The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.

JOB 28:8KJV
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Job 28:8 (KJV)

What does Job 28:8 mean?

Job 28:8 says that even the young lions and the fierce lions have not traveled the hidden path being described. The verse uses these powerful animals to show that the way being discussed is so secret and inaccessible that even the boldest and strongest creatures have never gone there.

In the book of Job, Job is speaking to his friends about the search for wisdom. He describes how wisdom is more hidden than anything else in creation, using the image of wild animals—like lion cubs and fierce lions—that are known for roaming far and wide. By saying even they have not passed this way, Job emphasizes just how unreachable and mysterious true wisdom is.

The Hebrew behind Job 28:8

  • "lion's" (שַׁחַל, shakhal): This word refers to a type of lion, often thought of as a strong or fierce lion. Its use highlights the idea of powerful creatures that would normally go anywhere they want.
  • "whelps" (בֵּן, ben): This literally means "son," here meaning "young" or "offspring," so "lion's whelps" means lion cubs. Even the young, adventurous lions have not explored this path.
  • "trodden" (דָּרַךְ, darakh): This verb means to walk or tread. The verse stresses that not even the boldest animals have walked this hidden way.
  • "lion" (לָבִיא, lavi'): Another word for lion, often used for a mature or strong lion. The use of two different words for lion in one verse adds to the sense of emphasis.
  • "passed" (עָדַר, adar): This verb means to pass by or cross over. The verse is saying that even the fiercest lions have not crossed this secret path.

Why Job 28:8 matters

  • Job 28:8 clarifies that the search for wisdom is not just difficult for humans, but is beyond even the reach of the most fearless and capable creatures in nature.
  • The verse adds to the poetic buildup in Job 28, where Job is showing that wisdom cannot be found by ordinary means or by strength alone.
  • By using two different Hebrew words for lion, Job 28:8 emphasizes the total inaccessibility of wisdom, underscoring the mystery and value of what Job is describing.

Where else these words appear

“lion's” Hebrew H7830 · used in 2 verses

  • Job 41:34 He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.

“lion” Hebrew H7826 · used in 7 verses

  • Job 4:10 The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.
  • Psalms 91:13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
  • Hosea 5:14 For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.

“passed” Hebrew H5710 · used in 10 verses

  • Job 40:10 Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.
  • Jeremiah 4:30 And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.
  • Ezekiel 16:13 Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.

“trodden” Hebrew H1869 · used in 59 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Psalms 11:2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
  • Jeremiah 9:3 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.