Job 28:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

No mention {H2142} shall be made of coral {H7215}, or of pearls {H1378}: for the price {H4901} of wisdom {H2451} is above rubies {H6443}.

Complete Jewish Bible

let alone coral or crystal; for indeed, the price of wisdom is above that of pearls.

Berean Standard Bible

Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.

American Standard Version

No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal: Yea, the price of wisdom is above rubies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 28:18 stands as a powerful declaration within a profound poetic interlude, asserting the unparalleled and transcendent value of true wisdom. By dismissing the mention of even the most exotic and coveted earthly treasures like coral and pearls, and explicitly stating that wisdom's worth far surpasses that of rubies, the verse underscores wisdom's inestimable nature, positioning it as the most precious commodity, unattainable through human effort or material exchange.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 28 of Job functions as a magnificent poetic interlude, distinct from the preceding and subsequent dialogues between Job and his friends. It serves as a majestic hymn to wisdom, shifting the narrative focus from the problem of suffering to the mystery and inaccessibility of divine wisdom. The chapter vividly describes humanity's extraordinary ingenuity and relentless effort in mining the earth's deepest recesses for precious metals and stones—gold, silver, iron, copper, and sapphires are all extracted from hidden veins. Yet, despite this remarkable human capability to discover and extract material wealth from the darkest places, the chapter emphatically concludes that wisdom remains elusive, its "path" unknown to even the keenest bird of prey or the most diligent miner. This sets the stage for God's climactic speeches in chapters 38-41, where He reveals His own incomprehensible wisdom in creation and governance, ultimately highlighting that true wisdom originates solely with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, precious stones and metals were not merely symbols of wealth but also held significant cultural and religious value, often used in royal regalia, temple adornments, and as a measure of a nation's prosperity. Mining was a dangerous and arduous enterprise, requiring immense skill and labor, making the discovery of rare gems like rubies, coral, and pearls highly prized. Coral (likely red coral from the Red Sea or Mediterranean) and pearls (from coastal waters) were exotic imports, signifying luxury and far-reaching trade networks. The mention of these specific treasures would have immediately conveyed immense value to Job's original audience, making the subsequent declaration about wisdom's superior worth all the more impactful. The concept of "wisdom" (`chokmah`) itself was deeply embedded in ancient Semitic cultures, encompassing not just intellectual knowledge but also practical skill, moral discernment, and a profound understanding of life's principles, often linked to divine revelation.
* **Key Themes:** Job 28:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and the broader wisdom literature. Firstly, it champions **The Transcendent Value of Wisdom**, declaring its worth to be incomparable to any earthly commodity, no matter how rare or beautiful. This hyperbole underscores that material wealth, which humanity expends so much effort to acquire, pales in comparison to genuine understanding and insight. Secondly, the chapter, including this verse, subtly but profoundly points to **Wisdom's Divine Origin**. While human ingenuity can unearth earthly treasures, wisdom's source is not found in the earth or sea, but with God alone, as explicitly stated later in the chapter [Job 28:23](/job/28-23 "Job 28:23 - God Understands Wisdom's Way"). This theme resonates strongly with passages like [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom"), which affirms that "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Finally, the verse subtly offers a **Critique of Earthly Priorities**, challenging a worldview that prioritizes the accumulation of material possessions. It redirects focus from what is tangible and perishable to what is intangible, eternal, and truly valuable, echoing the sentiment found throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life") that wisdom is the principal thing to acquire.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmah_):** This foundational Hebrew term encompasses far more than mere intellectual knowledge. It denotes practical skill, discernment, moral understanding, and the ability to live successfully and righteously in accordance with divine principles. In the context of Job, it refers to a profound insight into the workings of God's creation and His moral governance, a wisdom that is ultimately rooted in a reverent fear of the Lord.
* **Coral (Hebrew, _ra'mot_):** The KJV translates this as "coral," specifically red coral, which was a highly prized and exotic commodity in the ancient world, often imported from distant seas. Its beauty, rarity, and origin from the depths of the ocean made it a symbol of great value and luxury. The mention of coral, alongside pearls, serves to represent the most beautiful and sought-after treasures found in the aquatic realm.
* **Rubies (Hebrew, _peninim_):** This term refers to highly prized gemstones, often identified as rubies or red jewels, which were considered among the most valuable earthly possessions. Throughout biblical wisdom literature, `peninim` frequently serves as the ultimate benchmark for extreme material value, against which wisdom's superior worth is consistently measured (e.g., [Proverbs 3:15](/proverbs/3-15 "Proverbs 3:15 - Wisdom More Precious Than Rubies")). The declaration that wisdom is "above rubies" is therefore a forceful and definitive statement of its supreme, incomparable worth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls:"** This opening clause employs a strong hyperbolic statement to dismiss the value of even the most beautiful and rare treasures found in the sea. The phrase "no mention shall be made" implies that these items are so utterly insignificant when compared to wisdom that they don't even warrant a comparison or a place in the discussion of true value. It sets up a stark contrast, sweeping away all earthly contenders for supreme worth.
* **"for the price of wisdom [is] above rubies."** This second clause provides the definitive reason for the dismissal of other treasures. It directly asserts wisdom's superior value, using "rubies" as the ultimate standard of earthly preciousness. The term "price" (Hebrew: `meker`) here signifies inherent worth or value, rather than a literal purchase price, as the chapter has already established that wisdom cannot be bought. The declaration that wisdom's worth is "above" or "more precious than" rubies unequivocally establishes its unparalleled and transcendent status.

#### Literary Devices
Job 28:18 is rich in literary artistry, effectively conveying its profound message through several devices. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, evident in the sweeping statement, "No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls." This exaggeration emphasizes the absolute insignificance of these precious materials when placed in comparison with wisdom, making wisdom's value seem infinite. Closely related is **Juxtaposition**, where the verse places the tangible, material wealth of coral, pearls, and rubies in direct contrast with the intangible, spiritual value of wisdom. This sharp contrast highlights wisdom's unique and superior nature. Furthermore, the verse employs **Metaphor**, implicitly treating wisdom as a treasure or a commodity with a "price" that can be compared to other valuable items. This metaphorical language helps the reader conceptualize wisdom's immense worth in terms familiar from the material world, even while asserting its transcendence over that world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 28:18 articulates a core theological truth found throughout Scripture: true wisdom, originating from God, possesses an intrinsic value that far surpasses any earthly possession or human achievement. It is not something that can be mined, traded, or acquired through human effort or wealth, but rather a divine gift that brings understanding, discernment, and a right relationship with the Creator. This verse, embedded within a chapter that marvels at human ingenuity in extracting earthly treasures yet laments humanity's inability to find wisdom, underscores that ultimate value lies not in what we can accumulate, but in what we can discern about God and His ways. It points to a divine economy where spiritual insight outweighs all material gain, setting the stage for a life lived in accordance with God's will, which is the essence of true wisdom.

* [Proverbs 3:15](/proverbs/3-15 "Proverbs 3:15 - Wisdom More Precious Than Rubies") states, "She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her."
* [Proverbs 8:11](/proverbs/8-11 "Proverbs 8:11 - Wisdom Better Than Rubies") similarly proclaims, "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."
* [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing") exhorts, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 28:18 serves as a timeless and potent challenge to our contemporary values, urging us to reconsider what we truly deem valuable and worth pursuing. In a world often consumed by the relentless pursuit of financial wealth, material possessions, social status, and fleeting pleasures, this verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities. It reminds us that true, lasting richness is not found in what we can accumulate or display, but in the profound, God-given wisdom that shapes our understanding of life, our decisions, and our very character. Seeking this divine wisdom—which begins with the fear of the Lord [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom") and involves diligently studying His Word and seeking His guidance—offers a depth of peace, discernment, and purpose that no earthly treasure can ever provide. It empowers us to navigate life's complexities with insight, make choices aligned with eternal truth, and cultivate a perspective that transcends the temporary allure of the world, focusing instead on what truly endures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "coral, pearls, and rubies" in my own life that I might be prioritizing over true wisdom?**
* **How does my daily pursuit of knowledge, wealth, or comfort compare to my pursuit of divine wisdom?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a greater hunger for God's wisdom in my life?**
* **How might a deeper understanding of God's wisdom impact my decision-making in finances, relationships, or career?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "wisdom" is being referred to in Job 28:18?**

Answer: The "wisdom" (Hebrew: `chokmah`) in Job 28:18 refers to a comprehensive understanding of God's ways, His creation, and His moral order. It is not merely intellectual knowledge or academic prowess, but a practical, spiritual, and moral discernment that enables one to live skillfully and righteously in the world. This wisdom is rooted in reverence for God and His truth, distinguishing it from human cleverness or worldly cunning. The broader context of [Job 28](/job/28 "Job 28 - Where Can Wisdom Be Found?") emphasizes that this wisdom is ultimately divine in origin and cannot be discovered or purchased through human effort, unlike earthly treasures.

**Why are coral and pearls specifically mentioned alongside rubies as comparisons for wisdom's value?**

Answer: Coral and pearls are mentioned because they represent highly prized, beautiful, and rare treasures that were sourced from the sea, complementing rubies which were mined from the earth. This comprehensive inclusion of valuable items from both aquatic and terrestrial realms emphasizes that *no* earthly or natural treasure, no matter how exotic, beautiful, or difficult to obtain, can compare to the supreme value of wisdom. It's a rhetorical device to underscore the absolute incomparability of wisdom, covering all categories of material wealth that ancient cultures highly esteemed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 28:18, with its profound declaration of wisdom's incomparable value, finds its ultimate fulfillment and personification in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament wisdom literature often speaks of wisdom as a divine attribute or a principle to be sought, the New Testament reveals that this very wisdom became incarnate in Jesus. He is not merely a wise teacher, but the very embodiment of God's eternal wisdom. [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom") declares that "in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." For the believer, seeking wisdom is no longer an abstract pursuit but a personal relationship with Christ, in whom "are all things created, in heaven and in earth" [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Him"). The "price" of wisdom, which is above rubies in Job, is revealed in Christ's sacrifice, where God's ultimate wisdom in salvation is made manifest [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"). Therefore, the call to seek wisdom above all else becomes a call to seek Christ, for in Him, we find not only the source of all true understanding but also the ultimate treasure that far surpasses any earthly gain, promising eternal life and an abundant relationship with God [Matthew 13:44](/matthew/13-44 "Matthew 13:44 - The Parable of the Hidden Treasure").

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 3:15

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

Ezekiel 27:16

Syria [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.

Proverbs 31:10

¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies.

Lamentations 4:7

Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing [was] of sapphire:

Matthew 13:45

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

Matthew 13:46

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Revelation 18:12

The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,