Far from human habitationThis phrase highlights the isolation and remoteness of the mining activities described. In the ancient Near East, mining was often conducted in desolate areas, far from cities and towns. This reflects the lengths to which humans go to extract valuable resources, paralleling the search for wisdom, which is also rare and requires effort to obtain. The isolation can also symbolize the spiritual journey, where one must often step away from the familiar to seek deeper understanding.
he cuts a shaft
The imagery of cutting a shaft refers to the labor-intensive process of mining, which involved digging deep into the earth to reach precious metals and stones. This can be seen as a metaphor for the pursuit of wisdom, which requires diligence and perseverance. The act of cutting a shaft also suggests the idea of creating a path or access to something hidden, much like the pursuit of divine wisdom that is not readily visible or accessible.
in places forgotten by the foot of man
This phrase emphasizes the obscurity and hidden nature of the mining locations. It suggests areas that are not frequently traveled or known, reinforcing the idea that true wisdom is not found in common or easily accessible places. Biblically, this can be connected to the concept of seeking God in solitude or in the wilderness, as seen in the experiences of figures like Moses and Elijah, who encountered God away from the crowds.
Far from men he dangles and sways
The image of a miner dangling and swaying conveys the precarious and dangerous nature of mining work. It underscores the risk and dedication involved in the pursuit of valuable resources, paralleling the spiritual risk and commitment required to seek wisdom. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who left the safety of heaven to dwell among men, taking on the dangers and burdens of humanity to bring forth the treasure of salvation. The solitary figure of the miner can symbolize Christ's unique role as the mediator between God and man, undertaking a task that no one else could accomplish.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobThe central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. Job is reflecting on the hidden wisdom and the efforts humans make to find valuable things.
2.
MinersWhile not explicitly mentioned, the verse describes the actions of miners who dig deep into the earth, symbolizing the search for wisdom and understanding.
3.
ShaftRepresents the deep and hidden places where valuable resources are found, symbolizing the pursuit of wisdom.
4.
Places Forgotten by the Foot of ManThese are remote and inaccessible areas, emphasizing the lengths to which people go to uncover hidden treasures.
5.
Dangling and SwayingThis imagery suggests the precarious and risky nature of mining, paralleling the pursuit of wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Pursuit of WisdomJust as miners go to great lengths to find precious metals, we should diligently seek wisdom and understanding in our lives.
Hidden TreasuresTrue wisdom is often hidden and requires effort and perseverance to uncover, much like the treasures of the earth.
Risk and RewardThe imagery of dangling and swaying reminds us that the pursuit of wisdom can be challenging and requires faith and courage.
Divine Wisdom vs. Human EffortWhile human efforts to gain wisdom are commendable, true wisdom ultimately comes from God and should be sought through prayer and study of His Word.
Value of SolitudeThe remote places symbolize the need for solitude and reflection in our pursuit of wisdom, away from the distractions of the world.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 28:4?
2.How does Job 28:4 illustrate human determination in seeking hidden wisdom?
3.What does "far from human habitation" reveal about the pursuit of wisdom?
4.How can Job 28:4 inspire us to seek God's wisdom in daily life?
5.Compare Job 28:4 with Proverbs 2:4. How do both emphasize seeking wisdom?
6.What practical steps can we take to "search out" wisdom like miners?
7.What does Job 28:4 reveal about human ingenuity and exploration?
8.How does Job 28:4 illustrate the hiddenness of wisdom?
9.What is the significance of mining imagery in Job 28:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 28?
11.Is viewing pornography considered a sin in the Bible?
12.How should I handle my husband looking at others?
13.How can Job 28 claim humans search the depths of the earth (Job 28:1-4) when ancient mining technology was so limited?
14.How does Job 28:25's statement about God 'weighing the wind' square with earlier biblical passages that treat weather as solely divine intervention?What Does Job 28:4 Mean
Far from human habitation he cuts a shaft“Far from human habitation he cuts a shaft” (Job 28:4) sketches a miner tunneling deep into the earth, far from the safety and warmth of towns and homes.
• The picture is one of determination: like the men who “dig copper from the hills” (Deuteronomy 8:9), he willingly leaves familiar surroundings to pursue what lies hidden.
• It highlights how people will undertake strenuous labor to gain treasure—echoingProverbs 2:4, where wisdom seekers search for it “as for hidden treasure.”
• The phrase underscores isolation.Psalm 107:4 describes wanderers who “found no city to dwell in,” illustrating the lengths to which some will go for material reward.
in places forgotten by the foot of manThe explorer pushes into recesses that ordinary travelers never see.
• “Forgotten” suggests locations so remote they have slipped from human memory, reminiscent ofIsaiah 45:3: “I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places.”
• No footprints guide him; he pioneers through darkness, much like the psalmist’s image of those who “sit in darkness and in the shadow of death” (Psalm 107:10–11) until light breaks in.
• The verse elevates the wonder of God’s creation beneath the surface, parallelingJob 38:16, where the Lord asks, “Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep?” Humans can penetrate only so far, and only with great effort.
Far from men he dangles and swaysHere the miner is suspended on a rope, swinging over an abyss.
• The picture is vivid and risky.Ecclesiastes 10:9 notes, “He who quarries stones may be hurt by them,” underlining the peril of such labor.
• It captures utter solitude: no human audience, only the worker and the rock face—echoingHabakkuk 3:16, where trembling knees accompany overwhelming challenges.
• The scene points forward to the chapter’s main lesson: if people brave darkness and danger for earthly minerals, how much more should they pursue God’s wisdom, which “cannot be bought with the finest gold” (Job 28:15).
summaryJob 28:4 paints miners venturing far from civilization, boring shafts where no one walks, and hanging by ropes in lonely caverns. Their grit for physical treasure sets up Job’s larger argument: wisdom is even more valuable, yet it cannot be mined by human ingenuity. We are invited to marvel at human persistence while recognizing that true understanding “comes from God” (Job 28:23), available to all who fear Him.
(4
)The flood breaketh out . . . is very uncertain. We may render,
Man breaketh open a shaft where none sojourneth; they are forgotten where none passeth by: i.e.,the labourers in these deserted places, they hang afar from the haunts of men, they flit to and fro. Or it may be,
The flood breaketh out from the inhabitants, even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from man:that is, the very course of rivers is subject to the will and power of man. Those who walk over the place forget that it was once a river, so completely has man obliterated the marks of it.
Verse 4. -
The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant. This passage is very obscure; but recent critics suggest, as its probable meaning, "He (
i.e. the miner) breaketh open a shaft, away from where men inhabit" (see the Revised Version). The miner does not wish to be interfered with, and therefore sinks his shaft in some wild spot, far from the habitations of men. Even the waters forgotten of the foot; rather,
they are forgotten of the foot;
i.e. no one visits them; they are left alone; they are "forgotten of the foot" of the passer-by.
They are dried up, they are gone away from men; rather,
they hang swinging to and frofar from men. The descent of the shaft is made by a rope, to which they "hang swinging" all the time that they defend. As they have sought secrecy, all this takes place far from the haunts of men.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Far fromמִנִּי־(min·nî-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofhuman habitationגָּ֗ר(gār)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1481:To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostilityhe cutsפָּ֤רַץ(pā·raṣ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6555:To break througha shaftנַ֨חַל ׀(na·ḥal)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5158:A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaftin places forgottenהַֽנִּשְׁכָּחִ֥ים(han·niš·kā·ḥîm)Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7911:To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attentionby the foot of man.רָ֑גֶל(rā·ḡel)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7272:A foot, a step, the pudendaFar from menמֵאֱנ֣וֹשׁ(mê·’ĕ·nō·wōš)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 582:Man, mankindhe danglesדַּ֖לּוּ(dal·lū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1809:To slacken, be feeble, to be oppressedand sways.נָֽעוּ׃(nā·‘ū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5128:To quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter
Links
Job 28:4 NIVJob 28:4 NLTJob 28:4 ESVJob 28:4 NASBJob 28:4 KJV
Job 28:4 BibleApps.comJob 28:4 Biblia ParalelaJob 28:4 Chinese BibleJob 28:4 French BibleJob 28:4 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Job 28:4 He breaks open a shaft away (Jb) 
