Job 28:8
Job 28:8 in Multiple Translations
Proud beasts have never trodden it; no lion has ever prowled over it.
The lion’s whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
The proud beasts have not trodden it, Nor hath the fierce lion passed thereby.
The great beasts have not gone over it, and the cruel lion has not taken that way.
No wild beasts have passed that way; the lion has not walked there.
The lyons whelpes haue not walked it, nor the lyon passed thereby.
Nor trodden it have the sons of pride, Not passed over it hath the fierce lion.
The proud animals have not trodden it, nor has the fierce lion passed by there.
The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
The children of the merchants have not trodden it, neither hath the lioness passed by it.
Lions or other proud wild animals have not walked on the roads near those mines.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 28:8
BAB
Word Study
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Job 28:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
הִדְרִיכֻ֥/הוּ
בְנֵי
שָׁ֑חַץ
לֹֽא
עָדָ֖ה
עָלָ֣י/ו
שָֽׁחַל
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הִדְרִיכֻ֥/הוּ
dârak
H1869
to tread
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
שָׁ֑חַץ
shachats
H7830
pride
N-ms
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עָדָ֖ה
ʻâdâh
H5710
to advance
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָלָ֣י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
שָֽׁחַל
shachal
H7826
lion
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 28:8
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הִדְרִיכֻ֥/הוּ
dârak
H1869
"to tread"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.
Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שָׁ֑חַץ
shachats
H7830
"pride"
N-ms
This word describes a proud or haughty attitude, like that of a majestic lion. It is used in Proverbs 21:24 to warn against the dangers of pride.
Definition: 1) dignity, pride 1a) majestic wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] lion, pride. See also: Job 28:8; Job 41:26.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָדָ֖ה
ʻâdâh
H5710
"to advance"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to adorn or decorate oneself with ornaments, and is used in 2 Samuel 1:24 to describe the Israelites' adornment. It also appears in Ezekiel 23:40, where it talks about the decorating of a bed.
Definition: 1) to pass on, advance, go on, pass by, remove 1a) (Qal) to pass on, put on 1b) (Hiphil) to remove Aramaic equivalent: a.dah (עֲדָה "to pass on/over/away" H5709)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: adorn, deck (self), pass by, take away. See also: Job 28:8; Jeremiah 31:4; Proverbs 25:20.
עָלָ֣י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שָֽׁחַל
shachal
H7826
"lion"
N-ms
This word refers to a lion, known for its powerful roar. In Proverbs 30:30, it is used to describe the strength and courage of a lion, while in 1 Peter 5:8, it symbolizes Satan as a fierce lion.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) of Jehovah, wicked men (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: (fierce) lion. See also: Job 4:10; Psalms 91:13; Proverbs 26:13.
Study Notes — Job 28:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Where Can Wisdom Be Found?
6Its rocks are the source of sapphires, containing flecks of gold.
7No bird of prey knows that path; no falcon’s eye has seen it.
8Proud beasts have never trodden it; no lion has ever prowled over it.
9The miner strikes the flint; he overturns mountains at their base. 10He hews out channels in the rocks, and his eyes spot every treasure.Job 28:8 Summary
[This verse is saying that the path to true wisdom is not for those who are proud or think they can do everything on their own. Just like lions and proud beasts do not walk on this path, we need to be humble and recognize our need for God to find wisdom, as seen in James 1:5, where it says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God. By seeking God's path and being humble, we can find the wisdom we need to navigate life's challenges. This is reinforced in Proverbs 9:10, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the path in Job 28:8?
The path in Job 28:8 refers to the way or route to wisdom, which is not trodden by proud beasts or lions, symbolizing that true wisdom is not found in the proud or the powerful, as seen in Proverbs 11:2, where it says that with the humble is wisdom.
Why are lions and proud beasts mentioned in this verse?
Lions and proud beasts are mentioned to illustrate that the path to wisdom is not walked by those who are proud or self-sufficient, but rather by those who are humble and recognize their need for God, as taught in 1 Peter 5:6, which says to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand.
How does this verse relate to the search for wisdom?
This verse highlights that the search for wisdom is not a journey for the proud or the self-reliant, but rather for those who are willing to seek and follow God's path, as stated in Jeremiah 29:13, where it says that we will find God when we seek Him with all our heart.
What does the image of the lion and proud beasts tell us about the nature of wisdom?
The image of the lion and proud beasts tells us that wisdom is not about power, strength, or dominance, but rather about humility, meekness, and a willingness to learn and follow God's ways, as seen in Matthew 5:5, where the meek are blessed and will inherit the earth.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can humble myself and seek God's path to wisdom in my own life?
- How can I avoid being like the proud beasts and lions that do not tread the path to wisdom?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek wisdom and guidance from God, and how can I do that?
- How can I cultivate a humble and receptive heart to receive wisdom from God, as seen in Psalm 25:9, which says that God guides the humble in what is right?
Gill's Exposition on Job 28:8
The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 28:8
The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it. Lion's whelps - literally, the sons of pride [ bªneey (H1121) shaachats (H7830)] - i:e., the fiercest beasts.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 28:8
The lion’ s whelps, Heb. the sons of pride; a fit name for lions, which are lofty and stately creatures, despising both men and all other beasts that oppose them. The fierce lion; which rangeth all places for prey, and findeth out the deepest dens and caves of the earth. The birds and beasts have ofttimes led men to such places as otherwise they should never have found out; but they could not lead men to these mines; but the finding out of them is a special gift of God, and an act of that wisdom which he hath put into man.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 28:8
Job 28:8 The lion’ s whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it. Ver. 8. The lion’ s whelps have not trodden it] Heb. The children of pride, that is, saith Vatablus, belluae truces et immanes, fierce and cruel creatures, which yet pass through mountains and valleys and vast forests, but come not under ground, where these metals are; that is no part of their walk. Where the Vulgate had, his filii institorum here, Sons of the hucksters, Mercer cannot imagine, and his best patrons are hard put to it to defend him. Nor the fierce lion passed by it] Heb. The huge lion. There are seven names of lions observed in Scripture, whereof here are two in this verse, of like sound the one to the other. The Tigurines render it here, the leopard; the Vulgate Latin, the lioness; and his paraphrast hath the whole verse thus, Those wild beasts, whose savage humour searcheth out the most solitary places, could never yet find them; and the lionesses, which run everywhere when they have lost their little ones, have never approached them.
Cambridge Bible on Job 28:8
8. Neither have the proud wild beasts, which fearlessly penetrate into the darkest places, ever trodden that path. the lion’s whelps] Rather, the proud beasts, lit. sons of pride, ch. Job 41:34. passed by it] i. e. passed over it, walked it.
Barnes' Notes on Job 28:8
The lion’s whelps - The lion that ventures into the most dangerous places in pursuit of prey, has not dared to go where man has gone in pursuit of precious stones and gold.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 28:8
8. Lion’s whelps — Literally, sons of pride. Same as in Job 41:34.