TRV
Translation
King James Version
He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots.
American Standard Version
He putteth forth his hand upon the flinty rock; He overturneth the mountains by the roots.
World English Bible Messianic
He puts his hand on the flinty rock, and he overturns the mountains by the roots.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He putteth his hand vpon the rockes, and ouerthroweth the mountaines by the rootes.
Young's Literal Translation
Against the flint he sent forth his hand, He overturned from the root mountains.
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In the KJVVerse 13,514 of 31,102
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Commentary on Job 28 verses 1–11
1 ¶ Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it.
2 Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone.
3 He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.
4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.
5 As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire.
6 The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold.
7 There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:
8 The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
9 He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots.
10 He cutteth out rivers among the rocks; and his eye seeth every precious thing.
11 He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light.
Here Job shows, 1. What a great way the wit of man may go in diving into the depths of nature and seizing the riches of it, what a great deal of knowledge and wealth men may, by their ingenious and industrious searches, make themselves masters of. But does it therefore follow that men may, by their wit, comprehend the reasons why some wicked people prosper and others are punished, why some good people prosper and others are afflicted? No, by no means. The caverns of the earth may be discovered, but not the counsels of heaven. 2. What a great deal of care and pains worldly men take to get riches. He had observed concerning the wicked man (Job 27:16) that he heaped up silver as the dust; now here he shows whence that silver came which he was so fond of and how it was obtained, to show what little reason wicked rich men have to be proud of their wealth and pomp. Observe here,
I. The wealth of this world is hidden in the earth. Thence the silver and the gold, which afterwards they refine, are fetched, Job 28:1. There they lay mixed with a great deal of dirt and dross, like a worthless thing, of no more account than common earth; and abundance of them will so lie neglected, till the earth and all the works therein shall be burnt up. Holy Mr. Herbert, in his poem called Avarice, takes notice of this, to shame men out of the love of money: -
Money, thou bane of bliss, thou source of woe,
Whence com'st thou, that thou art so fresh and fine?
I know thy parentage is base and low;
Man found thee poor and dirty in a mine.
Surely thou didst so little contribute
To this great kingdom which thou now hast got
That he was fain, when thou wast destitute,
To dig thee out of thy dark cave and grot.
Man calleth thee his wealth, who made thee rich,
And while he digs out thee falls in the ditch.
Iron and brass, less costly but more serviceable metals, are taken out of the earth (Job 28:2), and are there found in great abundance, which abates their price indeed, but is a great kindness to man, who could much better be without gold than without iron. Nay, out of the earth comes bread, that is, bread-corn, the necessary support of life, Job 28:5. Thence man's maintenance is fetched, to remind him of his own original; he is of the earth, and is hastening to the earth. Under it is turned up as it were fire, precious stones, that sparkle as fire - brimstone, that is apt to take fire - coal, that is proper to feed fire. As we have our food, so we have our fuel, out of the earth. There the sapphires and other gems are, and thence gold-dust is digged up;, Job 28:6. The wisdom of the Creator has placed these things, 1. Out of our sight, to teach us not to set our eyes upon them, Pro 23:5. 2. Under our feet, to teach us not to lay them in our bosoms, nor to set our hearts upon them, but to trample upon them with a holy contempt. See how full the earth is of God's riches (Psa 104:24) and infer thence, not only how great a God he is whose the earth is and the fulness thereof (Psa 24:1), but how full heaven must needs be of God's riches, which is the city of the great King, in comparison with which this earth is a poor country.
II. The wealth that is hidden in the earth cannot be obtained but with a great deal of difficulty. 1. It is hard to be found out: there is but here and there a vein for the silver, Job 28:1. The precious stones, though bright themselves, yet, because buried in obscurity and out of sight, are called stones of darkness and the shadow of death. Men may search long before they light on them. 2. When found out it is hard to be fetched out. Men's wits must be set on work to contrive ways and means to get this hidden treasure into their hands. They must with their lamps set an end to darkness; and if one expedient miscarry, one method fail, they must try another, till they have searched out all perfection, and turned every stone to effect it, Job 28:3. They must grapple with subterraneous waters (Job 28:4, Job 28:10, Job 28:11), and force their way through rocks which are, as it were, the roots of the mountains, Job 28:9. Now God has made the getting of gold, and silver, and precious stones, so difficult, (1.) For the exciting and engaging of industry. Dii laboribus omnia vendunt - Labour is the price which the gods affix to all things. If valuable things were too easily obtained men would never learn to take pains. But the difficulty of gaining the riches of this earth may suggest to us what violence the kingdom of heaven suffers. (2.) For the checking and restraining of pomp and luxury. What is for necessity is had with a little labour from the surface of the earth; but what is for ornament must be dug with a great deal of pains out of the bowels of it. To be fed is cheap, but to be fine is chargeable.
III. Though the subterraneous wealth is thus hard to obtain, yet men will have it. He that loves silver is not satisfied with silver, and yet is not satisfied without it; but those that have much must needs have more. See here, 1. What inventions men have to get this wealth. They search out all perfection, Job 28:3. They have arts and engines to dry up the waters, and carry them off, when they break in upon them in their mines and threaten to drown the work, Job 28:4. They have pumps, and pipes, and canals, to clear their way, and, obstacles being removed, they tread the path which no fowl knoweth (Job 28:7, Job 28:8), unseen by the vulture's eye, which is piercing and quick-sighted, and untrodden by the lion's whelps, which traverse all the paths of the wilderness. 2. What pains men take, and what vast charge they are at, to get this wealth. They work their way through the rocks and undermine the mountains, Job 28:10. 3. What hazards they run. Those that dig in the mines have their lives in their hands; for they are obliged to bind the floods from overflowing (Job 28:11), and are continually in danger of being suffocated by damps or crushed or buried alive by the fall of the earth upon them. See how foolish man adds to his own burden. He is sentenced to eat bread in the sweat of his face; but, as if that were not enough, he will get gold and silver at the peril of his life, though the more is gotten the less valuable it is. In Solomon's time silver was as stones. But, 4. Observe what it is that carries men through all this toil and peril: Their eye sees every precious thing, Job 28:10. Silver and gold are precious things with them, and they have them in their eye in all these pursuits. They fancy they see them glittering before their faces, and, in the prospect of laying hold of them, they make nothing of all these difficulties; for they make something of their toil at last: That which is hidden bringeth he forth to light, Job 28:11. What was hidden under ground is laid upon the bank; the metal that was hidden in the ore is refined from its dross and brought forth pure out of the furnace; and then he thinks his pains well bestowed. Go to the miners then, thou sluggard in religion; consider their ways, and be wise. Let their courage, diligence, and constancy in seeking the wealth that perisheth shame us out of slothfulness and faint-heartedness in labouring for the true riches. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! How much easier and safer! Yet gold is sought for, but grace neglected. Will the hopes of precious things out of the earth (so they call them, though really they are paltry and perishing) be such a spur to industry, and shall not the certain prospect of truly precious things in heaven be much more so?
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–11. Public domain.
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Gregory the DialogistAD 604
MORALS ON THE BOOK OF JOB 18.57-58
“He stretches out his hand to the flint; he overturns mountains by the roots.” “He stretches out his hand to the flint” means he presented the arm of his preaching to the hardness of the Gentiles. Hence the same blessed Job, forewarned of the history of his suffering being destined to be made known to the Gentiles, says, “Let these things be engraved with an iron pen in a plate of lead or hewn in the flint.” However, whom in this place do we understand by the “mountains” except the powerful ones of this world, who because of earthly substance puff themselves up? Concerning them the psalmist says, “Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke”; but the mountains are overturned from the roots, because holy church, preaching the highest powers of this world, fell from their inmost thinking into the adoring of almighty God. For “the roots” of the mountains are the inmost thoughts of the proud. And “the mountains fall from the roots,” because for the worshiping of God, the powers of the world are laid level with the earth from the lowest thoughts. For by a root the hidden thought is rightly denoted, because by means of that which is not seen, being within, there bursts out what should be seen without. Therefore, on the side of good it is said by the prophet, “And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward. As though it were expressed in plain speech; “Deep down below the thought springs up, that up on high the reward may be rendered back.” So then, let him say, “He stretches out his hand to the flint and overturns the mountains from the roots.” While the sacred preaching sought the hardness of the Gentiles, it entirely frustrated the loftiness of the proud, however, because those it empties of earthly thoughts, it fills with heavenly gifts. Moreover, those whom it drains of interest below, it waters with streams from above. It is directly added, “He cuts out streams in the rocks,” that is, in the hard hearts of the Gentiles he opened the rivers of preaching; as it is likewise spoken by the prophet of watering the dryness of the Gentiles, “He turns the wilderness into a standing water and dry ground into water springs.”
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
57. For ‘he stretched out his hand to the flint,’ because He put forth the arm of His preaching to the hardness of the Gentiles. Hence the same blessed Job, forewarned of the history of his suffering being destined to be made known to the Gentiles, says, Let these things be graven with an iron pen in a plate of lead, or hewn in the flint. [Job 19, 24] But whom in this place do we understand by the’ mountains’ saving the powerful ones of this world, who on account of earthly substance swell themselves high? Concerning whom the Psalmist saith, Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke [Ps. 144, 5]; but the mountains are overturned from the roots, because, on Holy Church preaching the highest powers of this world fell from their inmost thinking into the adoring of Almighty God. For ‘the roots’ of the mountains are the inmost thoughts of the proud. And ‘the mountains fall from the roots,’ because for the worshipping of God, the powers of the world are laid level with the earth from the lowest thoughts. For by a root the hidden thought is rightly denoted, because by means of that which is not seen, being within, there bursts out what should be seen without. And hence on the side of good it is said by the Prophet, And the remnant that is escaped of the House of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. [Is. 37, 31] As though it were expressed in plain speech; ‘Deep down below the thought springs up, that up on high the reward may be rendered back.’ So then let him say, He stretcheth out his hand to the flint, and overturneth the mountains from the roots. For whilst the sacred preaching sought the hardness of the Gentiles, it entirely frustrated the loftiness of the proud. But because those whom it empties of earthly thoughts, it fills with heavenly gifts, and those, whom it drains of interest below, it waters with streams from Above.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Job 28:9, embedded within a profound poetic interlude, powerfully illustrates humanity's extraordinary ingenuity and relentless determination in its pursuit of the earth's hidden treasures. It vividly describes humankind's forceful engagement with solid rock and its capacity to metaphorically "overturn mountains by the roots" through deep excavation. This verse serves as a compelling testament to the remarkable capabilities of human endeavor, setting the stage for the chapter's overarching theological assertion: despite such impressive feats in the material world, true wisdom remains elusive to human discovery and can ultimately only be found in God.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Job 28:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Hyperbole, particularly evident in the phrase "he overturneth the mountains by the roots." This exaggeration vividly portrays the immense scale of human mining endeavors, emphasizing the profound impact and transformative power of human effort on the natural world, even if it is not meant to be taken literally. Metonymy or Synecdoche is present in "He putteth forth his hand," where the "hand" represents the entirety of human agency, skill, and labor, focusing the reader's attention on the direct, physical, and intentional involvement of humanity. The verse also utilizes Vivid Imagery, painting a striking picture of deep, dark, subterranean work, contrasting the seemingly immovable nature of mountains with the disruptive force of human excavation. Implicitly, there is also Contrast, as this verse, celebrating human mastery over the physical world, sets up the profound contrast with humanity's inherent inability to find true wisdom through such material efforts, a theme that powerfully dominates the rest of Job 28.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 28:9 serves as a profound theological statement on the limits of human power and the exclusive source of true wisdom. While it celebrates humanity's incredible capacity to master the physical world, extracting its deepest treasures, it simultaneously sets the stage for the crucial realization that such mastery does not extend to the realm of ultimate truth and divine wisdom. This verse highlights God's endowment of humanity with intellect and dominion, yet it implicitly warns against the hubris of believing that all truth can be unearthed by human effort alone. The diligent search for material wealth, no matter how impressive the means, is ultimately shown to be insufficient for discovering the most valuable treasure: divine wisdom. This wisdom is not found in the earth's hidden veins or beneath its deepest roots but is revealed by God alone, emphasizing His sovereignty over creation and knowledge.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 28:9 offers a powerful mirror for contemporary reflection, inviting us to consider the direction and ultimate purpose of our ingenuity. It reminds us of the astonishing creativity and relentless drive that God has instilled in humanity, enabling us to achieve incredible feats of engineering, scientific discovery, and technological advancement. We are indeed capable of transforming landscapes, harnessing immense power, and uncovering the earth's hidden resources. This verse invites us to appreciate this divine gift of creativity and dominion, recognizing our unique place in creation as image-bearers. However, the chapter's overarching message challenges us to consider where our greatest efforts are primarily directed. Are we predominantly focused on "overturning mountains" for material gain, or are we equally, if not more, diligent in seeking the spiritual wisdom that truly enriches life, provides ultimate meaning, and brings us into deeper communion with God? The verse calls for profound humility, reminding us that despite our impressive capabilities, ultimate power and unsearchable wisdom reside solely with the Creator. It prompts us to consider our stewardship of the earth's resources and our responsibility to use our God-given talents not just for earthly accumulation, but for righteous living and the relentless pursuit of divine truth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Job 28:9 literally saying humans can move mountains?
Answer: No, Job 28:9 is not meant to be taken literally as humans physically moving or flipping entire mountains. The phrase "he overturneth the mountains by the roots" is a powerful example of poetic hyperbole, a common literary device in biblical wisdom literature. It vividly emphasizes the extreme depth, thoroughness, and transformative impact of ancient mining operations. The text is describing how miners would tunnel deep into the earth, excavating beneath the very foundations or "roots" of mountains to extract precious minerals. It highlights the immense human ingenuity, perseverance, and the significant disruption humanity is capable of inflicting on the natural world in its relentless pursuit of hidden treasures. The profound point of the chapter is to contrast this impressive human ability to find earthly riches with humanity's inherent inability to find true wisdom through its own efforts, ultimately revealing that wisdom belongs to God alone (Job 28:12, Job 28:28).
How does this verse relate to the overall message of the Book of Job?
Answer: Job 28:9, and indeed the entire chapter 28, serves as a crucial and unique interlude within the Book of Job. It strategically shifts the focus from the intense debate about Job's suffering and the justice of God to a profound meditation on the nature and source of wisdom. While Job and his friends have exhausted their human arguments and failed to comprehend the divine plan, this chapter steps back to declare that true wisdom is not accessible through human experience, intellect, or even the most strenuous efforts to uncover earthly treasures. Job 28:9, by showcasing humanity's impressive but ultimately limited dominion over the physical world, sets up a powerful contrast. It highlights that while humans can "overturn mountains" for gold and silver, they cannot, by their own means, uncover the "price" or "place" of wisdom (Job 28:15). This interlude prepares the reader for the ultimate resolution of the book, where God Himself speaks from the whirlwind, revealing His unsearchable wisdom and power, which far transcend human understanding or discovery. It underscores the book's central message that human wisdom is insufficient to grasp the ways of God and that true wisdom is found in reverent submission to Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 28:9, with its awe-inspiring depiction of human ingenuity and relentless effort in seeking hidden earthly treasures, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. While humanity strives to "overturn mountains by the roots" in pursuit of material wealth, the New Testament reveals that the true, immeasurable treasure is not found in the depths of the earth, but in Christ Himself. He is the very wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24), in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). The human effort to extract value from the physical world, as described in Job, foreshadows the spiritual quest for ultimate truth and life, which is fully realized only in knowing Christ. He is the one who truly has power over the "roots" of creation, for "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16). Furthermore, the "mountains" that human effort struggles to "overturn" are dwarfed by the spiritual mountains of sin, death, and separation from God that only Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, could conquer. He is the true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Thus, the diligent, often perilous, search for earthly treasures in Job 28:9 ultimately points to the far greater, eternal value of finding Christ, the source of all wisdom and the true, incomparable treasure of the human soul (Matthew 13:44).