. The chapter begins by detailing humanity's remarkable ingenuity and perseverance in mining the earth for precious metals and hidden treasures, demonstrating mankind's mastery over the physical world's depths, as seen in passages like [Job 28:1-11](/job/28-1 "Job 28:1-11 - Human Ingenuity in Mining"). Yet, despite this impressive capability, the poem pivots with a crucial rhetorical question in [Job 28:12](/job/28-12 "Job 28:12 - The Search for Wisdom"): "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" Verse 15 directly answers this, establishing that wisdom is fundamentally distinct from and superior to all material wealth that humanity can extract or possess.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, gold and silver were the primary forms of wealth and currency. Unlike modern coinage, these metals were often exchanged by weight, not by pre-stamped units, especially for large transactions. The act of "weighing" silver (or gold) was a common mercantile practice, signifying a significant and precise valuation of precious commodities. This context amplifies the verse's message: even if one were to weigh out vast quantities of silver or gold, the sheer volume of which would represent immense wealth, it would still fall short of the price of wisdom. This cultural practice underscores the absolute impossibility of purchasing wisdom, even with the most substantial earthly riches imaginable.
* **Key Themes:** Job 28:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and biblical literature. Primarily, it highlights **The Inestimable Value of Wisdom**, asserting that true understanding and discernment far surpass the worth of all earthly riches, symbolized by gold and silver. This theme is echoed throughout the wisdom literature, notably in [Proverbs 3:15](/proverbs/3-15 "Proverbs 3:15 - Wisdom is more precious than rubies") and [Proverbs 8:11](/proverbs/8-11 "Proverbs 8:11 - Wisdom is better than jewels"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Inadequacy of Material Wealth** to secure spiritual or divine truth. It draws a stark contrast between finite, tangible possessions and infinite, intangible wisdom, reinforcing the biblical principle that human effort and material accumulation cannot attain what is spiritually profound. This aligns with warnings against materialism found in passages like [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay up treasures in heaven"). Implicitly, the verse also points to **Wisdom's Divine Origin**: if humanity cannot acquire wisdom through its own means or wealth, its source must be transcendent, beyond human control and accessible only through divine revelation, as ultimately revealed in [Job 28:28](/job/28-28 "Job 28:28 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zahav'_):** In ancient cultures, gold was the quintessential symbol of ultimate value, purity, and enduring wealth. Its resistance to tarnish and its rarity made it the most coveted metal. In this context, _zahav_ represents the pinnacle of earthly treasure, the highest possible price one could imagine paying. The declaration that wisdom "cannot be gotten for gold" immediately establishes wisdom as something transcending even the most precious and sought-after commodity known to humanity.
* **Silver (Hebrew, _kesef'_):** While perhaps slightly less valuable than gold, silver was also a primary medium of exchange and a significant measure of wealth in the ancient world. The mention of both gold and silver creates a comprehensive statement, encompassing the full spectrum of precious metals used for commerce. The specific mention of "weighed" silver further emphasizes the substantial quantities involved, as large transactions were often settled by weighing out precise amounts of the metal rather than counting coins. This underscores that even an immense, meticulously measured fortune in silver is insufficient to acquire wisdom.
* **Weighed (Hebrew, _yishshakel'_):** Derived from the root _shaqal_ (to weigh), this term directly references the ancient mercantile practice of weighing precious metals to determine their exact value for trade. Unlike a fixed price, weighing implies a careful, precise assessment of a large quantity. The use of this verb highlights that even if one were to meticulously measure out an enormous, perhaps unprecedented, amount of silver, it would still not equate to the "price" of wisdom. It accentuates the immeasurable, non-commercial nature of wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It cannot be gotten for gold":** This opening clause immediately establishes wisdom's inaccessibility through material means. The "it" refers to wisdom, the subject of the entire chapter. The phrase emphatically denies the possibility of purchasing wisdom with gold, the most valuable earthly commodity. This sets a tone of absolute impossibility, highlighting wisdom's transcendent nature.
* **"neither shall silver be weighed [for] the price thereof":** This parallel clause reinforces and expands upon the first. By mentioning silver, the statement covers the full range of precious metals used in commerce. The specific detail "shall silver be weighed" refers to the ancient practice of weighing out precise amounts of metal for large transactions, rather than counting coins. This emphasizes that even an immense, carefully measured quantity of silver is utterly inadequate to meet the "price" of wisdom, further underscoring its immeasurable and non-commercial value.

#### Literary Devices
Job 28:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the assertion that wisdom cannot be bought with *any* amount of gold or silver, exaggerating the point to emphasize wisdom's inestimable value. This is not merely a high price, but an impossible one. **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, is used effectively with the two clauses: "It cannot be gotten for gold" and "neither shall silver be weighed [for] the price thereof." These two lines express the same idea in slightly different ways, reinforcing the central message of wisdom's non-material nature and its superiority to all earthly wealth. The structure creates a rhythmic and emphatic declaration. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, functions as a **Rhetorical Question** (implied from [Job 28:12](/job/28-12 "Job 28:12 - The Search for Wisdom") and [Job 28:20](/job/28-20 "Job 28:20 - Where does wisdom come from?")), where the answer is that wisdom is not found among human endeavors or treasures, but rather its source is divine. Finally, there is a strong **Contrast** drawn between the tangible, finite value of precious metals and the intangible, infinite value of wisdom, highlighting the spiritual realm's superiority over the material.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 28:15 powerfully articulates a core biblical truth: true wisdom, which encompasses moral discernment, practical skill, and a deep understanding of God's ways, is fundamentally distinct from and superior to all material wealth. This verse serves as a theological anchor, reminding humanity that ultimate value and meaning cannot be purchased or accumulated through earthly means. It challenges the common human tendency to equate prosperity with wisdom or to believe that spiritual insight can be acquired through financial investment. Instead, it points to a transcendent source for genuine wisdom, implying that it is a gift from God, accessible not through commerce but through a relationship with the Divine.
* [Proverbs 3:13-15](/proverbs/3-13-15 "Proverbs 3:13-15 - Blessed is the one who finds wisdom")
* [Proverbs 8:10-11](/proverbs/8-10-11 "Proverbs 8:10-11 - Wisdom is better than gold and silver")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Ask God for wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 28:15 offers a profound challenge to our modern sensibilities, which often equate worth with monetary value or material acquisition. In a world driven by economic metrics and the pursuit of financial success, this verse serves as a timeless reminder that the most precious commodities—true understanding, spiritual insight, and discernment of God's will—are beyond the reach of any earthly currency. It calls us to re-evaluate our priorities, shifting our focus from accumulating perishable wealth to seeking imperishable wisdom. This wisdom, as the broader context of Job 28 suggests, is not found in the depths of the earth but in the fear of the Lord ([Job 28:28](/job/28-28 "Job 28:28 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom")). Therefore, the practical application is to cultivate a heart that prioritizes spiritual seeking over material gain, recognizing that genuine fulfillment and understanding come from a divine source, freely given to those who humbly seek it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly "gold" or "silver" do I mistakenly believe can purchase true wisdom or happiness in my life?**
* **How does my daily pursuit of material wealth compare to my pursuit of spiritual understanding and discernment?**
* **If wisdom cannot be bought, what does this imply about how it *can* be obtained?**
* **In what ways can I practically demonstrate that I value God's wisdom more than worldly riches?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 28:15 mean that all money is bad or useless?**

Answer: No, Job 28:15 does not suggest that money itself is inherently bad or useless. Rather, it highlights the *limitations* of money and material wealth. Gold and silver are valuable for commerce and earthly sustenance, but they are utterly incapable of acquiring true wisdom, spiritual insight, or a deep understanding of God's purposes. The verse draws a stark contrast between finite, material value and infinite, spiritual value, asserting that the latter transcends the former. It's a statement about what money *cannot* buy, not a condemnation of money's legitimate uses.

**If wisdom cannot be bought, how can one acquire it according to the Bible?**

Answer: The Bible consistently teaches that true wisdom is a gift from God, not something earned or purchased. [Job 28:28](/job/28-28 "Job 28:28 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom") states, "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." This implies that wisdom begins with reverence for God and obedience to His commands. [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - For the Lord gives wisdom") affirms, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." The New Testament echoes this, with [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Ask God for wisdom") encouraging believers to "ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." Therefore, wisdom is acquired through humble seeking, reverent obedience, and prayerful dependence on God.

**Is the wisdom spoken of in Job 28:15 the same as intelligence or knowledge?**

Answer: While intelligence and knowledge are components, the "wisdom" (Hebrew: _chokmah_) in Job 28:15 and throughout the wisdom literature is far more comprehensive. It's not merely intellectual capacity or the accumulation of facts. _Chokmah_ encompasses practical skill, moral discernment, ethical conduct, and a deep understanding of the way the world works according to God's design. It is knowing how to live skillfully and righteously in God's world, making sound judgments, and understanding divine principles. It is a holistic, spiritual insight that guides one's entire life, far exceeding mere academic knowledge or worldly cleverness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 28:15, by declaring wisdom to be beyond the price of gold or silver, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, inestimable value of Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom. In the New Testament, Jesus is presented not merely as a wise teacher, but as the wisdom of God personified. [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the power and wisdom of God") proclaims Christ as "the power of God and the wisdom of God," and [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption") further states that God "made him our wisdom, our righteousness, sanctification and redemption." Just as Job 28:15 asserts that true wisdom cannot be acquired by human means or material wealth, so too salvation and true life in Christ are freely given, not earned or bought. The "treasure" of wisdom that humanity cannot find or afford is fully revealed and freely offered in Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are hidden all treasures of wisdom")). Thus, the search for priceless wisdom in Job finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus, who is the priceless gift of God, freely given to those who believe, offering a wisdom that leads to eternal life, far surpassing any earthly gold or silver.

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

Proverbs 16:16

¶ How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Proverbs 8:10

Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

Proverbs 8:11

For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Proverbs 3:13

¶ Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.

Proverbs 3:15

She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Proverbs 8:19

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

Job 28:18

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