Job 28:17
New International Version
Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold.

New Living Translation
Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold.

English Standard Version
Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.

Berean Standard Bible
Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it.

King James Bible
The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.

New King James Version
Neither gold nor crystal can equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold.

New American Standard Bible
“Gold or glass cannot equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of pure gold.

NASB 1995
“Gold or glass cannot equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold.

NASB 1977
“Gold or glass cannot equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold.

Legacy Standard Bible
Gold or glass cannot meet its worth, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold.

Amplified Bible
“Gold and glass cannot equal wisdom, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold.

Christian Standard Bible
Gold and glass do not compare with it, and articles of fine gold cannot be exchanged for it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Gold and glass do not compare with it, and articles of fine gold cannot be exchanged for it.

American Standard Version
Gold and glass cannot equal it, Neither shall it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.

Contemporary English Version
Nothing is its equal--not gold or costly glass.

English Revised Version
Gold and glass cannot equal it: neither shall the exchange thereof be jewels of fine gold.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Neither gold nor glass can equal its value. Nor can gold ornaments, jewels, or crystal

Good News Translation
It is worth more than gold, Than a gold vase or finest glass.

International Standard Version
It cannot be compared to gold and fine glass crystal, nor can it be exchanged for gold-plated weaponry.

Majority Standard Bible
Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it.

NET Bible
Neither gold nor crystal can be compared with it, nor can a vase of gold match its worth.

New Heart English Bible
Gold and glass can't equal it, neither shall it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.

Webster's Bible Translation
The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.

World English Bible
Gold and glass can’t equal it, neither will it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Gold and crystal do not equal it, "" Nor [is] its exchange a vessel of fine gold.

Young's Literal Translation
Not equal it do gold and crystal, Nor is its exchange a vessel of fine gold.

Smith's Literal Translation
Gold and crystal shall not compare with it, and its exchange, vessels of pure gold.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Gold or crystal cannot equal it, neither shall any vessels of gold be changed for it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Neither gold nor crystal will be its equal; neither will vessels of gold be fitted for it.

New American Bible
Gold or crystal cannot equal her, nor can golden vessels be exchanged for her.

New Revised Standard Version
Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The gold and the crystal cannot equal it; nor can precious pearls, jewels, and emeralds equal it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Gold does not compare to it, or crystal, or precious pearls, neither do gems or jewels compare to it
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Gold and glass cannot equal it; Neither shall the exchange thereof be vessels of fine gold.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Gold and crystal shall not be equalled to it, neither shall vessels of gold be its exchange.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Where Can Wisdom Be Found?
16It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. 17Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. 18Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.…

Cross References
Proverbs 3:15
She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.

Proverbs 8:11
For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.

Proverbs 16:16
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

Matthew 13:45-46
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

1 Peter 1:7
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 21:18-21
The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. / The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, / the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. ...

Proverbs 20:15
There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.

Psalm 19:10
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

Psalm 119:72
The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Isaiah 13:12
I will make man scarcer than pure gold, and mankind rarer than the gold of Ophir.

1 Kings 10:21
All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.

1 Kings 10:27
The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills.

2 Chronicles 9:20
All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.

2 Chronicles 9:27
The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills.


Treasury of Scripture

The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.

crystal

Ezekiel 1:22
And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

Revelation 4:6
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

Revelation 21:11
Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

jewels.

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Articles Best Compare Compared Crystal Equal Exchange Exchanged Fine Glass Gold Jewels Price Thereof Vessel Vessels
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Articles Best Compare Compared Crystal Equal Exchange Exchanged Fine Glass Gold Jewels Price Thereof Vessel Vessels
Job 28
1. There is a knowledge of natural things
12. But wisdom is an excellent gift of God














Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it
This phrase emphasizes the incomparable value of wisdom, a central theme in the Book of Job. In the ancient Near East, gold was a symbol of wealth and power, often used in trade and as a standard of value. Crystal, likely referring to a precious stone or clear quartz, was also highly prized. The comparison suggests that wisdom surpasses even the most treasured material possessions. This echoes Proverbs 3:15, which states that wisdom is more precious than rubies. The cultural context of Job's time placed immense value on material wealth, yet this verse elevates wisdom above all.

nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it
The mention of "jewels of fine gold" further underscores the theme of wisdom's superiority over material wealth. Fine gold, often used in the crafting of jewelry and religious artifacts, was considered the pinnacle of earthly riches. The idea of exchanging jewels for wisdom suggests a transaction where wisdom is the ultimate prize, unattainable through mere wealth. This reflects the biblical principle that true wisdom comes from God and cannot be bought, as seen in James 1:5, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom. The verse also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that Christ is the embodiment of divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24), offering a deeper spiritual insight that transcends earthly riches.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. Job is engaged in a discourse about the value of wisdom.

2. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. It serves as the backdrop for Job's trials and dialogues.

3. Wisdom
The primary subject of Job 28, depicted as more valuable than any earthly treasure. The chapter poetically explores the search for wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Incomparable Value of Wisdom
True wisdom cannot be measured by material wealth. It surpasses all earthly treasures, including gold and jewels.

The Source of Wisdom
Wisdom is a divine gift from God, not something that can be acquired through human effort or wealth. It requires a relationship with God to truly understand and possess it.

Pursuing Wisdom in Daily Life
Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer, scripture study, and a life of obedience to God's commands.

Wisdom and Contentment
Understanding the value of wisdom leads to contentment, as it shifts focus from material possessions to spiritual growth and understanding.(17) The exchange of it.--Or, according to some, the attraction of it. The remainder of this chapter calls for little remark: its unrivalled sublimity is patent, and comment is superfluous. There is a general resemblance between this chapter and Proverbs 8, and both seem to imply a knowledge of the Mosaic narrative of creation.

Verse 17. - The gold and the crystal cannot equal it; rather, gold and crystal. This second mention of gold (see ver. ]5) seems superfluous, but perhaps the patriarch is thinking of some goblet or ornament in which crystal and gold were combined together. Ornaments of this kind bare been found in Phoenicia ('Hist. of Phoenicia,' pp. 362, 370). And the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold; or, vessels of fine gold. Both in Egypt and Phoenicia vessels of gold were common.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Neither
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

gold
זָ֭הָב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

nor crystal
וּזְכוֹכִ֑ית (ū·zə·ḵō·w·ḵîṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2137: Transparency, glass

can compare,
יַעַרְכֶ֣נָּה (ya·‘ar·ḵen·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6186: To set in a, row, arrange, put in order

nor jewels
כְּלִי־ (kə·lî-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

of fine gold
פָֽז׃ (p̄āz)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6337: Refined, pure gold

be exchanged for it.
וּתְמ֖וּרָתָ֣הּ (ū·ṯə·mū·rā·ṯāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8545: Barter, compensation


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OT Poetry: Job 28:17 Gold and glass can't equal it neither (Jb)
Job 28:16
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