Job 28:22
Job 28:22 in Multiple Translations
Abaddon and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor about it.’
Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.
Destruction and Death say, We have heard a rumor thereof with our ears.
Destruction and Death say, We have only had word of it with our ears.
Abaddon and Death say, ‘We've only heard a rumor of it.’
Destruction and death say, We haue heard the fame thereof with our eares.
Destruction and death have said: 'With our ears we have heard its fame.'
Destruction and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.’
Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame of it with our ears.
Destruction and death have said: With our ears we have heard the fame thereof.
It is as though the places where people go after they die say [PRS], ‘We have only heard rumors about where to find wisdom.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 28:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 28:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲבַדּ֣וֹן
וָ֭/מָוֶת
אָ֣מְר֑וּ
בְּ֝/אָזְנֵ֗י/נוּ
שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ
שִׁמְעָֽ/הּ
אֲבַדּ֣וֹן
ʼăbaddôwn
H11
Abaddon
N-proper
וָ֭/מָוֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
Conj | N-ms
אָ֣מְר֑וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בְּ֝/אָזְנֵ֗י/נוּ
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Prep | N-fd | Suff
שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
שִׁמְעָֽ/הּ
shêmaʻ
H8088
sound
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 28:22
אֲבַדּ֣וֹן
ʼăbaddôwn
H11
"Abaddon"
N-proper
Abaddon means a place of destruction or ruin, often translated as destruction in the KJV. It is an abstract concept of perishing. In the Bible, it is associated with Hades.
Definition: Abaddon, a place of destruction, destruction, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: destruction. See also: Job 26:6; Job 31:12; Psalms 88:12.
וָ֭/מָוֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
אָ֣מְר֑וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בְּ֝/אָזְנֵ֗י/נוּ
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
שִׁמְעָֽ/הּ
shêmaʻ
H8088
"sound"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a report, rumor, or announcement, something that is heard or spoken. In the Bible, it is used to describe news, fame, or a loud noise, often in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: sound
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bruit, fame, hear(-ing), loud, report, speech, tidings. See also: Genesis 29:13; Psalms 18:45; Psalms 150:5.
Study Notes — Job 28:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 28:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 28:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 28:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 28:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 28:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 28:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 28:22
- Cambridge Bible on Job 28:22
- Barnes' Notes on Job 28:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 28:22
- Sermons on Job 28:22
Context — Where Can Wisdom Be Found?
20From where, then, does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell?
21It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air.
22Abaddon and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor about it.’
23But God understands its way, and He knows its place. 24For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 83:10–12 | who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let us possess for ourselves the pastures of God.” |
| 2 | Job 26:6 | Sheol is naked before God, and Abaddon has no covering. |
| 3 | Job 28:14 | The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ |
Job 28:22 Summary
This verse, Job 28:22, shows us that even powerful beings like Abaddon and Death don't really understand wisdom, they've just heard about it. This means that true wisdom is not something we can easily find on our own, but it's something that God understands and can share with us (as seen in Job 28:23 and Psalm 119:66). It's like trying to find a treasure that's hidden, and only God has the map. By acknowledging our limitations and seeking God's wisdom, we can gain a deeper understanding of His ways, as encouraged in Jeremiah 9:24 and Proverbs 1:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Abaddon and Death in Job 28:22?
Abaddon and Death are personified as entities that have some knowledge of wisdom, but only as a rumor, as stated in Job 28:22, emphasizing the elusiveness of wisdom, a theme also seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Jeremiah 9:24.
What does the phrase 'We have heard a rumor about it' mean in this context?
The phrase suggests that even powerful entities like Abaddon and Death have only indirect knowledge of wisdom, highlighting its mysterious nature, as also noted in Job 28:20-21 and supported by Psalm 111:10.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of wisdom in the book of Job?
This verse contributes to the book of Job's exploration of wisdom by showing that true wisdom is not easily accessible, even to powerful beings, and that it is God who ultimately understands its way, as stated in Job 28:23 and echoed in Isaiah 55:9.
What can we learn from the fact that Abaddon and Death only have a 'rumor' of wisdom?
This teaches us that worldly power and knowledge are limited and that true wisdom comes from a deeper, spiritual understanding, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 1:20 and James 1:5.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for you to seek wisdom, and how does this verse challenge or encourage your pursuit of it?
- In what ways do you rely on 'rumors' or secondary knowledge of God's wisdom, rather than seeking it directly from Him?
- How can you apply the lesson from this verse that true wisdom is not just about knowledge, but about a deep understanding of God's ways?
- What role do you think humility plays in seeking wisdom, in light of this verse and others like Proverbs 9:10?
Gill's Exposition on Job 28:22
Destruction and death say,.... Meaning the dead that are in the pit of destruction, the grave; not their dead bodies there, devoid of life and sense, and know not anything, but their souls; either
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 28:22
Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears. i.e., the abodes of destruction and of the dead. "Death" put for Sheol (Job 30:23; Job 26:6, note; Psalms 9:13). We have (only) heard - the report of her.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 28:22
Destruction and death; either, 1. Men that are dead, and thereby freed from the encumbrance of their bodies, which depress their minds, and have more raised thoughts than men that live here. Or, 2. The grave, the place of the dead, to which these things are here ascribed, as they are to the depths, and to the sea, , by a figure called prosopopaeia. If a man should search for this wisdom, either amongst living men, or amongst the dead, he could not find it; yea, though he should and might inquire of all men that formerly lived in the world, some of whom were persons of prodigious wit and learning, and of vast experience, as having lived nigh a thousand years, and made it their great business in that time to search out the depths of this Divine wisdom in the administration of the world. We have heard the fame thereof; we know it only by slight and uncertain rumours, but not fully and perfectly.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 28:22
Job 28:22 Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.Ver. 22. Destruction and death say, &c.] That is, the dead in the grave, and damned in hell, as some gloss it. Others, man in his corrupt estate, though a child of death, yet capable of salvation; and the wisdom of God hath found out a way to save him by his Son, letting in life by the ear, according to that, "Hear, and your souls shall live," Isaiah 55:3. The dead in sins and trespasses shall hear the voice of the Son of God (in the preaching of the word), and shall live, the life of grace here, and of glory hereafter, John 5:25. These have heard of God’ s wisdom in his various dealings with the sons of men, and that with their ears; both with the gristles that grow on their heads, and with the inward ears of their minds, so that one sound hath pierced both, but yet the one half hath not been told them; they can truly say, as the queen of Sheba said to Solomon, Thou hast added wisdom and goodness to the fame, 1 Kings 10:7. And as David in the person of Christ, Psalms 16:11, "Thou wilt show me the path of life"; whereby is hinted that Christ himself, as man, did not so fully understand in the days of his flesh the unconceivable joys of heaven, as he did afterwards, when his whole person was glorified with the glory which, as God, he had with the Father before the world was, John 17:5.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 28:22
(22) Destruction and death say.—That destruction and death should have heard the fame of wisdom is natural, as it consists in departing from the evil which leads to their abode.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 28:22
Verse 22. Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof] אבדון ומות Abaddon vamaveth, the destroyer, and his offspring death. This is the very name that is given to the devil in Greek letters Αβαδδων, Revelation 9:11, and is rendered by the Greek word Απολλυων, Apollyon, a word exactly of the same meaning. No wonder death and the devil are brought in here as saying they had heard the fame of wisdom, seeing Job 28:28 defines it to be the fear of the Lord, and a departure from evil; things point blank contrary to the interests of Satan, and the extension of the empire of death.
Cambridge Bible on Job 28:22
22. destruction and death] Heb. Abaddon and Death. Abaddon is Sheol, the realm of the dead, here personified, as also is Death. Comp. Revelation 1:18; Revelation 9:11, and see on ch. Job 26:6. the fame thereof] i. e. the report or rumour thereof. Destruction and Death have only heard of Wisdom, they have no knowledge of it, much less is it to be found with them. It is not true, alas! in this sense that There must be wisdom with great Death. The words “we have heard the report thereof” ascribe neither a less nor a greater knowledge of Wisdom to Death than the living possess. Both are equally ignorant of it, and equally without it.
As Job 28:13-14 told how Wisdom was nowhere to be found in the upper world so Job 28:22 states that it is not to be found in the under world. The process of exhaustion is complete: Wisdom is nowhere to be found, neither in the bowels of the earth nor in the markets of mankind, in the deep nor in the sea; neither in the land of the living nor in the place of the dead.
Barnes' Notes on Job 28:22
Destruction - This is a personification which is exceedingly sublime. Job had spoken of the wonderful discoveries made by science, but none of them had disclosed true wisdom.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 28:22
22. We have heard the fame thereof — The silence of the living suggests appeal to the dead. New regions of being may perchance have opened new resources of knowledge.
Sermons on Job 28:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Nothing Satisfies by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the insufficiency of earthly treasures like the ocean and mountains to satisfy our deepest needs, emphasizing that true wisdom and fulfillment can |
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The Deep Saith, It Is Not in Me: And the Sea Saith, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the quest for true wisdom, which is found only in God, as illustrated in Job 28:14. He describes the futility of seeking wisdom in worldly sources, likening t |
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Our Daily Homily - Job Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the profound themes of justice and divine knowledge in the Book of Job, emphasizing the connection between wrongdoing and its consequences. He highlights that w |