Job 28:16

KJV

It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

KJV (with Strong's)

It cannot be valued {H5541} with the gold {H3800} of Ophir {H211}, with the precious {H3368} onyx {H7718}, or the sapphire {H5601}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It can't be purchased with choice gold from Ofir, or with precious onyx or sapphires.

Berean Standard Bible

It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire.

American Standard Version

It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, With the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 28:16, embedded within a profound poetic interlude, powerfully asserts the incomparable and immeasurable worth of true wisdom. This verse declares that wisdom transcends the value of the most coveted and precious earthly treasures known in the ancient world, including the legendary gold of Ophir, the exquisite onyx, and the rare sapphire. It serves as a climactic statement within a chapter that meticulously details humanity's relentless pursuit of material wealth, only to pivot and reveal that genuine understanding and divine insight are of a completely different, superior order of value, unattainable through human effort or material exchange.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 28 of Job stands as a unique and breathtaking poetic interlude, often referred to as a "Hymn to Wisdom," distinct from the preceding and succeeding dialogues between Job and his friends. It commences by describing humanity's remarkable ingenuity and tireless efforts in mining the earth's deepest recesses for precious metals and stones, illustrating their mastery over the physical world and its hidden riches, as detailed in [Job 28:1-11](/job/28-1-11 "Job 28:1-11 - Humanity's Mining Prowess"). However, the chapter then introduces a pivotal 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?" This profound inquiry sets the stage for a stark contrast. Verses 15-19 then systematically list various valuable commodities—gold, silver, and an array of precious stones—each emphatically declared insufficient to purchase or even adequately value wisdom. [Job 28:16](/job/28-16 "Job 28:16 - Wisdom's Immeasurable Worth"), with its specific mention of "the gold of Ophir," the "precious onyx," and the "sapphire," serves as a powerful reinforcement of wisdom's incomparable superiority to all earthly riches, culminating in the profound declaration that true wisdom is known only to God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, gold, silver, and precious stones were not merely commodities but fundamental measures of wealth, status, and power. The mention of "the gold of Ophir" is particularly significant, as Ophir was a legendary, often distant, land renowned for producing the finest and purest gold, frequently associated with King Solomon's immense wealth and grand building projects, as seen in [1 Kings 9:28](/1_kings/9-28 "1 Kings 9:28 - Solomon's Gold from Ophir") and [1 Kings 10:11](/1_kings/10-11 "1 Kings 10:11 - Ophir Gold for the Temple"). This reference signifies the absolute pinnacle of material value in the ancient world. Onyx and sapphire were also highly prized gemstones. Onyx was not only beautiful but held ritual significance, notably used in the priestly garments, where two onyx stones bore the names of the tribes of Israel on the ephod ([Exodus 28:9-12](/exodus/28-9-12 "Exodus 28:9-12 - Onyx Stones on the Ephod")). Sapphire, with its deep blue hue, was often associated with the heavens and divine majesty, even described as the pavement beneath God's feet or the likeness of His throne in profound theological visions ([Exodus 24:10](/exodus/24-10 "Exodus 24:10 - Sapphire Pavement under God's Feet") and [Ezekiel 1:26](/ezekiel/1-26 "Ezekiel 1:26 - Sapphire Throne Vision")). Thus, the verse deliberately chooses the most esteemed, valuable, and even sacred commodities of the era to underscore wisdom's unparalleled worth, contrasting the tangible, finite nature of earthly wealth with the intangible, infinite nature of divine wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Job 28](/job/28 "Job 28 - The Hymn to Wisdom") is the **Inestimable Value of Wisdom**, which far surpasses all material possessions. Unlike gold or jewels, which can be mined, traded, and exhausted, true wisdom is portrayed as divinely originated and beyond human acquisition or commercial transaction. This theme is a cornerstone of biblical wisdom literature, resonating powerfully with passages like [Proverbs 3:15](/proverbs/3-15 "Proverbs 3:15 - Wisdom More Precious Than Rubies"), which declares wisdom "more precious than rubies," and [Proverbs 8:11](/proverbs/8-11 "Proverbs 8:11 - Wisdom Better Than Jewels"), stating that "wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it." Another crucial theme is the **Divine Origin of True Wisdom**. While humanity can ingeniously unearth hidden treasures from the earth, the path to wisdom is explicitly stated to be hidden from all living creatures and even from the birds of the air ([Job 28:21](/job/28-21 "Job 28:21 - Wisdom Hidden from Living Things")). The chapter emphatically concludes that "God understands the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof" ([Job 28:23](/job/28-23 "Job 28:23 - God Knows Wisdom's Way")). This emphasizes that genuine wisdom is not a product of human ingenuity, exploration, or intellectual prowess, but rather a profound gift and revelation from the Almighty, accessible only through His sovereign will and grace. The verse also highlights a stark **Contrast Between Earthly Riches and Spiritual Insight**. It vividly juxtaposes the tangible, exhaustible, and ultimately transient nature of material wealth with the intangible, inexhaustible, and eternal nature of true wisdom. This challenges the common human tendency to prioritize the accumulation of physical assets, status, or fleeting pleasures over the pursuit of deeper understanding, discernment, and spiritual truth. The chapter, and [Job 28:16](/job/28-16 "Wisdom's Value"), calls for a radical re-evaluation of what truly constitutes ultimate value and lasting security in life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Valued (Hebrew, _çâlâh'_):** The Hebrew verb סָלָה (_çâlâh_), here in the passive voice, literally means "to hang up" or "to weigh," and by extension, "to estimate" or "to appraise." Its use in [Job 28:16](/job/28-16 "Job 28:16 - Wisdom's Immeasurable Worth") conveys that wisdom "cannot be weighed" or "cannot be appraised" against any material standard. This signifies an inestimable quality, something beyond any conceivable price tag or material equivalent. The very act of attempting to value it with gold or precious stones is rendered futile by its transcendent nature, indicating its worth is absolute and beyond human scales.
* **Ophir (Hebrew, _ʼÔwphîyr'_):** Ophir was a legendary, perhaps mythical, land renowned in the ancient world for its exceptionally high-quality and abundant gold. References in the Old Testament, such as [1 Kings 9:28](/1_kings/9-28 "1 Kings 9:28 - Solomon's Fleet to Ophir") and [1 Kings 10:11](/1_kings/10-11 "1 Kings 10:11 - Ophir Gold for the Temple"), associate it with King Solomon's vast wealth, indicating its status as the ultimate source of pure, coveted gold. By explicitly mentioning "the gold of Ophir," the text sets the highest possible benchmark for material wealth, only to declare wisdom superior to it, emphasizing wisdom's supreme and unparalleled value.
* **Onyx (Hebrew, _shôham'_):** The onyx stone was a highly prized gemstone in the ancient Near East, often used in elaborate jewelry, royal regalia, and especially in sacred contexts. For instance, onyx stones were prominently featured on the ephod of the high priest, bearing the names of the tribes of Israel ([Exodus 28:9-12](/exodus/28-9-12 "Exodus 28:9-12 - Onyx on the Ephod")). While its precise identification can be debated (sometimes associated with beryl), its inclusion alongside gold and sapphire underscores its status as a valuable and esteemed commodity, further emphasizing the vast array of precious items that collectively fall short of wisdom's true worth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It cannot be valued":** The pronoun "it" refers directly to wisdom, the central subject of the preceding verses in [Job 28](/job/28 "Job 28 - The Hymn to Wisdom"). This phrase immediately establishes wisdom's transcendent nature, asserting that no human system of appraisal or economic exchange can ascertain its true worth. It is beyond price, beyond measure, and beyond human acquisition through conventional means. The inherent value of wisdom is portrayed as absolute and incommensurable with any earthly commodity, setting it apart as uniquely priceless.
* **"with the gold of Ophir":** This clause introduces the first and most potent comparison, setting the highest possible standard for material wealth. As the purest and most sought-after gold, originating from the legendary land of Ophir, it represents the zenith of material riches and human desire. By stating that wisdom cannot be "valued with" or "purchased by" even this ultimate form of wealth, the text powerfully elevates wisdom to a realm of worth far exceeding the most coveted earthly possessions. It signifies that wisdom is not merely expensive, but utterly priceless, existing on an entirely different plane of value.
* **"with the precious onyx, or the sapphire":** These two highly esteemed gemstones further reinforce the argument, broadening the scope of the comparison beyond gold. The "precious onyx" (שֹׁהַם יָקָר, _shôham yāqâr_) and the "sapphire" (סַפִּיר, _sappîr_) were rare, beautiful, and valuable commodities, often associated with royalty, divine presence, and sacred artifacts. Their inclusion demonstrates that not just gold, but the entire spectrum of highly prized jewels, falls short in valuing wisdom. The cumulative effect is to declare wisdom's value as universally superior to all forms of material wealth, regardless of their rarity, beauty, or perceived worth.

#### Literary Devices
Job 28:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message regarding the inestimable value of wisdom. The primary device is **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration used to emphasize the immeasurable worth of wisdom. By comparing wisdom to the "gold of Ophir," "precious onyx," and "sapphire"—the most esteemed and valuable treasures of the ancient world—the text asserts that wisdom's worth is not just greater, but infinitely beyond any earthly measure. This exaggeration powerfully underscores its transcendent nature, making it clear that wisdom operates on a different plane of value. Closely related is **Contrast**, as the verse sharply juxtaposes the tangible, finite, and ultimately exhaustible nature of material wealth with the intangible, infinite, and divinely sourced nature of wisdom. This stark comparison highlights the radical difference in their respective values, challenging human perceptions of what constitutes true riches. Furthermore, the selection of specific, highly symbolic items (gold, onyx, sapphire) functions as **Symbolism**, where these objects represent the pinnacle of human desire and material accumulation. Their inadequacy to value wisdom thus symbolizes the futility of seeking ultimate fulfillment or security in worldly possessions, powerfully redirecting the reader towards a higher, spiritual pursuit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 28:16 contributes significantly to the biblical theology of wisdom, aligning it not merely as intellectual acumen but as a divine attribute and a gift from God. Theologically, it posits that true wisdom is not a commodity to be acquired through human effort or wealth, but rather a profound revelation. This challenges anthropocentric views of knowledge and emphasizes divine sovereignty over understanding. It connects to the broader biblical theme that God alone is the source of all true wisdom, and humanity's access to it is contingent upon His gracious disclosure. The verse also implicitly critiques the human tendency to idolize material wealth, redirecting focus from temporal riches to eternal truth. It underscores the spiritual principle that what is truly valuable in God's economy often defies human valuation systems, demanding a reorientation of priorities from the visible and perishable to the invisible and eternal.

* [Proverbs 3:13-15](/proverbs/3-13-15 "Proverbs 3:13-15 - The Blessings of Wisdom")
* [Proverbs 8:10-11](/proverbs/8-10-11 "Proverbs 8:10-11 - Wisdom Better Than Gold")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that incessantly promotes the accumulation of wealth, status, and material possessions as the ultimate markers of success and happiness, Job 28:16 serves as a profound and counter-cultural challenge. It compels us to critically re-evaluate our priorities and consider what we truly value. Are we investing our time, energy, and resources primarily in that which is perishable and fleeting, or in that which is eternal and truly enriching? This verse encourages a radical shift in perspective, urging us to pursue wisdom—which encompasses discernment, understanding, and godly insight—above all else. True enrichment, it suggests, does not come from what we accumulate in our earthly treasuries, but from how we understand and navigate life with divine guidance and spiritual depth. This pursuit of wisdom is not a one-time transaction but a lifelong journey of seeking God's mind and heart, leading to an enduring richness that cannot be stolen, diminished, or compared to any earthly treasure. It calls us to cultivate a heart that values spiritual truth over material gain, recognizing that genuine security and fulfillment are found in knowing God and His ways, a treasure that transcends all earthly measures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly "treasures" (material possessions, status, comfort, fleeting pleasures) might I be prioritizing over the pursuit of divine wisdom in my life?**
* **How does my daily schedule, financial allocation, and relational investments reflect my true values regarding wisdom versus worldly possessions?**
* **In what specific ways can I intentionally cultivate a deeper pursuit of God's wisdom in my life this week, seeking His perspective in my decisions and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the gold of Ophir" in this verse?**

Answer: "The gold of Ophir" refers to a legendary source of exceptionally pure and high-quality gold in the ancient world. It was synonymous with the ultimate standard of material wealth and luxury, famously associated with King Solomon's immense riches ([1 Kings 9:28](/1_kings/9-28 "1 Kings 9:28 - Solomon's Gold from Ophir")). By mentioning it, Job 28:16 sets the highest possible benchmark for earthly value, only to declare that wisdom far surpasses even this most coveted treasure. Its inclusion emphasizes wisdom's unparalleled and inestimable worth, placing it beyond any material valuation or human acquisition.

**Why does Job 28 focus so much on wisdom, seemingly interrupting the dialogue with his friends?**

Answer: Chapter 28 serves as a profound poetic interlude, often seen as the climax of the wisdom theme in the Book of Job. While it interrupts the direct dialogue, it provides a crucial theological perspective that undergirds the entire book. It shifts the focus from Job's personal suffering and the friends' flawed theological arguments to the ultimate source of all understanding: God Himself. This chapter establishes that true wisdom is not found through human exploration or intellectual debate, but is revealed by God alone ([Job 28:23](/job/28-23 "Job 28:23 - God Knows Wisdom's Way")). It prepares the reader for God's eventual appearance and His sovereign pronouncements, highlighting that only divine wisdom can truly comprehend the mysteries of suffering, justice, and the ways of the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 28:16 declares that wisdom cannot be valued with earthly treasures, the New Testament reveals that this ultimate wisdom is not merely an abstract concept but is gloriously personified in Jesus Christ. He is not simply wise, but is Himself "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")) and "the power of God." In Christ, "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")), making Him the very embodiment of the divine insight that humanity tirelessly seeks but cannot purchase. What humanity could not find or acquire with the gold of Ophir, God freely offers in His Son, a gift of immeasurable value. Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, embodies the perfect understanding of God's will and the ultimate path to true life and reconciliation. He is the one who teaches us to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")), implicitly valuing spiritual truth over material pursuits, much like the wisdom described in Job. To "gain Christ" is to gain the very essence of divine wisdom, a treasure "more precious than rubies" ([Proverbs 3:15](/proverbs/3-15 "Proverbs 3:15 - Wisdom More Precious Than Rubies")) and infinitely more valuable than any earthly possession, for in Him we find eternal life and true understanding of God ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the wisdom that Job sought, a wisdom that brings reconciliation with God and true spiritual riches that endure forever.

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

Isaiah 13:12

I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.

Ezekiel 28:13

Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

Psalms 45:9

Kings' daughters [were] among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

Exodus 28:20

And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

1 Chronicles 29:4

[Even] three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses [withal]: