Job 28:6

KJV

The stones of it [are] the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold.

KJV (with Strong's)

The stones {H68} of it are the place {H4725} of sapphires {H5601}: and it hath dust {H6083} of gold {H2091}.

Complete Jewish Bible

its rocks have veins of sapphire, and there are flecks of gold.

Berean Standard Bible

Its rocks are the source of sapphires, containing flecks of gold.

American Standard Version

The stones thereof are the place of sapphires, And it hath dust of gold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 28:6, situated within the profound "Hymn to Wisdom," vividly illustrates humanity's extraordinary ingenuity and relentless determination in extracting the earth's most precious and hidden treasures. This verse specifically highlights the deep subterranean mines where "sapphires" are found and "dust of gold" abounds, showcasing the immense material wealth that human effort can unearth from the very bedrock of the world. It serves as a powerful testament to human capability in the physical realm, setting the stage for a deeper theological contrast regarding the true source and inestimable value of divine wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 28 stands as a remarkable poetic interlude, distinct from the preceding dialogues between Job and his friends. It functions as a dramatic soliloquy, shifting the focus from human suffering and justice to the profound mystery of wisdom. Verses 1-11 meticulously describe the arduous and ingenious process of ancient mining—how humans delve into the earth's deepest, darkest, and most inaccessible places, creating shafts and tunnels, and overturning rocks to unearth valuable minerals. This section, including [Job 28:1-5](/job/28-1-5 "Job 28:1-5 - Humanity's Mining Prowess"), sets the scene by detailing the incredible lengths to which humanity goes to acquire material wealth. Verse 6 specifically zeroes in on the discovery of sapphires and gold, serving as a pinnacle example of these earthly treasures. This elaborate description of human mastery over the physical world serves as a crucial setup for the chapter's central argument: that true wisdom is far more elusive and valuable than any earthly treasure, and its source is not human ingenuity but divine revelation, as articulated in [Job 28:12-28](/job/28-12-28 "Job 28:12-28 - The Inaccessibility and Source of True Wisdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East (ANE), mining was an extremely dangerous and labor-intensive undertaking, often involving slave labor and primitive tools. The metals and gemstones extracted, such as silver, gold, and various precious stones, were highly valued as symbols of wealth, power, and divine favor. Gold was prized for its beauty, malleability, and resistance to tarnish, often used for ornamentation, currency, and religious artifacts. Sapphires, while in modern understanding refer to blue corundum, in ancient times likely encompassed other highly valued blue gemstones like lapis lazuli. Lapis lazuli, sourced from distant regions like Afghanistan, was particularly esteemed for its deep, celestial blue color and was associated with royalty, divinity, and the heavens, often used in jewelry, seals, and as inlay for sacred objects. The mention of "dust of gold" suggests the meticulous collection of alluvial gold or fine particles, highlighting the thoroughness and value placed on every speck of this precious metal. This verse thus reflects the immense cultural and economic value placed on these resources and the extreme efforts undertaken to acquire them.
* **Key Themes:** Job 28:6 contributes to several key themes within the chapter and the broader book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **human ingenuity and determination**, showcasing humanity's remarkable capacity for exploration, engineering, and extraction, even in the most hostile environments. Secondly, it highlights the **earth's hidden riches**, painting a vivid picture of the abundant, valuable materials concealed deep within the planet, emphasizing the tangible, material wealth that humans relentlessly pursue. Thirdly, the verse implicitly points to the **value of precious materials**, as sapphires and gold were, and remain, universal symbols of beauty, status, and economic power. Most importantly, however, this verse serves as a crucial element in the **preparation for a greater truth**. While celebrating human mining prowess, the entire section, including [Job 28:1-11](/job/28-1-11 "Job 28:1-11 - The Human Quest for Earthly Treasures"), functions as a dramatic foil. It meticulously details the human ability to find earthly treasures only to emphasize, by stark contrast, humanity's utter inability to find true wisdom by its own efforts, a truth revealed only by God, as the chapter concludes in [Job 28:20-28](/job/28-20-28 "Job 28:20-28 - God is the Source of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sapphires (Hebrew, _çappîyr'_):** From Strong's H5601, a gem (perhaps used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire. While modern "sapphire" refers specifically to corundum, the ancient Hebrew term _çappîyr_ likely encompassed a broader range of precious blue gemstones. The most probable candidate for the ancient "sapphire" is lapis lazuli, a deep blue metamorphic rock prized throughout the ancient Near East for its intense color and often flecked with golden pyrite. Its presence in the deepest parts of the earth, as described, underscores the extreme effort required to obtain such rare and beautiful treasures, symbolizing the pinnacle of earthly value and beauty.
* **Dust (Hebrew, _ʻâphâr'_):** From Strong's H6083, dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud. This term refers to fine particles, in this context, of gold. The mention of "dust" rather than large nuggets or veins highlights the meticulousness of the miners' search; they were so thorough and the gold so valuable that even the smallest fragments were diligently sought and collected.
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** From Strong's H2091, from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky. Gold was universally recognized in the ancient world as the most precious of metals, valued for its beauty, malleability, and resistance to corrosion. Its presence as "dust" emphasizes its pervasive yet fragmented nature within the earth's depths, and the comprehensive nature of humanity's quest for every speck of this precious metal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The stones of it [are] the place of sapphires":** This clause refers to the rock matrix or geological formations within the deep mine shafts described in the preceding verses. It asserts that within these subterranean "stones," one can find the source or location of sapphires. This imagery emphasizes the hidden, deep-seated nature of these precious gems, requiring immense human effort, skill, and daring to extract them from their natural, often inaccessible, environment. It paints a picture of immense natural wealth embedded within the earth itself.
* **"and it hath dust of gold":** This second clause further elaborates on the riches found within these mines. Beyond large veins, the earth also yields "dust of gold," signifying fine particles or alluvial gold. This detail underscores the thoroughness of the mining operations, where even the smallest, most fragmented pieces of gold are diligently sought and valued. It reinforces the theme of the earth's abundant, though hidden, material treasures, and humanity's relentless pursuit of even the minutest valuable fragments.

#### Literary Devices
Job 28:6, within its broader context, masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Imagery**, creating vivid mental pictures of deep, dark mines yielding sparkling sapphires and glistening gold dust. This sensory detail immerses the reader in the arduous yet rewarding pursuit of earthly treasures. There is also a strong element of **Symbolism**, where sapphires and gold symbolize the pinnacle of earthly wealth, beauty, and human achievement in acquiring material possessions. These tangible treasures serve as a powerful representation of what humanity values and strives for. Crucially, the entire mining section, including this verse, functions as an elaborate **Anticipatory Contrast**. By meticulously detailing humanity's success in finding these earthly riches, the text sets up a profound comparison with the later revelation that true wisdom cannot be found through similar human effort or exploration. This contrast highlights the fundamental difference between material wealth, which is accessible through human ingenuity, and divine wisdom, which is only accessible through God's revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 28:6, by highlighting humanity's remarkable ability to extract the earth's most valuable treasures, serves as a powerful theological statement about human dominion and ingenuity in the physical realm. However, its placement within the "Hymn to Wisdom" immediately elevates the discussion beyond mere material wealth. The verse implicitly challenges us to consider that while humanity can master the physical world and unearth its most precious gems and metals, this mastery does not extend to discerning ultimate truth or divine wisdom. The meticulous effort expended for sapphires and gold stands in stark contrast to humanity's inability to locate true wisdom, which is far more valuable yet infinitely more elusive without divine revelation. This sets the stage for the profound theological truth that genuine wisdom originates solely from God, not from human exploration or intellectual prowess.

* [Proverbs 3:13-15](/proverbs/3-13-15 "Proverbs 3:13-15 - The Value of Wisdom")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")
* [Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 28:6, within its broader context, offers a profound and challenging lesson for contemporary life. It reminds us that while humanity possesses incredible intellect, skill, and determination to explore, extract, and create material wealth, this same ingenuity often falls short when it comes to discovering profound spiritual truths or true wisdom. The verse implicitly challenges us to reflect on where we place our greatest efforts and value. Are we diligently seeking after material riches, expending our energy and resources on accumulating what is earthly and perishable, or are we striving for the invaluable, imperishable wisdom that comes from God? The passage encourages a critical examination of our priorities, urging us to recognize that while earthly treasures may satisfy fleeting desires, true understanding and fulfillment are found only in seeking and embracing divine wisdom. It calls us to shift our focus from the depths of the earth to the heights of heaven, where true wisdom resides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I expend most of my effort and ingenuity? In acquiring earthly treasures or heavenly wisdom?**
* **How does the pursuit of material wealth compare to the pursuit of spiritual understanding and divine truth in my life?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the ultimate source of true wisdom, and where should I genuinely seek it?**

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

Answer: In Job 28:6, "sapphires" (Hebrew: _çappîyr_) likely refers to highly valued blue gemstones, most probably lapis lazuli, rather than the modern sapphire (blue corundum). Lapis lazuli was a prized commodity in the ancient Near East, known for its deep, celestial blue color, often flecked with gold-like pyrite. Its significance lies in its immense value, beauty, and rarity, requiring arduous mining efforts to extract it from deep within the earth. Its mention here symbolizes the pinnacle of earthly treasures that human ingenuity can unearth, setting up a contrast with the far greater, yet inaccessible by human means, value of divine wisdom.

**How does this verse relate to the overall message of Job 28?**

Answer: Job 28:6 is an integral part of the "Hymn to Wisdom" (Job 28), serving as a crucial element in its overarching argument. The chapter begins by meticulously detailing humanity's incredible ability to mine for precious metals and stones like gold and sapphires, showcasing the limits of human ingenuity and determination in mastering the physical world. [Job 28:1-11](/job/28-1-11 "Job 28:1-11 - The Human Quest for Earthly Treasures") describes this impressive feat. Verse 6 specifically highlights the valuable discoveries. However, the chapter then shifts to a profound question: "But where shall wisdom be found?" ([Job 28:12](/job/28-12 "Job 28:12 - The Elusiveness of Wisdom")). The answer is that wisdom cannot be bought with earthly treasures, nor found through human exploration or intellect. It is a divine gift, revealed only by God ([Job 28:23-28](/job/28-23-28 "Job 28:23-28 - God Reveals Wisdom")). Thus, Job 28:6, by illustrating the peak of human achievement in acquiring earthly wealth, serves as a powerful and dramatic foil, emphasizing by stark contrast humanity's utter inability to find true, divine wisdom by its own efforts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 28:6 celebrates humanity's impressive ability to unearth the earth's most valuable treasures like sapphires and gold, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the profound truth that the true, inestimable treasure of wisdom is not found in the earth's depths but is fully embodied and revealed in Jesus Christ. The "Hymn to Wisdom" concludes that wisdom's source is God alone ([Job 28:23](/job/28-23 "Job 28:23 - God Understands the Way to Wisdom")), and the New Testament reveals that [Christ is the very wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God"). The earthly riches described in Job 28:6, no matter how precious, pale in comparison to the spiritual riches found in Christ. As [Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom") declares, in Christ "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." He is the ultimate "pearl of great price" and the "hidden treasure" for which one should sell everything ([Matthew 13:44-46](/matthew/13-44-46 "Matthew 13:44-46 - Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price")). Unlike the elusive wisdom in Job, which humanity could not find, Christ, as the incarnate [Word of God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), came to reveal divine truth and wisdom, making it accessible to all who believe. He is not merely a source of wisdom, but [He Himself is our wisdom](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption"), righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, offering a treasure far more enduring and satisfying than any sapphire or dust of gold.

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

Job 28:16

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

Exodus 24:10

And they saw the God of Israel: and [there was] under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in [his] clearness.

Isaiah 54:11

¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Revelation 21:19

And the foundations of the wall of the city [were] garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation [was] jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

Song Of Solomon 5:14

His hands [are as] gold rings set with the beryl: his belly [is as] bright ivory overlaid [with] sapphires.