Job 28:19

The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.

The topaz {H6357} of Ethiopia {H3568} shall not equal {H6186} it, neither shall it be valued {H5541} with pure {H2889} gold {H3800}.

It can't be compared with Ethiopian topaz, and it can't be valued with pure gold.

Topaz from Cush cannot compare to it, nor can it be valued in pure gold.

The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, Neither shall it be valued with pure gold.

Commentary

Job 28:19 KJV is a verse from a profound poetic interlude in the Book of Job, emphasizing the unparalleled value of true wisdom compared to the most precious earthly treasures. This chapter, Job 28, serves as a magnificent hymn to wisdom, highlighting its divine origin and human inability to discover it independently.

Context of Job 28:19

Chapter 28 of Job stands out as a soliloquy, distinct from the ongoing dialogue between Job and his friends. It marvels at humanity's incredible skill in mining the earth's hidden riches—silver, gold, iron, and precious stones—from depths unknown to birds of prey or wild beasts. Despite this remarkable human ingenuity and technological prowess in extracting valuable materials, the poem poses a critical question: "But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?" (Job 28:12). Verses 15-18 list numerous valuable commodities—gold, silver, onyx, sapphire, coral, pearls, rubies—all declared insufficient to purchase or compare with wisdom. Verse 19 continues this theme, specifically mentioning the topaz of Ethiopia.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Inestimable Value of Wisdom: The primary message is that divine wisdom surpasses all material wealth. The "topaz of Ethiopia," renowned for its beauty and rarity, along with "pure gold," the universal standard of ultimate value, are presented as utterly inferior to wisdom. This underscores wisdom's incomparable worth.
  • Divine Origin of True Wisdom: Unlike earthly treasures that can be mined by human effort, true wisdom cannot be bought or found by human exploration or intellect. It is a gift and revelation from God alone.
  • Human Limitations: The chapter beautifully illustrates the paradox of human capability: man can conquer the earth's deepest secrets to extract its riches, yet remains utterly incapable of discovering the source of divine wisdom on his own. This highlights the boundary between human understanding and God's infinite knowledge.

Linguistic Insights

The term "topaz" (Hebrew: pitdah) refers to a highly valued gemstone, often yellow or greenish, and Ethiopia (Hebrew: Kush) was a known source for such precious stones in the ancient world. "Pure gold" (Hebrew: ketem or zahab sagur, here ketem) signifies the finest, most unadulterated gold, representing the pinnacle of material value. The phrasing "shall not equal it" and "neither shall it be valued with" powerfully conveys the absolute superiority and incomparability of wisdom to any earthly substance.

Related Scriptures

This verse profoundly teaches us to re-evaluate our priorities. If wisdom is more precious than the most valuable earthly possessions, then our pursuit of it should be paramount. The Bible consistently champions wisdom over material wealth, as seen in Proverbs 3:14-15, which states, "For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her." Similarly, Proverbs 8:10-11 reinforces this idea. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and is ultimately found in Christ, who is made unto us "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30). This verse encourages us to seek God's wisdom above all else, understanding that it provides true security and lasting value that no earthly treasure can offer.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 39:10 (3 votes)

    And they set in it four rows of stones: [the first] row [was] a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this [was] the first row.

  • Ezekiel 28:13 (3 votes)

    Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

  • Proverbs 8:19 (3 votes)

    My fruit [is] better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

  • Exodus 28:17 (3 votes)

    And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, [even] four rows of stones: [the first] row [shall be] a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: [this shall be] the first row.

  • Revelation 21:20 (2 votes)

    The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.