Old Testament
Job 28:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price of it.
Compare translations
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
What Job 28:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 28:15, the verse emphasizes that true wisdom and understanding cannot be purchased with material wealth. Gold and silver, which are often seen as the highest forms of value, cannot buy wisdom. This highlights the idea that wisdom is far more precious than any earthly treasure. The context of this verse is a reflection on the nature of wisdom, suggesting that it is something that must be sought after and valued above all else. The passage implies that wisdom is not found in the marketplace or through financial means, but rather through a deeper understanding and relationship with God. This serves as a reminder that spiritual and moral insights are invaluable and cannot be quantified or traded like material possessions. Ultimately, the pursuit of wisdom requires humility and a willingness to seek it earnestly, rather than relying on wealth or status.
How to apply Job 28:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of wisdom over the accumulation of wealth. In our daily lives, we should seek knowledge and understanding through study, reflection, and prayer, recognizing that these qualities enrich our lives far more than material possessions ever could.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Job's story: Job Holds Fast His Integrity (Job 27:1–31:40)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Job
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 28:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 28:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 28:15 mean?
Job 28:15 means that true wisdom cannot be bought with money or material wealth. It emphasizes that wisdom is far more valuable than gold or silver, highlighting its importance in life.
What is the significance of wisdom in Job 28:15?
The significance of wisdom in Job 28:15 is that it is portrayed as an invaluable asset that cannot be acquired through financial means. This verse underscores the idea that wisdom is essential for a fulfilling life and must be sought after earnestly.
How does Job 28:15 relate to materialism?
Job 28:15 contrasts the pursuit of material wealth with the pursuit of wisdom, suggesting that focusing solely on accumulating riches can lead one to overlook the greater value of understanding and insight.
What does 'neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof' mean in Job 28:15?
The phrase 'neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof' in Job 28:15 means that no amount of silver can equate to the worth of wisdom. It emphasizes that wisdom is priceless and cannot be measured or traded like material goods.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.