Job 28:6

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Job 28:6 is part of a magnificent poetic interlude in the book of Job, often referred to as the "Hymn to Wisdom." This particular verse highlights humanity's remarkable skill and determination in extracting precious resources from the deepest parts of the earth.

Context

Chapter 28 of Job stands distinct from the dialogues between Job and his friends. It is a profound meditation on the contrast between humanity's incredible ability to uncover the earth's hidden treasures and its utter inability to find true wisdom by its own efforts. Verses 1-11 describe the arduous and ingenious process of mining, delving into places unseen by birds of prey or wild beasts. Job 28:1-5 sets the stage, detailing how humans create shafts and tunnels deep beneath the surface, turning rocks upside down to find valuable minerals. Verse 6 specifically points to two of these highly prized discoveries: sapphires and gold.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Human Ingenuity and Determination: The verse underscores humanity's incredible capacity for exploration and extraction. People go to extreme lengths, enduring great difficulty, to unearth valuable materials.
  • Earth's Hidden Riches: It speaks to the abundant treasures hidden within the earth, specifically mentioning places where sapphires are found and where there is "dust of gold." This imagery paints a picture of immense natural wealth.
  • Value of Precious Materials: Sapphires and gold were, and still are, symbols of great wealth, beauty, and status in ancient cultures. The verse emphasizes the tangible, material value that humans pursue.
  • Preparation for a Greater Truth: While celebrating human mining prowess, this verse (and indeed the entire section) serves as a dramatic setup for the chapter's main point: that genuine wisdom is far more valuable and harder to find than any earthly treasure, and its source is divine (Job 28:12-28).

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "sapphires" is sappîr (סַפִּיר). While modern sapphires are typically blue corundum, in ancient times, this term likely referred to other highly valued blue gemstones, such as lapis lazuli, which was prized for its deep blue color and often associated with royalty and divinity.
  • "Dust of gold" ('aphar zahab - עֲפַר זָהָב) suggests fine particles or alluvial gold, indicating that miners meticulously sought out even the smallest fragments of this precious metal, highlighting the thoroughness of their search and the value placed on every speck.

Practical Application

Job 28:6, within its broader context, offers a powerful lesson for contemporary life. It reminds us that while humanity possesses remarkable intellect and skill to extract earthly resources 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 consider where we place our greatest efforts and value. Are we diligently seeking after material riches, or are we striving for the invaluable wisdom that comes from God, which is described as being "more precious than rubies" (Proverbs 3:15)? This passage encourages a reflection on our priorities and the ultimate source of true understanding and fulfillment.

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Cross-References

  • Job 28:16 (4 votes)

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

  • Exodus 24:10 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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