Job 28:23

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

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

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

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

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

Job 28:23 is a pivotal verse within a profound poetic interlude in the Book of Job, serving as the climax to a hymn on the unsearchable nature of wisdom. After detailing humanity's remarkable ability to mine the earth for its hidden treasures, the chapter poses the fundamental question: where can true wisdom be found?

Context

Chapter 28 of Job stands out as a magnificent poem, distinct from the dialogues between Job and his friends. It describes in vivid detail how humans diligently explore the earth, digging deep into its hidden places to extract precious metals and stones (Job 28:1-11). Yet, despite their ingenuity and persistence in the physical world, the poem asserts that mankind cannot discover the source or "place" of true wisdom (Job 28:12-20). The value of such wisdom is declared to be far beyond any earthly treasure, "It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof" (Job 28:15). Verse 23 then provides the definitive answer to this grand inquiry, redirecting the search from human effort to divine knowledge.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Omniscience: The primary message is God's exclusive and absolute knowledge. While humanity can uncover earthly secrets, only God fully comprehends the "way" and "place" of true wisdom. This highlights His unparalleled understanding of all things, seen and unseen.
  • The Inaccessibility of Wisdom to Humanity: The verse implicitly teaches that ultimate wisdom cannot be attained through human exploration, intellect, or material wealth. It is not a commodity that can be bought or discovered by human means alone.
  • God as the Sole Source of True Wisdom: Wisdom is not merely known by God; it originates with Him. He is the fount from which all true understanding flows, making Him the ultimate object of pursuit for those seeking wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used here for "understandeth" (bin) and "knoweth" (yada) emphasize a deep, comprehensive, and intimate knowledge. Bin suggests discernment and perception, grasping the inner workings or essence of something. Yada often implies an experiential or relational knowledge, but in God's context, it signifies an absolute and perfect acquaintance with wisdom's nature and origin. The parallelism in the verse reinforces the completeness of God's grasp on this profound subject.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets the stage for the conclusion of the chapter, where it is revealed that "the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding" (Job 28:28). This aligns with other wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 2:6, which states, "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." It reminds us that true wisdom is not found in earthly pursuits or human cleverness, but in a reverent relationship with the Creator.

Practical Application

For a general audience, Job 28:23 offers a profound call to humility and trust. In a world that often values human achievement and intellectual prowess above all else, this verse reminds us that there are limits to what human effort can achieve. It encourages us to shift our focus from relentlessly seeking answers within ourselves or the material world to seeking God. Recognizing that God's understanding is unsearchable provides comfort and guidance, prompting us to trust in His perfect plan and to find true wisdom in revering Him and His ways.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 8:22

    ¶ The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

  • Proverbs 8:31

    Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights [were] with the sons of men.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:30

    But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

  • Jude 1:25

    To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

  • Romans 11:33

    ¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

  • Proverbs 2:6

    For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

  • Proverbs 8:14

    Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength.
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