Old Testament

Job 28:22

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ClearClear Bible Translation

Destruction and death say, 'We have heard the fame of it with our ears.'

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KJVKing James Version

Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.

What Job 28:22 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Job 28:22, the personification of Destruction and Death suggests that even the most feared and ultimate realities in life acknowledge the existence of wisdom. They have 'heard' of it, indicating that wisdom is something that transcends even the finality of death. This verse highlights the idea that wisdom is not easily accessible or understood, and it is not found in the usual places of human experience. Instead, it is a profound and elusive quality that even the most powerful forces recognize. The context of this verse emphasizes the search for wisdom, which is a central theme in the Book of Job. It suggests that while humans may seek wisdom through various means, true wisdom is ultimately beyond human reach and must be sought from God.

How to apply Job 28:22 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize the limits of human understanding and the importance of seeking wisdom from God. In our lives, we often face challenges and uncertainties, and we should remember that true wisdom comes from a higher source. We should actively pursue spiritual insight and understanding.

Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary

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A painting of Job kneeling among the ashes and lifting his hands as he answers his three friends, who sit around him

Illustrated scene from Job's story: Job Holds Fast His Integrity (Job 27:1–31:40)

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Job

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

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.

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Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

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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 28:22 mean?

Job 28:22 means that even the concepts of Destruction and Death acknowledge the existence of wisdom. This suggests that wisdom is a profound quality that transcends human experience and is recognized even by the ultimate realities of life.

What is the meaning of wisdom in Job 28:22?

In Job 28:22, wisdom is portrayed as something elusive and difficult to attain. The verse implies that true wisdom is not found in ordinary places but is acknowledged by even the most powerful forces, indicating its significance.

How does Job 28:22 relate to human limitations?

Job 28:22 illustrates human limitations by showing that wisdom is not easily accessible to people. It suggests that despite our efforts to seek wisdom, it ultimately comes from a higher source beyond our reach.

What themes are present in Job 28:22?

The themes present in Job 28:22 include wisdom, the inevitability of Destruction and Death, human limitations in understanding, and the search for divine knowledge and truth.

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