Job 28:3
New International Version
Mortals put an end to the darkness; they search out the farthest recesses for ore in the blackest darkness.

New Living Translation
They know how to shine light in the darkness and explore the farthest regions of the earth as they search in the dark for ore.

English Standard Version
Man puts an end to darkness and searches out to the farthest limit the ore in gloom and deep darkness.

Berean Standard Bible
Man puts an end to the darkness; he probes the farthest recesses for ore in deepest darkness.

King James Bible
He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.

New King James Version
Man puts an end to darkness, And searches every recess For ore in the darkness and the shadow of death.

New American Standard Bible
Man puts an end to darkness, And to the farthest limit he searches out The rock in gloom and deep shadow.

NASB 1995
“Man puts an end to darkness, And to the farthest limit he searches out The rock in gloom and deep shadow.

NASB 1977
Man puts an end to darkness, And to the farthest limit he searches out The rock in gloom and deep shadow.

Legacy Standard Bible
Man puts an end to darkness, And to the farthest limit he searches out The rock in thick darkness and shadow of death.

Amplified Bible
Man puts an end to darkness [by bringing in a light], And to the farthest bounds he searches out The rock buried in gloom and deep shadow.

Christian Standard Bible
A miner puts an end to the darkness; he probes the deepest recesses for ore in the gloomy darkness.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A miner puts an end to the darkness; he probes the deepest recesses for ore in the gloomy darkness.

American Standard Version
Man setteth an end to darkness, And searcheth out, to the furthest bound, The stones of obscurity and of thick darkness.

Contemporary English Version
Miners carry lanterns deep into the darkness to search for these metals.

English Revised Version
Man setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out to the furthest bound the stones of thick darkness and of the shadow of death.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[Humans] bring an end to darkness [there] and search to the limit of the gloomy, pitch-black rock.

Good News Translation
Miners explore the deepest darkness. They search the depths of the earth And dig for rocks in the darkness.

International Standard Version
Mankind limits the darkness as they search the deepest depths for ore in unfathomable darkness.

Majority Standard Bible
Man puts an end to the darkness; he probes the farthest recesses for ore in deepest darkness.

NET Bible
Man puts an end to the darkness; he searches the farthest recesses for the ore in the deepest darkness.

New Heart English Bible
Man sets an end to darkness, and searches out, to the furthest bound, the stones of obscurity and of thick darkness.

Webster's Bible Translation
He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shades of death.

World English Bible
Man sets an end to darkness, and searches out, to the furthest bound, the stones of obscurity and of thick darkness.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He has set an end to darkness, "" And he is searching to all perfection, "" A stone of darkness and death-shade.

Young's Literal Translation
An end hath he set to darkness, And to all perfection he is searching, A stone of darkness and death-shade.

Smith's Literal Translation
He set an end to darkness, and he searched out for all completeness: the stone of darkness and the shadow of death.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He hath set a time for darkness, and the end of all things he considereth, the stone also that is in the dark and the shadow of death.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He has established a time for darkness, and he has settled on an end for all things, as well as for the stone that is in the gloom and shadow of death.

New American Bible
He sets a boundary for the darkness; the farthest confines he explores.

New Revised Standard Version
Miners put an end to darkness, and search out to the farthest bound the ore in gloom and deep darkness.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
God sets an end to darkness, and knows the end of everything, the deep and dark mine and the shadow of death.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He set an end for darkness and he knows the end to everything, the stone of a deep pit and the shadow of death
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Man setteth an end to darkness, And searcheth out to the furthest bound The stones of thick darkness and of the shadow of death.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He has set a bound to darkness, and he searches out every limit: a stone is darkness, and the shadow of death.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Where Can Wisdom Be Found?
2Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore. 3Man puts an end to the darkness; he probes the farthest recesses for ore in deepest darkness. 4Far from human habitation he cuts a shaft in places forgotten by the foot of man. Far from men he dangles and sways.…

Cross References
Proverbs 2:4-5
if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, / then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 8:12
I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.

Isaiah 45:3
I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Psalm 119:130
The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.

Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.

Ecclesiastes 7:25
I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness.

Daniel 2:22
He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.

Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Luke 12:2-3
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. / What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.

Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

1 Corinthians 2:10
But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Ephesians 3:9
and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.


Treasury of Scripture

He sets an end to darkness, and searches out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.

searcheth

Proverbs 2:4
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

Ecclesiastes 1:13
And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

Habakkuk 2:13
Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?

the stones

Job 10:21,22
Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; …

Job 12:22
He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.

Job 38:16,17
Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? …

Jump to Previous
Bound Dark Darkness Death Death-Shade Deep End Farthest Gloom Limit Obscurity Ore Perfection Places Puts Putteth Recesses Rock Search Searches Searcheth Searching Sets Shades Shadow Stone Stones Thick Utmost
Jump to Next
Bound Dark Darkness Death Death-Shade Deep End Farthest Gloom Limit Obscurity Ore Perfection Places Puts Putteth Recesses Rock Search Searches Searcheth Searching Sets Shades Shadow Stone Stones Thick Utmost
Job 28
1. There is a knowledge of natural things
12. But wisdom is an excellent gift of God














Man puts an end to the darkness;
This phrase highlights humanity's quest to overcome ignorance and uncover hidden truths. In biblical context, darkness often symbolizes ignorance, evil, or chaos (Genesis 1:2-4, John 1:5). The ability to "put an end to the darkness" suggests human ingenuity and the God-given mandate to subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28). It reflects the broader biblical theme of light overcoming darkness, a motif seen in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, who is described as the "light of the world" (John 8:12).

he probes the farthest recesses
This part of the verse illustrates the human drive to explore and understand the unknown. In ancient times, mining was a significant activity, requiring advanced techniques to reach deep into the earth. The phrase can be seen as a metaphor for the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, a central theme in the Book of Job. It echoes the biblical encouragement to seek wisdom diligently (Proverbs 2:4-5). The probing of "farthest recesses" also parallels the spiritual search for understanding God's ways, which are often beyond human comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9).

for ore in deepest darkness.
The search for ore represents the pursuit of valuable resources hidden within the earth. Historically, mining was a dangerous and labor-intensive process, reflecting the lengths to which people will go to obtain what is precious. This can be seen as a metaphor for seeking spiritual treasures, such as wisdom and understanding, which are more valuable than material wealth (Proverbs 3:13-15). The "deepest darkness" signifies the hidden and often difficult-to-reach nature of true wisdom, which is ultimately found in God (Job 28:28). This pursuit of hidden treasures can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate treasure and source of all wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. The discourse in Job 28 is part of Job's speech reflecting on wisdom and human endeavors.

2. Darkness
Symbolic of ignorance, mystery, or the unknown. In this context, it represents the hidden places of the earth where valuable resources are found.

3. Ore
Represents the valuable resources hidden within the earth, which humans seek through mining. It symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
Teaching Points
The Human Quest for Knowledge
Humans have an innate desire to explore and understand the world, as seen in the pursuit of hidden treasures. This reflects our God-given curiosity and drive for discovery.

The Limits of Human Understanding
Despite our efforts to uncover the mysteries of the world, true wisdom and understanding are ultimately found in God. Our endeavors should lead us to seek His guidance and revelation.

Spiritual Darkness and Light
Just as miners bring light to dark places to find treasures, we are called to bring the light of Christ into the spiritual darkness of the world, revealing the truth of the Gospel.

The Value of Perseverance
The process of mining is labor-intensive and requires perseverance. Similarly, our spiritual journey requires diligence and persistence in seeking God's wisdom.(3) He setteth an end to darkness.--May be read thus, Man setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out to the furthest bound the stones of darkness and the shadow of death.

Verse 3. - He setteth an end to darkness. Man, in his desire to obtain these metals, "setteth an end to darkness," i.e. letteth in the light of day, or the artificial light which he carries with him, upon the natural abode of darkness, the inner parts of the earth. The miner's first operation is to pierce the ground with a shaft, perpendicular, horizontal, or oblique, as suits his purpose. Through this the light enters into what was previously pitch darkness. And searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death; rather, and searcheth out to the furthest bound the stones of thick darkness and of the shadow of death; explores, i.e. the entire murky regina within the earth, notwithstanding its fearful gloom and obscurity.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[Man] puts
שָׂ֤ם (śām)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

an end
קֵ֤ץ ׀ (qêṣ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7093: An extremity, after

to the darkness;
לַחֹ֗שֶׁךְ (la·ḥō·šeḵ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2822: The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

he
ה֣וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

probes
חוֹקֵ֑ר (ḥō·w·qêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2713: To penetrate, to examine intimately

the farthest recesses
וּֽלְכָל־ (ū·lə·ḵāl-)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

for ore
אֶ֖בֶן (’e·ḇen)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 68: A stone

in deepest darkness.
אֹ֣פֶל (’ō·p̄el)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 652: Darkness, gloom


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OT Poetry: Job 28:3 Man sets an end to darkness (Jb)
Job 28:2
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