Job 28:17

28:17 Neither gold nor crystal can be compared with it,

nor can a vase of gold match its worth.

Job 28:19

28:19 The topaz of Cush cannot be compared with it;

it cannot be purchased with pure gold.


tn The word is from זָכַךְ (zakhakh, “clear”). It describes a transparent substance, and so “glass” is an appropriate translation. In the ancient world it was precious and so expensive.

tc The MT has “vase”; but the versions have a plural here, suggesting jewels of gold.

tn Or “Ethiopia.” In ancient times this referred to the region of the upper Nile, rather than modern Ethiopia (formerly known as Abyssinia).