“It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.”
It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire, continuing the assertion that wisdom transcends all material value by introducing increasingly precious materials—the gold of Ophir and rare gemstones—and asserting that none suffice as equivalent. The reference to Ophir emphasizes that even the most esteemed gold, from the most prestigious source, cannot purchase wisdom. The invocation of precious onyx and sapphire suggests that the catalog of precious stones previously associated with earth's wealth proves inadequate to value wisdom. The accumulation of rejected materials emphasizes the categorical difference between material and spiritual value.
Church Fathers on Job 28:16
-15. But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof: neither is it found in the land of them that live pleasantly. The depth saith, It is not with me, and the sea saith, It is not with me. Fine gold shall not be given for it: neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof: It is first to be noted, that two points be proposed to himself, and two he adds making answer. For to this that he said above, Where…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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