Job 28:14
The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.
Original Language Analysis
תְּה֣וֹם
The depth
H8415
תְּה֣וֹם
The depth
Strong's:
H8415
Word #:
1 of 9
an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִ֑יא
H1931
הִ֑יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 9
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
Ancient cosmology conceived of tehom as the chaotic waters beneath the earth (Genesis 1:2, 7:11). The sea represented mystery, danger, and the unknown. Job's dialogue with creation echoes Psalm 104 and anticipates Romans 8:19-22, where creation itself groans, awaiting redemption. The personification of natural elements was common in ancient poetry but here serves theological purpose—all creation testifies to wisdom's transcendence.
Questions for Reflection
- What does creation's inability to provide wisdom teach about the limits of natural theology?
- How does the incarnation resolve the problem Job identifies—wisdom's inaccessibility?
- What is the proper relationship between investigating creation scientifically and seeking wisdom spiritually?
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Analysis & Commentary
Personified elements speak: "The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me." The noun tehom (תְּהוֹם, "depth") refers to the primordial deep, the abyss. The noun yam (יָם, "sea") represents the ocean. Job personifies creation confessing wisdom's absence. Despite containing treasures and mysteries, the deepest places cannot yield wisdom. This poetic device emphasizes wisdom's transcendence—no earthly searching, however deep, discovers it. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates that wisdom is not discovered but revealed. Human investigation of creation yields knowledge (natural revelation) but not saving wisdom. Paul declares, "The world by wisdom knew not God" (1 Corinthians 1:21). Wisdom must be disclosed from above. Job 28 anticipates John 1:14: "The Word was made flesh"—God's wisdom became accessible through Christ's incarnation, dwelling among us.