What is the meaning of Job 28:16?

It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir

- “Gold of Ophir” stood for the purest, most coveted gold known in Job’s day (1 Kings 9:28; Psalm 45:9).

- By saying wisdom “cannot be valued” in that gold, Job elevates divine wisdom far above the highest earthly standard of wealth.

- Scripture consistently weighs God’s wisdom against riches and finds riches wanting (Proverbs 3:13–15; Matthew 13:44).

- The point: no amount of human prosperity, however dazzling, can purchase or equal the insight that comes only from the Lord (James 1:5).

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In precious onyx

- Onyx adorned the high priest’s ephod, engraved with the names of Israel’s tribes (Exodus 28:9–12). Even stones tied to Israel’s worship life cannot rival wisdom.

- Precious jewels capture light and admiration, yet their glory is temporary; wisdom guides into eternal life (Proverbs 8:35).

- This clause reminds us that sacred artifacts themselves are not the source of wisdom—God is (James 3:17).

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Or sapphire

- Sapphire carries connotations of heavenly beauty; the pavement beneath God’s feet appeared “like sapphire” when He revealed Himself at Sinai (Exodus 24:10; Ezekiel 1:26).

- Job’s comparison moves from earth’s finest gold, to prized gems, to stones linked with God’s throne—still, wisdom outshines them all.

- Even visions of celestial splendor fall short of the value of walking in God’s counsel (Psalm 73:24; Revelation 21:19–21).

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summary

Job 28:16 piles up the era’s most treasured riches—Ophir’s gold, ornate onyx, radiant sapphire—to declare that true wisdom cannot be bought, measured, or replaced by any earthly or even symbolic heavenly wealth. Only the fear of the Lord imparts that priceless treasure, inviting us to seek Him above every glittering substitute.