Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold. New Living Translation Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold. English Standard Version Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. Berean Standard Bible Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. King James Bible The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. New King James Version Neither gold nor crystal can equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold. New American Standard Bible “Gold or glass cannot equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of pure gold. NASB 1995 “Gold or glass cannot equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold. NASB 1977 “Gold or glass cannot equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold. Legacy Standard Bible Gold or glass cannot meet its worth, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold. Amplified Bible “Gold and glass cannot equal wisdom, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold. Christian Standard Bible Gold and glass do not compare with it, and articles of fine gold cannot be exchanged for it. Holman Christian Standard Bible Gold and glass do not compare with it, and articles of fine gold cannot be exchanged for it. American Standard Version Gold and glass cannot equal it, Neither shall it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. Contemporary English Version Nothing is its equal--not gold or costly glass. English Revised Version Gold and glass cannot equal it: neither shall the exchange thereof be jewels of fine gold. GOD'S WORD® Translation Neither gold nor glass can equal its value. Nor can gold ornaments, jewels, or crystal Good News Translation It is worth more than gold, Than a gold vase or finest glass. International Standard Version It cannot be compared to gold and fine glass crystal, nor can it be exchanged for gold-plated weaponry. NET Bible Neither gold nor crystal can be compared with it, nor can a vase of gold match its worth. New Heart English Bible Gold and glass can't equal it, neither shall it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. Webster's Bible Translation The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNeither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. World English Bible Gold and glass can’t equal it, neither will it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionGold and crystal do not equal it, "" Nor [is] its exchange a vessel of fine gold. Young's Literal Translation Not equal it do gold and crystal, Nor is its exchange a vessel of fine gold. Smith's Literal Translation Gold and crystal shall not compare with it, and its exchange, vessels of pure gold. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleGold or crystal cannot equal it, neither shall any vessels of gold be changed for it. Catholic Public Domain Version Neither gold nor crystal will be its equal; neither will vessels of gold be fitted for it. New American Bible Gold or crystal cannot equal her, nor can golden vessels be exchanged for her. New Revised Standard Version Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe gold and the crystal cannot equal it; nor can precious pearls, jewels, and emeralds equal it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Gold does not compare to it, or crystal, or precious pearls, neither do gems or jewels compare to it OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Gold and glass cannot equal it; Neither shall the exchange thereof be vessels of fine gold. Brenton Septuagint Translation Gold and crystal shall not be equalled to it, neither shall vessels of gold be its exchange. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Where Can Wisdom Be Found?…16It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. 17Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. 18Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.… Cross References Proverbs 3:15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. Proverbs 16:16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. Matthew 13:45-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it. 1 Peter 1:7 so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Revelation 21:18-21 The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. / The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, / the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. ... Proverbs 20:15 There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. Psalm 19:10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. Psalm 119:72 The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Isaiah 13:12 I will make man scarcer than pure gold, and mankind rarer than the gold of Ophir. 1 Kings 10:21 All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon. 1 Kings 10:27 The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills. 2 Chronicles 9:20 All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon. 2 Chronicles 9:27 The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills. Treasury of Scripture The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. crystal Ezekiel 1:22 And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. Revelation 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; jewels. Jump to Previous Articles Best Compare Compared Crystal Equal Exchange Exchanged Fine Glass Gold Jewels Price Thereof Vessel VesselsJump to Next Articles Best Compare Compared Crystal Equal Exchange Exchanged Fine Glass Gold Jewels Price Thereof Vessel VesselsJob 28 1. There is a knowledge of natural things12. But wisdom is an excellent gift of God Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it This phrase emphasizes the incomparable value of wisdom, a central theme in the Book of Job. In the ancient Near East, gold was a symbol of wealth and power, often used in trade and as a standard of value. Crystal, likely referring to a precious stone or clear quartz, was also highly prized. The comparison suggests that wisdom surpasses even the most treasured material possessions. This echoes Proverbs 3:15, which states that wisdom is more precious than rubies. The cultural context of Job's time placed immense value on material wealth, yet this verse elevates wisdom above all. nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it Persons / Places / Events 1. JobThe central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. Job is engaged in a discourse about the value of wisdom. 2. Uz The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. It serves as the backdrop for Job's trials and dialogues. 3. Wisdom The primary subject of Job 28, depicted as more valuable than any earthly treasure. The chapter poetically explores the search for wisdom. Teaching Points The Incomparable Value of WisdomTrue wisdom cannot be measured by material wealth. It surpasses all earthly treasures, including gold and jewels. The Source of Wisdom Wisdom is a divine gift from God, not something that can be acquired through human effort or wealth. It requires a relationship with God to truly understand and possess it. Pursuing Wisdom in Daily Life Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer, scripture study, and a life of obedience to God's commands. Wisdom and Contentment Understanding the value of wisdom leads to contentment, as it shifts focus from material possessions to spiritual growth and understanding. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Job 28:17?2. How does Job 28:17 emphasize wisdom's value over "gold and glass"? 3. What practical steps can we take to seek wisdom daily? 4. How does Job 28:17 connect with Proverbs 3:13-15 on wisdom's worth? 5. Why should we prioritize wisdom over material wealth in our lives? 6. How can Job 28:17 guide our decisions in a materialistic society? 7. How does Job 28:17 define the value of wisdom compared to material wealth? 8. Why is wisdom considered more precious than gold and glass in Job 28:17? 9. What historical context influenced the writing of Job 28:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 28? 11. What is the Bible's perspective on crystals? 12. How can God's conversation with Satan, suggesting further suffering, be reconciled with the Bible's portrayal of God's goodness? (Job 2:1-6) 13. How can Job 28 claim humans search the depths of the earth (Job 28:1-4) when ancient mining technology was so limited? 14. Why does the chapter describe hidden treasures of nature yet fail to mention methods beyond ancient superstition for finding them (Job 28)? What Does Job 28:17 Mean Neither goldJob writes, “Neither gold… can compare to it.” Gold, the universal symbol of wealth and security, is here placed on one side of the scale—and found wanting. • Proverbs 16:16 reminds us, “How much better to acquire wisdom than gold!”. • Peter speaks of “gold, which perishes though refined by fire” (1 Peter 1:7). The metal may survive a furnace, yet it will not outlast eternity. • Revelation 3:18 offers Christ’s counsel, “buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich”, underscoring that only what God supplies truly enriches. By declaring that even literal, tangible gold cannot measure up, the Spirit presses us to recalibrate value: what God calls wisdom is wealth in its purest form. nor crystal can compare to it Crystal—clear, brilliant, flawless—captivates the eye, yet Job insists it still falls short. • Exodus 24:10 describes a vision of God with “a pavement of sapphire stone, as clear as the sky itself”, a scene more radiant than any earthly crystal. • Revelation 21:11 speaks of the heavenly city’s light, “like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal”, hinting that the clearest earthly stone is but a dim preview of divine glory. • Proverbs 20:15 observes, “There is gold and an abundance of rubies, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare treasure”. Clarity and brilliance delight the senses, yet God’s wisdom brings a transparency of heart and purpose that no earthly gem can mirror. nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it Even when gold is fashioned into exquisite jewelry—precision work, artistic beauty—wisdom still cannot be traded for it. • Psalm 19:9–10 declares that the judgments of the LORD “are more precious than gold, than much pure gold”. • Isaiah 55:1–2 calls, “Come, buy without money and without cost,” showing that true riches are received, not purchased. • Jesus illustrates the point in Matthew 13:45–46: the merchant “sold all he had and bought” the pearl of great price. When the treasure is wisdom from God, even the finest crafted wealth is an insufficient payment. summary Job 28:17 stacks gold, crystal, and the most masterfully wrought jewels against divine wisdom—and every earthly treasure collapses under the comparison. The verse calls believers to prize what God prizes: His revealed wisdom, found perfectly in His Word and ultimately in Christ, is the only wealth that endures, satisfies, and guides us securely into eternity. (17) The exchange of it.--Or, according to some, the attraction of it. The remainder of this chapter calls for little remark: its unrivalled sublimity is patent, and comment is superfluous. There is a general resemblance between this chapter and Proverbs 8, and both seem to imply a knowledge of the Mosaic narrative of creation.Verse 17. - The gold and the crystal cannot equal it; rather, gold and crystal. This second mention of gold (see ver. ]5) seems superfluous, but perhaps the patriarch is thinking of some goblet or ornament in which crystal and gold were combined together. Ornaments of this kind bare been found in Phoenicia ('Hist. of Phoenicia,' pp. 362, 370). And the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold; or, vessels of fine gold. Both in Egypt and Phoenicia vessels of gold were common.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Neitherלֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no gold זָ֭הָב (zā·hāḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky nor crystal וּזְכוֹכִ֑ית (ū·zə·ḵō·w·ḵîṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2137: Transparency, glass can compare, יַעַרְכֶ֣נָּה (ya·‘ar·ḵen·nāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 6186: To set in a, row, arrange, put in order nor jewels כְּלִי־ (kə·lî-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus of fine gold פָֽז׃ (p̄āz) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6337: Refined, pure gold be exchanged for it. וּתְמ֖וּרָתָ֣הּ (ū·ṯə·mū·rā·ṯāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 8545: Barter, compensation Links Job 28:17 NIVJob 28:17 NLT Job 28:17 ESV Job 28:17 NASB Job 28:17 KJV Job 28:17 BibleApps.com Job 28:17 Biblia Paralela Job 28:17 Chinese Bible Job 28:17 French Bible Job 28:17 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Job 28:17 Gold and glass can't equal it neither (Jb) |
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