Job 28:1

Authorized King James Version

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Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֵ֣שׁ Surely H3426
יֵ֣שׁ Surely
Strong's: H3426
Word #: 2 of 7
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
לַכֶּ֣סֶף for the silver H3701
לַכֶּ֣סֶף for the silver
Strong's: H3701
Word #: 3 of 7
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
מוֹצָ֑א there is a vein H4161
מוֹצָ֑א there is a vein
Strong's: H4161
Word #: 4 of 7
a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex
וּ֝מָק֗וֹם and a place H4725
וּ֝מָק֗וֹם and a place
Strong's: H4725
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
לַזָּהָ֥ב for gold H2091
לַזָּהָ֥ב for gold
Strong's: H2091
Word #: 6 of 7
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
יָזֹֽקּוּ׃ where they fine H2212
יָזֹֽקּוּ׃ where they fine
Strong's: H2212
Word #: 7 of 7
to strain, (figuratively) extract, clarify

Analysis & Commentary

Job's wisdom poem opens: "Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it." The Hebrew motsa (מוֹצָא, "vein") means a going out or source. The verb zaqaq (זָקַק, "fine") means to refine or purify. Job describes human ingenuity in mining precious metals—humanity can locate hidden resources and extract them through technological skill. This establishes a contrast: if humans can find physical treasures through diligent search, why is wisdom so elusive (verse 12)? The poem's structure moves from accessible earthly treasures to inaccessible heavenly wisdom. Reformed epistemology distinguishes between natural revelation (truths about creation accessible through observation) and special revelation (truths about God requiring divine disclosure). Job's poem demonstrates that while common grace enables technological advancement, saving wisdom requires divine revelation. This anticipates Paul's teaching that "the world by wisdom knew not God" (1 Corinthians 1:21).

Historical Context

Ancient mining was technologically sophisticated—Egyptians mined gold and turquoise in Sinai, Mesopotamians extracted copper and tin. Solomon's wealth partly derived from mining operations (1 Kings 9:28). Job's audience would recognize mining as representing human achievement at its pinnacle. Yet the poem subverts this: human brilliance in earthly pursuits doesn't translate to spiritual insight. True wisdom remains hidden until God reveals it.

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