Job 28:23
Job 28:23 in Multiple Translations
But God understands its way, and He knows its place.
God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.
God understandeth the way thereof, And he knoweth the place thereof.
God has knowledge of the way to it, and of its resting-place;
Only God understands the path to wisdom; he knows where it is found.
But God vnderstandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.
God hath understood its way, And He hath known its place.
“God understands its way, and he knows its place.
God understandeth the way of it, and he knoweth its place.
God understandeth the way of it, and he knoweth the place thereof.
God is the only one who knows how to find wisdom; he knows where it is,
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 28:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Job 28:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱ֭לֹהִים
הֵבִ֣ין
דַּרְכָּ֑/הּ
וְ֝/ה֗וּא
יָדַ֥ע
אֶת
מְקוֹמָֽ/הּ
אֱ֭לֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
הֵבִ֣ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
דַּרְכָּ֑/הּ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
וְ֝/ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
יָדַ֥ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מְקוֹמָֽ/הּ
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 28:23
אֱ֭לֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הֵבִ֣ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
דַּרְכָּ֑/הּ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְ֝/ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יָדַ֥ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מְקוֹמָֽ/הּ
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
Study Notes — Job 28:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 28:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 28:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 28:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 28:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 28:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 28:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 28:23
- Cambridge Bible on Job 28:23
- Barnes' Notes on Job 28:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 28:23
- Sermons on Job 28:23
Context — Where Can Wisdom Be Found?
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. 25When God fixed the weight of the wind and measured out the waters,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 8:22–31 | The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began. When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth, before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth. I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth, when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth. Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence. I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 1:30 | It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. |
| 3 | Jude 1:25 | to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen. |
| 4 | 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! |
| 5 | Proverbs 2:6 | For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
| 6 | Psalms 147:5 | Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. |
| 7 | Matthew 11:27 | All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. |
| 8 | Luke 10:21–22 | At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” |
| 9 | Acts 15:18 | that have been known for ages.’ |
| 10 | Proverbs 8:14 | Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. |
Job 28:23 Summary
[This verse tells us that even though humans and even death and the grave do not fully understand or know where to find wisdom, God completely understands and knows the way of wisdom. He is all-knowing and all-wise, as seen in verses like Jeremiah 32:17 and Psalms 147:5. This means we can trust God to guide us in our search for wisdom, and we can look to Him for understanding and direction. By acknowledging God's wisdom and knowledge, we can humble ourselves and seek His will, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 7:7-8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God understands the way of wisdom?
This verse highlights God's complete understanding and knowledge of wisdom, which is a theme throughout the book of Job and the Bible, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalms 111:10, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Why does the verse contrast God's knowledge with the lack of knowledge of every living thing?
The contrast emphasizes God's sovereignty and unique understanding, as stated in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares His knowledge of the end from the beginning, and in Romans 11:33, which praises the depth of God's wisdom.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter, which talks about the search for wisdom?
This verse is a culmination of the chapter's discussion on the elusiveness of wisdom, underscoring that while humans and even death and the grave may have only rumors or hearsay about wisdom, God has full knowledge and understanding, as also seen in Job 28:20-22 and Ecclesiastes 7:24.
What does it mean that God knows the place of wisdom?
Knowing the place of wisdom implies God's intimate acquaintance with its source, location, and application, much like how God knows the location and workings of the universe, as described in Job 28:24-25 and Psalms 104:24, which talks about God's wisdom in creation.
Reflection Questions
- How does recognizing God's understanding and knowledge of wisdom impact my pursuit of wisdom in my daily life?
- In what ways can I apply the truth that God knows everything, including the mysteries of the universe and the depths of human hearts, as I navigate life's challenges?
- What role does humility play in acknowledging the limits of human knowledge and the limitless knowledge of God, as expressed in this verse and in 1 Corinthians 1:20-25?
- How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's wisdom and understanding, as declared in this verse and in Proverbs 9:10?
Gill's Exposition on Job 28:23
God understandeth the way thereof,.... And he only; not the way that men can come at the knowledge of wisdom, which at present appears to be past finding out; but rather the way which wisdom itself
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 28:23
God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. God hath, and is Himself wisdom. So He alone "understandeth the way thereof, and knoweth the place thereof."
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 28:23
God, i.e. God alone; as appears by the denial of it to all other things. The way thereof; either the way how it is to be obtained; or rather, the methods or courses which it takes in the management of all affairs in the world, together with its grounds and ends in them. The place thereof; where it dwells, which is only in his own breast and mind, and in the best of men but in part, and only as far as it pleaseth him to afford it.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 28:23
Job 28:23 God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.Ver. 23. God understandeth the way thereof] The only wise God, who alone knows her price, knows her retreat. Haec sunt inferni et morris verba, saith Brentius; those are the words of hell and of death. But we may better take them, as spoken by Job himself; which yet are to be understood, not as if Job thought that there was any place, apart from God, where his wisdom might be sought; or any way, out of himself, to go to it. But these things are spoken after the manner of men, saith Merlin; for wisdom is in God, yea, God is wisdom itself. For the wisdom of God is nothing else but the most wise God; since whatsoever is in God is God. Therefore seeing he is well known to himself, how can his wisdom be but as well known unto him? His infinite knowledge and understanding is in some sort shadowed out unto us in the words following.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 28:23
(23) God understandeth the way thereof.—God is the author of wisdom, and His fear is the beginning thereof; so with His infinite knowledge of the universe He cannot but be cognisant of the place and way thereof. It is to be observed that while the foundation of wisdom is said to be coeval with that of the world, the very existence of wisdom in relation to man implied the existence of evil, because except by departing from evil there could for man be no wisdom, though evil itself may undoubtedly involve and imply the deflection from a previously existing right. Wrong, for example, is what is wrung aside from the right. The two ideas which Job starts with are man’s ignorance of the price and the place of wisdom. Neither he nor nature knows the place of it: neither all living, nor the deep, nor the sea; and as for its price, though man is prepared to give any high price for the costly stones and jewels of the earth, yet all that he has to give is not to be mentioned in comparison with the value of wisdom. Wisdom, however, is to be purchased by the poor, as we may infer from the language of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 55:1), or, at all events, that which ranks with wisdom; and in like manner Christ represented the kingdom of heaven as a pearl of great price, which would demand all that a man had to buy it, and yet he represented the poor as those especially to whom it was preached. It is true that the wisdom of which Job speaks (Job 28:28) is in no way connected with the Gospel of the kingdom; but yet, if the words of the wise are indeed given from one Shepherd, it is impossible not to recognise a central thought underlying all such words, if not in the separate minds of the wise at heart, in the original mind of the one Shepherd. So we can see that that which is true of wisdom as described by Job receives its illustration from that which is true of the Gospel of the kingdom and of the evangelical promises of Isaiah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 28:23
Verse 23. God understandeth the way thereof] It can only be taught by a revelation from himself. Instead of הבין hebin, understandeth, six MSS. have הכין hechin, disposed or established. This reading is also supported by the Septuagint; ὉΘεοςευσυνεστησεναυτηςὁδον, "God hath well established her way:" falsely rendered bene cognovit, hath well known, in the Latin version of the Septuagint in the London Polyglot; but bene constituit, hath well established, in the Complutensian, Antwerp, and Paris Polyglots.
Cambridge Bible on Job 28:23
23–28. Wisdom can nowhere be found either by man or by any creature (Job 28:21), only by the Creator. God knoweth the place of it and is in possession of it, for He is the maker and upholder of the universe with all its agencies. And He has assigned to man as his wisdom the fear of the Lord.
Barnes' Notes on Job 28:23
God understandeth the way thereof - These are doubtless the words of Job. The meaning is, that the reason of the divine dispensations could be known only to God himself. He had given no clew by which man could discover this.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 28:23
23. Thereof — To it. God (Elohim) alone understands the way to wisdom.
Sermons on Job 28:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 4 of 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges and relates it to the letter to the Philippians. The preacher emphasizes that God calls specific |
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God's Eternal Son by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is the Creator of all things and that all things were created by His will. The preacher refers to Revelation chapter 4, where it is |
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Abraham, My Friend: 02 in the Beginning god... by Ron Bailey | This sermon is the second installment in a series on the life of Abraham, focusing on the theme of beginnings. The speaker emphasizes that every Christian biography should begin wi |
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The Three Prayers (Part 3) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a scene of chickens and a rooster in a courtyard, which transitions to the sound of Frank Sinatra singing "Strangers in the Night." |
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A Sure Path Through the Coming Storm by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's will, even when it goes against our own desires and plans. It challenges believers to let go of self-preservation, fe |
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A Sure Path to the Coming Storm - Carter Conlon by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of receiving a divine calling to continue preaching the word of God, despite his plans to spend more time with his family |
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A Dissertation Concerning the Eternal Sonship of Christ by John Gill | John Gill discusses the doctrine of the eternal Sonship of Christ, asserting that Jesus is the Son of God by eternal generation, existing as such before His incarnation. He highlig |