New International VersionThe topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure gold.
New Living TranslationPrecious peridot from Ethiopia cannot be exchanged for it. It’s worth more than the purest gold.
English Standard VersionThe topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, nor can it be valued in pure gold.
Berean Standard BibleTopaz from Cush cannot compare to it, nor can it be valued in pure gold.
King James BibleThe topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
New King James VersionThe topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold.
New American Standard Bible“The topaz of Cush cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold.
NASB 1995“The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold.
NASB 1977“The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold.
Legacy Standard BibleThe topaz of Ethiopia cannot meet its worth, Nor can it be valued in pure gold.
Amplified Bible“The topaz of Ethiopia cannot compare with it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold.
Christian Standard BibleTopaz from Cush cannot compare with it, and it cannot be valued in pure gold.
Holman Christian Standard BibleTopaz from Cush cannot compare with it, and it cannot be valued in pure gold.
American Standard VersionThe topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, Neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
Contemporary English VersionAll the topaz of Ethiopia and the finest gold cannot compare with it.
English Revised VersionThe topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationTopaz from Ethiopia cannot equal its value. It cannot be bought for [any amount of] pure gold.
Good News TranslationThe finest topaz and the purest gold Cannot compare with the value of wisdom.
International Standard VersionIt can neither be compared with the topaz of Ethiopia nor valued in comparison to pure gold."
NET BibleThe topaz of Cush cannot be compared with it; it cannot be purchased with pure gold.
New Heart English BibleThe topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, Neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
Webster's Bible TranslationThe topaz of Cush shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTopaz from Cush cannot compare to it, nor can it be valued in pure gold.
World English BibleThe topaz of Ethiopia will not equal it. It won’t be valued with pure gold. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe topaz of Cush does not equal it, "" It is not valued with pure gold.
Young's Literal Translation Not equal it doth the topaz of Cush, With pure gold it is not valued.
Smith's Literal TranslationThe topaz of Cush shall not compare with it; with pure gold it shall not be weighed. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe topaz of Ethiopia shall not be equal to it, neither shall it be compared to the cleanest dyeing.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThe topaz of Ethiopia will not be equal to it, nor will it be compared to the purest dyes.
New American BibleEthiopian topaz does not equal her, nor can she be weighed out for pure gold.
New Revised Standard VersionThe chrysolite of Ethiopia cannot compare with it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor the price of wisdom is above everything, and nothing can equal it. The pearls of Ethiopia and the topaz cannot equal it.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedThe pearls of KushEthiopia and the stones of the ephod are not comparable to it OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, Neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThe topaz of Ethiopia shall not be equalled to it; it shall not be compared with pure gold.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Where Can Wisdom Be Found?… 18Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. 19Topazfrom Cushcannotcompare to it,nor can itbe valuedin puregold.20From where then does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell?…
Cross References Proverbs 3:15She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.
Proverbs 8:11For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.
Proverbs 16:16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
Matthew 13:45-46Again, 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 Kings 10:2She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.
1 Kings 10:10Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again were spices in such abundance brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
1 Kings 10:14The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents,
2 Chronicles 9:1Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind.
2 Chronicles 9:9Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. There had never been such spices as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
2 Chronicles 9:13The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents,
Revelation 21:18-21The 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. ...
Isaiah 13:12I will make man scarcer than pure gold, and mankind rarer than the gold of Ophir.
Ezekiel 28:13You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation.
Lamentations 4:7Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.
Song of Solomon 5:15His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, as majestic as the cedars.
Treasury of Scripture The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold. topaz Exodus 28:17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones,even four rows of stones:the first rowshall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle:this shall be the first row. Exodus 39:10 And they set in it four rows of stones:the first rowwas a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: thiswas the first row. Ezekiel 28:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stonewas thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Jump to Previous BalanceBestBoughtCompareComparedCushEqualEthiopiaGoldPureTopazValuedJump to Next BalanceBestBoughtCompareComparedCushEqualEthiopiaGoldPureTopazValuedJob 28 1.There is a knowledge of natural things12.But wisdom is an excellent gift of GodTopaz from Cush cannot compare to itThe mention of "topaz" in this verse refers to a precious gemstone known for its beauty and rarity. In biblical times, topaz was highly valued and often associated with wealth and status. The region of Cush, often identified with areas in modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia, was known for its rich resources and trade in precious stones and metals. This geographical reference highlights the extensive trade networks and the value placed on such commodities in the ancient world. The comparison suggests that even the most exquisite and rare treasures from distant lands cannot match the worth of wisdom, which is the central theme of this chapter. This aligns with the biblical teaching that spiritual wisdom and understanding are of greater value than material wealth ( Proverbs 3:13-15). nor can it be valued in pure gold
Gold, throughout history, has been a universal standard of wealth and value. In the ancient Near East, gold was not only a symbol of wealth but also of divine favor and blessing. The use of "pure gold" emphasizes the highest quality and purity, underscoring the incomparable value of wisdom. This phrase echoes the biblical principle that true wisdom, which comes from God, surpasses all earthly riches (Psalm 19:9-10). The inability to value wisdom in terms of gold points to its divine origin and eternal significance, contrasting temporal wealth with eternal truths. This also foreshadows the New Testament teaching where Jesus Christ is described as the embodiment of divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30), offering believers treasures that are imperishable and eternal. Persons / Places / Events 1. JobThe central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. Job is the speaker in this chapter, reflecting on the nature of wisdom. 2. CushAn ancient region often associated with the area south of Egypt, possibly modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia. Known for its wealth and resources, including precious stones like topaz. 3. TopazA precious gemstone mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing great value and beauty. In ancient times, topaz was highly prized and often associated with wealth. 4. WisdomThe central theme of Job 28, where Job poetically describes the inestimable value of wisdom, which cannot be compared to earthly riches. 5. GoldA symbol of wealth and material value, used here to contrast with the spiritual and immeasurable worth of wisdom. Teaching Points The Incomparable Value of WisdomTrue wisdom is more valuable than the most precious earthly treasures. It cannot be measured by material wealth. The Source of WisdomWisdom comes from God alone. Human efforts and riches cannot attain it; it is a divine gift. Pursuing Godly WisdomBelievers are called to seek wisdom through prayer and the study of God's Word, prioritizing it above worldly gains. Contentment in Spiritual RichesUnderstanding the value of wisdom leads to contentment, as it provides guidance and peace beyond material possessions. Reflecting on PrioritiesEvaluate personal priorities to ensure that the pursuit of wisdom and spiritual growth takes precedence over accumulating wealth. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Job 28
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Exodus 28:15-21: Could the precise identification and sourcing of twelve specific gemstones align historically with the Israelites' environment and trading networks?
How can Job 28 claim humans search the depths of the earth (Job 28:1-4) when ancient mining technology was so limited?Verse 19. - The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it. It is generally allowed that the pithdath ( פִטְדַת) is either the "topaz" or the "chrysolite." In favour of its being the chrysolite is the passage of Pliny which mentions its being esteemed for its green tints ('Hist. Nat.,' 37:8). Otherwise "topaz" might have appeared to be the best rendering. By "Cush," here translated "Ethiopia," is probably meant Cushite Arabia, or the southern and south-eastern regions (see the author's 'Origin of Nations,' pp. 206-209). Neither shall it be valued with pare gold. Of the four words used for "gold" in this passage (vers. 15-17), one ( זהב) seems to be the common name, and to designate the metal by its coleus, "yellow," since צָהַב means "to be yellow" Another ( סָגוּר) means properly "what is treasured," or "shut up," from סָגַר, "to shut." The third ( פַז) seems to be the name for "native gold," or that found in river-washings and nuggets, which was regarded as the purest. The fourth ( כֶּחֶם) is a poetical name only, and designates gold of extreme purity ( Song of Solomon 5:11), whether highly refined or native. Job uses them all, to show that there was no gold of any kind wherewith it was possible to purchase wisdom.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Topazפִּטְדַת־(piṭ·ḏaṯ-)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6357:(a precious stone) perhaps topazfrom Cushכּ֑וּשׁ(kūš)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3568:A son of Ham, also his descendants, also a land in the southern Nile Valleycannotלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nocompare,יַ֭עַרְכֶנָּה(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 ordernor can itלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nobe valuedתְסֻלֶּֽה׃(ṯə·sul·leh)Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5541:To make light of, toss asidein pureטָ֝ה֗וֹר(ṭā·hō·wr)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2889:Clean, puregold.בְּכֶ֥תֶם(bə·ḵe·ṯem)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3800:Something carved out, ore, gold
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OT Poetry: Job 28:19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal (Jb) |
