Job 28:4

KJV

The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; [even the waters] forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.

KJV (with Strong's)

The flood {H5158} breaketh out {H6555} from the inhabitant {H1481}; even the waters forgotten {H7911} of the foot {H7272}: they are dried up {H1809}, they are gone away {H5128} from men {H582}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There where no one lives, they break open a shaft; the feet passing over are oblivious to them; far from people, suspended in space, they swing to and fro.

Berean Standard Bible

Far from human habitation he cuts a shaft in places forgotten by the foot of man. Far from men he dangles and sways.

American Standard Version

He breaketh open a shaft away from where men sojourn; They are forgotten of the foot; They hang afar from men, they swing to and fro.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 28:4 is a vivid poetic description within a larger hymn to wisdom, illustrating humanity's extraordinary ingenuity and relentless determination in the pursuit of material wealth. It paints a detailed picture of ancient mining practices, specifically the arduous task of dealing with subterranean waters deep within the earth, in places untouched by human foot. This verse sets the stage for the chapter's profound contrast between humanity's ability to conquer the physical world's hidden depths and its inability to discover true, divine wisdom through its own efforts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 28 stands as a magnificent poetic interlude, often referred to as a "Hymn to Wisdom," strategically placed between Job's final discourse (Job 27) and his concluding monologue (Job 29-31). Prior to this chapter, Job and his friends have exhausted their arguments concerning the nature of suffering and divine justice. This chapter shifts the focus dramatically from the problem of suffering to the elusive nature of wisdom. Verses 1-11 meticulously detail humanity's remarkable skill in mining precious metals from the deepest, most dangerous parts of the earth. Job 28:4 specifically contributes to this elaborate description, highlighting one of the significant challenges—the management of underground water—that miners overcome, thereby emphasizing human ingenuity before posing the question of wisdom's location in [Job 28:12](/job/28-12 "Job 28:12 - Where is Wisdom Found?").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient mining was an incredibly perilous and labor-intensive endeavor. Miners would dig deep shafts and tunnels, often encountering unexpected geological challenges, chief among them being subterranean water. The technology for water management was rudimentary, involving buckets, siphons, or rudimentary drainage systems, making the task of diverting or drying up these "forgotten" waters a testament to immense human perseverance. This verse reflects the reality of such operations in the ancient Near East, where the pursuit of valuable resources like gold, silver, copper, and iron often pushed human engineering to its limits. The imagery of "forgotten of the foot" underscores the remote, untrodden nature of these deep underground spaces, emphasizing the extreme lengths to which humans would go.
* **Key Themes:** Job 28:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and this specific chapter. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Human Ingenuity and Determination**, showcasing humanity's capacity to overcome formidable natural obstacles in the relentless pursuit of material gain, a theme also seen in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Cultural Mandate") regarding dominion over creation. Secondly, it highlights **The Hidden Depths of Creation**, emphasizing that even the most remote, unseen, and untouched parts of the earth are accessible to diligent human effort. Most importantly, this detailed description of mining serves as a profound **Contrast with the Elusiveness of True Wisdom**. While humans can uncover all the earth's material wealth, the chapter's central argument, beginning in [Job 28:12](/job/28-12 "Job 28:12 - The Unsearchable Nature of Wisdom"), posits that true wisdom remains hidden and beyond human discovery without divine revelation, underscoring that its value far surpasses any earthly treasure, as articulated in [Proverbs 3:15](/proverbs/3-15 "Proverbs 3:15 - Wisdom More Precious Than Rubies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **נַחַל (Hebrew, _nachal'_):** Translated as "flood" in the KJV, this word more commonly means "stream," "wadi," or "torrent." In the context of ancient mining, it refers to the underground water sources—springs, subterranean rivers, or accumulated groundwater—that miners would inevitably encounter as they delved deeper into the earth. The use of *nachal* here emphasizes the force and volume of the water that "breaketh out," posing a significant challenge to the miners.
* **דָּלַל (Hebrew, _dalal'_):** This verb appears in the phrase "they are dried up" (דַּלּוּ, _dallu_). Its root meaning is "to hang down," "to be low," "to be weak," or "to be emptied." Here, it vividly describes the effect of the miners' efforts: the powerful subterranean waters are "emptied out" or "lowered" as they are drained or diverted, effectively "drying up" from the immediate vicinity of the human workers. This highlights the human capacity to overcome and manipulate natural forces.
* **רָגֶל (Hebrew, _ragel'_):** Meaning "foot," this word is crucial in the phrase "forgotten of the foot." It signifies human presence, movement, and exploration. The waters are "forgotten of the foot" because they exist in depths so profound and remote that no human has ever trod there. This emphasizes the extreme, untrodden nature of the subterranean realms that humanity dares to invade in its quest for hidden treasures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant;":** This clause describes the initial encounter of the miner (the "inhabitant" or "dweller" in the deep shafts) with a sudden gush of water. The Hebrew suggests a "stream" or "torrent" (*nachal*) that "runs" or "bursts forth" (*yaruts*) from the vicinity of the miner. This vividly portrays the dangerous and challenging conditions faced by those digging deep into the earth, where unexpected water incursions were a constant threat.
* **"[even the waters] forgotten of the foot:":** This parenthetical phrase, or appositional clause, further describes the nature of these waters. They are "forgotten of the foot" (*nishkechu minni ragel*), meaning they are in places so remote and deep that no human foot has ever touched them. This emphasizes the extreme depths and the virgin, untouched nature of the subterranean world that humanity is now invading, underscoring the extraordinary lengths to which humans will go for material gain.
* **"they are dried up, they are gone away from men.":** This final clause details the outcome of the miners' efforts. The powerful, forgotten waters are "emptied out" or "lowered" (*dallu* from *dalal*) and "moved away" (*na'u* from *nua'*) from the immediate working area of the miners. This signifies the human triumph over this natural obstacle—the successful draining or diversion of the water, allowing the mining operation to proceed. It showcases human perseverance and ingenuity in manipulating the natural environment.

#### Literary Devices
Job 28:4 is rich in **Vivid Imagery**, painting a compelling picture of the dark, dangerous, and watery depths of ancient mines. Phrases like "flood breaketh out," "forgotten of the foot," and "dried up, gone away" create a tangible sense of the environment and the actions taking place. The entire passage (Job 28:1-11) functions as an extended **Metaphor** for human endeavor and the relentless pursuit of knowledge or treasure. The physical act of mining, with its challenges and triumphs, serves as a powerful symbolic representation of humanity's capacity to conquer the physical world. This detailed description then sets up a profound **Contrast** with the elusive nature of true wisdom, which, unlike earthly treasures, cannot be unearthed by human effort alone. The **Personification** of the "foot" forgetting the waters subtly emphasizes the untouched, pristine nature of these hidden depths before human intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 28:4, while describing human technological prowess, subtly points to deeper theological truths. It affirms humanity's God-given capacity for dominion and stewardship over creation, as seen in the ability to penetrate and manage the earth's hidden resources. However, its primary theological thrust, when read in context, is to highlight the vast chasm between human ingenuity in uncovering material wealth and humanity's inherent inability to discover divine wisdom through its own efforts. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful preamble to the chapter's central message: true wisdom is not found in the depths of the earth or the treasures it holds, but is a divine revelation, accessible only through God. It underscores that while we can conquer the physical world, the spiritual realm of ultimate truth and wisdom remains beyond our grasp without divine intervention, emphasizing God's sovereignty over wisdom itself.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Proverbs 8:10-11](/proverbs/8-10 "Proverbs 8:10-11 - Wisdom More Precious Than Gold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 28:4 challenges us to consider the objects of our deepest pursuits. Just as ancient miners risked life and limb to extract material riches from the earth's forgotten depths, so too do we often expend immense energy, time, and resources in the relentless pursuit of earthly treasures—be they financial success, social status, or fleeting pleasures. This verse, within its broader context, implicitly asks: If we are willing to go to such extraordinary lengths for what is perishable, how much more fervent should our pursuit be for eternal wisdom, which is far more valuable than any earthly gain? It calls us to re-evaluate our priorities, reminding us that while human ingenuity is a gift, it has limits, especially when it comes to understanding the profound mysteries of life, suffering, and divine purpose. Our diligence in worldly endeavors should be a mirror reflecting the even greater diligence we ought to apply to seeking God's wisdom, which alone provides true meaning and lasting satisfaction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "forgotten depths" or difficult challenges are you willing to face in your pursuit of earthly goals?**
* **How does your zeal for material or worldly success compare to your zeal for spiritual wisdom?**
* **In what areas of your life are you relying solely on human ingenuity, rather than seeking divine guidance and wisdom?**
* **How can you practically re-prioritize the pursuit of God's wisdom in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 28:4 suggest that human ingenuity is inherently bad or condemned?**

Answer: No, Job 28:4 does not condemn human ingenuity. Rather, it marvels at it. The detailed description of mining operations throughout Job 28:1-11, including the management of subterranean waters in [Job 28:4](/job/28-4 "Job 28:4 - Human Ingenuity in Mining"), highlights humanity's remarkable capacity for problem-solving, perseverance, and dominion over the physical world. This ingenuity is presented as a testament to human ability. The chapter's ultimate point, however, is not to diminish human skill but to establish a profound contrast: while humans can conquer the physical depths of the earth, they cannot, by their own efforts, discover true wisdom, which resides only with God (as stated in [Job 28:12-28](/job/28-12 "Job 28:12-28 - The Source of Wisdom")). Thus, human ingenuity is celebrated, but its limitations in the spiritual realm are also clearly defined.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 28:4 speaks of humanity's impressive ability to manage natural forces in the pursuit of earthly treasures, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the contrast it sets up: the unsearchable nature of true wisdom, which is ultimately found in Christ alone. Humanity's diligent efforts to drain "forgotten waters" and unearth hidden gems foreshadow the spiritual thirst that only Jesus can quench and the true treasure He embodies. Jesus declares Himself the source of "living water," promising that whoever drinks of it "will never be thirsty again" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). This is a profound contrast to the physical waters miners must drain away; Jesus offers water that satisfies eternally. Furthermore, the very wisdom that Job 28 declares to be beyond human discovery is fully revealed and embodied in Christ. Paul proclaims that Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1_corinthians/1-24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")), and that "in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). Thus, the human quest for hidden treasures and the management of challenging waters in Job 28:4 ultimately point to the surpassing value of Christ, who is both the living water that cleanses and sustains, and the very embodiment of divine wisdom, freely given to those who seek Him ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Ask God for Wisdom")).

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.