Job 28:15-17

28:15 Fine gold cannot be given in exchange for it,

nor can its price be weighed out in silver.

28:16 It cannot be measured out for purchase ¹  with the gold of Ophir,

with precious onyx ²  or sapphires.

28:17 Neither gold nor crystal ³  can be compared with it,

nor can a vase ⁴  of gold match its worth.

[28:16]  ¹ tn The word actually means “weighed,” that is, lifted up on the scale and weighed, in order to purchase.

[28:16]  ² tn The exact identification of these stones is uncertain. Many recent English translations, however, have “onyx” and “sapphires.”

[28:17]  ³ 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.

[28:17]  ⁴ tc The MT has “vase”; but the versions have a plural here, suggesting jewels of gold.