Old Testament
Job 28:22
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Destruction and death say, 'We have heard the fame of it with our ears.'
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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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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Job Holds Fast His Integrity (Job 27:1–31:40)
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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.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Job 28:22
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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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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