Job 28:21

19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.

20 Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?

Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.

22 Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.

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

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air.
KJV
Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.
WEB
Seeing it is hidden from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the birds of the sky.
ASV
Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, And kept close from the birds of the heavens.
DARBY
For it is hidden from the eyes of all living, and concealed from the fowl of the heavens.
BLB
And is it hidden from the eyes of every living [thing]; even from the birds of the heavens it is concealed.
ÅB
Den er dulgt for alle levendes øyne, den er skjult for himmelens fugler;
OTB
Den forblir skjult for øynene til hvert levende vesen,
Og er skjult for himmelens fugler.
B1930
Den er dulgt for alle levendes øine, den er skjult for himmelens fugler;

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Psalms 49:3–4

    My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 11:25

    At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

    Read in context
  • Colossians 2:3

    In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

    Read in context
  • 1 Corinthians 2:7–10

    But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

    Read in context
  • Matthew 13:35

    That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 13:17

    For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

    Read in context