Job 28:7
There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְדָ֣עוֹ
knoweth
H3045
יְדָ֣עוֹ
knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שְׁ֝זָפַ֗תּוּ
hath not seen
H7805
שְׁ֝זָפַ֗תּוּ
hath not seen
Strong's:
H7805
Word #:
6 of 8
to tan (by sunburning); figuratively (as if by a piercing ray) to scan
Historical Context
Ancient peoples attributed near-supernatural vision to vultures and eagles. Job's assertion that even these keen-eyed creatures cannot perceive mining tunnels emphasizes how thoroughly hidden these operations were. This would impress his audience: if apex predators with superior sight miss these paths, human discovery of wisdom apart from God is utterly impossible. The passage combats ancient Near Eastern confidence in human wisdom and divination.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge the Enlightenment confidence that human reason, given enough time and effort, can discover all truth?
- What does it mean practically that 'the fear of the LORD' (verse 28) provides better vision than the vulture's eye?
- How should recognizing our spiritual blindness apart from divine revelation shape our approach to Scripture and prayer?
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Analysis & Commentary
There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen—Job describes the secret underground mining passages hidden from even the keenest-eyed birds. The Hebrew ayit (עַיִט) refers to birds of prey, particularly vultures known for extraordinary vision. The verb yada (יָדַע, "knoweth") means intimate knowledge through experience, while ra'ah (רָאָה, "seen") emphasizes visual perception. Even creatures with superior natural endowments cannot discover the miner's hidden path.
This deepens the wisdom analogy: if subterranean paths elude even supernaturally gifted creation, how much more does wisdom elude human discovery? The verse anticipates verse 21: wisdom is "hid from the eyes of all living." Reformed theology recognizes that while general revelation displays God's existence (Romans 1:20), saving knowledge requires special revelation. Proverbs 2:6 affirms this: "the LORD giveth wisdom." No natural capacity—human ingenuity or animal instinct—can locate wisdom; God must disclose it.