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Iron is taken from the ground;[a]
    and copper is smelted from ore.
Mankind limits the darkness
    as they search the deepest depths
        for ore[b] in unfathomable darkness.
He sinks his shaft far from human habitations,
    in a place[c] forgotten by explorers;
they hang on harnesses
    as they swing back and forth.

“While the ground produces food,
    underneath it is torn up and burning hot,[d]
where stones are sapphire
    and gold dust can be found,
a place where birds of prey never fly,
    and the eyes of the falcon have never seen.
The proud beasts haven’t walked there;
    lions have never passed over it.

“Using a flint, he thrusts his hand,
    overturning mountains by the roots.
10 He cuts a channel through the rocks,
    while his eyes search for anything of value.

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Footnotes

  1. Job 28:2 Or dry earth
  2. Job 28:3 Lit. for darkest stone
  3. Job 28:4 The Heb. lacks in a place
  4. Job 28:5 Lit. is turned up as by fire