Job 28:23

Authorized King James Version

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God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.

Original Language Analysis

אֱ֭לֹהִים God H430
אֱ֭לֹהִים God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 1 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הֵבִ֣ין understandeth H995
הֵבִ֣ין understandeth
Strong's: H995
Word #: 2 of 7
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
דַּרְכָּ֑הּ the way H1870
דַּרְכָּ֑הּ the way
Strong's: H1870
Word #: 3 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְ֝ה֗וּא H1931
וְ֝ה֗וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 4 of 7
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
יָדַ֥ע thereof and he knoweth H3045
יָדַ֥ע thereof and he knoweth
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 5 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מְקוֹמָֽהּ׃ the place H4725
מְקוֹמָֽהּ׃ the place
Strong's: H4725
Word #: 7 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)

Analysis & Commentary

After describing wisdom's hiddenness, Job declares: "God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof." The verb bin (בִּין, "understandeth") means to discern or perceive deeply. The verb yada (יָדַע, "knoweth") denotes intimate, experiential knowledge. Job affirms divine epistemological privilege—God alone possesses comprehensive understanding of wisdom's nature and location. This resonates with Isaiah 55:8-9: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." From a Reformed perspective, this grounds the doctrine of divine incomprehensibility—God's knowledge infinitely transcends human understanding. Yet Scripture reveals that God shares wisdom with those who fear Him (verse 28). The New Testament identifies Christ as the one "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). What Job longed for—access to divine wisdom—has been granted through the incarnation.

Historical Context

Ancient wisdom literature (Proverbs, Sirach, Wisdom of Solomon) portrayed wisdom as hidden or personified as existing before creation. Egyptian Ma'at (wisdom/order) was a divine attribute. Job's affirmation that God alone understands wisdom's way parallels Proverbs 8:22-31, where wisdom describes being with God from the beginning. This theological development prepared Israel to receive Christ as God's wisdom incarnate.

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