Job 28:7

[There is] a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:

There is a path {H5410} which no fowl {H5861} knoweth {H3045}, and which the vulture's {H344} eye {H5869} hath not seen {H7805}:

Birds of prey don't know that path, no falcon's eye has seen it,

No bird of prey knows that path; no falcon’s eye has seen it.

That path no bird of prey knoweth, Neither hath the falcon’s eye seen it:

Commentary

Job 28:7 (KJV)

"[There is] a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:"

Commentary:

This verse is found within a profound poem in Job chapter 28 that explores the remarkable human capacity to extract hidden treasures from the earth, contrasting it with the difficulty—indeed, the impossibility for humans alone—of finding true wisdom.

The imagery used is powerful. The "path" described is not one in the sky or on the surface, but the secret, often underground routes taken by miners seeking precious metals. The verse emphasizes just how concealed these routes are by stating that no bird, not even the keen-sighted vulture (known for its exceptional vision at great distances), can find or even see them.

  • Historical/Cultural Context: This passage reflects an ancient understanding of mining, where humans delved into parts of the earth inaccessible and unknown to the natural world above, demonstrating human ingenuity and determination in seeking valuable resources.
  • Key Theme: The verse highlights the extreme lengths and skills humanity employs in its pursuit of earthly wealth, reaching places hidden from the sharpest natural senses. This sets the stage for the chapter's main point: if man can find earthly riches in such hidden places, how much more profound and hidden is true wisdom, which cannot be found by searching the physical world (Job 28:12)?
  • Linguistic Insight: The word translated "fowl" (עַיִט - *ayit*) can refer to birds of prey or any swift, rapacious bird. The "vulture's eye" (עַיִן נֶשֶׁר - *ayin nesher*) specifically mentions the eagle/vulture, renowned for its superior eyesight, making the contrast even stronger.

In context, this verse underscores the deep mystery of the hidden ways of man's search for treasure, serving as an analogy to emphasize how much more mysterious and unattainable true wisdom is through human effort alone. The chapter concludes by revealing that wisdom is found in the fear of the Lord (Job 28:28).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 11:6 (4 votes)

    And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that [they are] double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee [less] than thine iniquity [deserveth].

  • Job 38:19 (2 votes)

    Where [is] the way [where] light dwelleth? and [as for] darkness, where [is] the place thereof,

  • Job 28:21 (2 votes)

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

  • Job 28:23 (2 votes)

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

  • Romans 11:33 (2 votes)

    ¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

  • Job 38:24 (2 votes)

    By what way is the light parted, [which] scattereth the east wind upon the earth?