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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 28:21 It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/28-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/18_Job_28_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 28:21 - Where Can Wisdom Be Found?" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/28-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/28-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/28.htm">Chapter 28</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/28-20.htm" title="Job 28:20">◄</a> Job 28:21 <a href="/job/28-22.htm" title="Job 28:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/28.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds in the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/28.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity. Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />It is hidden from the eyes of all living and concealed from the birds of the air.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />It is hidden from the eyes of all living, And concealed from the birds of the air.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“It is hidden from the eyes of every living <i>creature,</i> And concealed from the birds of the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Thus it is hidden from the eyes of all living And concealed from the birds of the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Thus it is hidden from the eyes of all living, And concealed from the birds of the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Thus it is hidden from the eyes of all living And concealed from the birds of the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“It is hidden from the eyes of all the living And concealed from the birds of the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the sky. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, And kept close from the birds of the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It is hidden from human eyes and even from birds. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />It is hidden from the eyes of every living being, hidden even from the birds in the air.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />No living creature can see it, Not even a bird in flight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It has been concealed from the sight of every living creature and hidden even from the birds in the skies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For it has been hidden from the eyes of every living creature, and from the birds of the sky it has been concealed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Seeing it is hidden from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the birds of the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Seeing it is hidden from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the birds of the sky. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />It has been hid from the eyes of all living. And from the bird of the heavens "" It has been hidden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> It hath been hid from the eyes of all living. And from the fowl of the heavens It hath been hidden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And being hid from the eyes of all living, and covered from the birds of the heavens.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />It is hid from the eyes of all living. and the fowls of the air know it not. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />It has been hidden from the eyes of all living things, just as the birds of the heavens escape notice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />She is hidden from the eyes of every living thing; even from the birds of the air she is concealed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It is hidden from the eyes of all living, and concealed from the birds of the air.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />It is hid from the eyes of all living, and concealed from the fowls of the air.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />It is covered to the eyes of everything that lives, and from the bird of the sky it is hidden<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, And kept close from the fowls of the air.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />It has escaped the notice of every man, and has been hidden from the birds of the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/28-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=4200" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/28.htm">Where Can Wisdom Be Found?</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>From where then does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell? <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5956.htm" title="5956: wə·ne·‘el·māh (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- To conceal. A primitive root; to veil from sight, i.e. Conceal.">It is hidden</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: mê·‘ê·nê (Prep-m:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">from the eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵāl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of every</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥāy (Adj-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">living thing</a> <a href="/hebrew/5641.htm" title="5641: nis·tā·rāh (V-Nifal-Perf-3fs) -- To hide, conceal. A primitive root; to hide, literally or figuratively.">and concealed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5775.htm" title="5775: ū·mê·‘ō·wp̄ (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Flying creatures. From uwph; a bird, often collectively.">from the birds</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">of the air.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Abaddon and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor about it.’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">Proverbs 8:22-36</a></span><br />The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old. / From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began. / When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">1 Corinthians 2:7-10</a></span><br />No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. / Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33-36</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! / “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” / “Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</a></span><br />that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13-14</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? / Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-19.htm">Proverbs 3:19-20</a></span><br />The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. / By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25-27</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. / Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. / All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a></span><br />“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24-25</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. / For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:11</a></span><br />He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">Ephesians 3:8-10</a></span><br />Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, / and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. / His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-20.htm">Daniel 2:20-22</a></span><br />and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. / He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. / He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-21.htm">Luke 10:21-22</a></span><br />At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. / All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-6.htm">Psalm 139:6</a></span><br />Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.</p><p class="hdg">hid</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/49-3.htm">Psalm 49:3,4</a></b></br> My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart <i>shall be</i> of understanding… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17,35</a></b></br> For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous <i>men</i> have desired to see <i>those things</i> which ye see, and have not seen <i>them</i>; and to hear <i>those things</i> which ye hear, and have not heard <i>them</i>… </p><p class="hdg">from the fowls</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/28-7.htm">Job 28:7</a></b></br> <i>There is</i> a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:</p><p class="hdg">air.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/12-7.htm">Air</a> <a href="/job/12-7.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/job/19-14.htm">Close</a> <a href="/job/24-15.htm">Concealed</a> <a href="/job/28-10.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/job/28-7.htm">Fowl</a> <a href="/job/12-7.htm">Fowls</a> <a href="/job/26-13.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/job/28-11.htm">Hid</a> <a href="/job/28-11.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/job/24-1.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/job/28-11.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/job/22-14.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">Unseen</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/35-11.htm">Air</a> <a href="/job/35-11.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/job/32-12.htm">Close</a> <a href="/job/31-33.htm">Concealed</a> <a href="/job/28-24.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/job/35-11.htm">Fowl</a> <a href="/job/35-11.htm">Fowls</a> <a href="/job/28-24.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/job/29-8.htm">Hid</a> <a href="/job/29-8.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/job/29-9.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/job/29-4.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/job/28-24.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/psalms/64-4.htm">Unseen</a><div class="vheading2">Job 28</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/28-1.htm">There is a knowledge of natural things</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/28-12.htm">But wisdom is an excellent gift of God</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the elusive nature of wisdom, suggesting that it is beyond the grasp of all living creatures. In the context of Job, this underscores the theme that human understanding is limited and cannot fully comprehend God's wisdom. The idea that wisdom is hidden aligns with other biblical passages, such as <a href="/proverbs/25-2.htm">Proverbs 25:2</a>, which states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter." This suggests that divine wisdom is not easily accessible and requires a reverent pursuit. Theologically, this can be seen as a call to humility, recognizing that human knowledge is finite compared to God's infinite understanding.<p><b>and concealed from the birds of the air.</b><br>The mention of birds, often seen as creatures with a broad perspective due to their ability to fly and see from above, highlights that even those with a seemingly superior vantage point cannot perceive divine wisdom. This imagery is consistent with other biblical references where birds symbolize insight or perspective, such as in <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20</a>. The cultural context of the ancient Near East often attributed wisdom to creatures with keen sight, yet here, even they are depicted as unable to uncover God's hidden wisdom. This reinforces the notion that true wisdom is a divine gift, not attainable through natural means or observation alone.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. Job is engaged in a discourse about the nature of wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>The subject of <a href="/bsb/job/28.htm">Job 28</a>, where Job poetically describes the elusive nature of true wisdom, which is hidden from human perception and understanding.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/birds_of_the_air.htm">Birds of the Air</a></b><br>Symbolic in this context, representing creatures with a broad perspective due to their ability to fly, yet even they cannot perceive wisdom.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/heavenly_realms.htm">Heavenly Realms</a></b><br>Implicit in the text, as wisdom is described as being beyond earthly and even aerial reach, suggesting a divine or heavenly origin.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/creation.htm">Creation</a></b><br>The broader context of <a href="/bsb/job/28.htm">Job 28</a> includes references to the natural world, emphasizing the limits of human and animal understanding compared to God's creation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_elusiveness_of_wisdom.htm">The Elusiveness of Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom is not easily accessible or comprehensible by human means. It requires divine revelation and understanding beyond our natural capabilities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_seeking_wisdom.htm">Humility in Seeking Wisdom</a></b><br>Recognize our limitations in understanding and approach God with humility, acknowledging that His wisdom surpasses our own.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_divine_source_of_wisdom.htm">The Divine Source of Wisdom</a></b><br>Seek wisdom from God, who is the ultimate source. Engage in prayer and study of Scripture to gain insight and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_creation_in_revealing_god's_wisdom.htm">The Role of Creation in Revealing God’s Wisdom</a></b><br>Observe the natural world as a testament to God’s wisdom and power, but remember that it points to a greater, hidden wisdom found in God Himself.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_embodiment_of_wisdom.htm">Christ as the Embodiment of Wisdom</a></b><br>Understand that in Christ, the hidden wisdom of God is revealed. Embrace a relationship with Him to access divine wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 28</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_omit_modern_methods_in_job_28.htm">Why does the chapter describe hidden treasures of nature yet fail to mention methods beyond ancient superstition for finding them (Job 28)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_job_28_5_match_geology.htm">If Job 28:5 implies far-reaching knowledge of earth's processes, why does it not align with modern geological understanding?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob's_dream_affect_flock_genetics.htm">In Genesis 31:10-12, how could Jacob's dream and the striped rods realistically influence the genetics of the flocks?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_mars.htm">What does the Bible say about colonizing Mars?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living</span>. Man cannot see it, because it is immaterial, but he cannot even conconceive of it, because its nature transcends him. <span class="cmt_word">And kept close from the fowls of the air.</span> (comp. ver. 7). The sight of birds is far keener than that of man; but even birds cannot detect where wisdom is. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/28-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">It is hidden</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽ֭נֶעֶלְמָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ne·‘el·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5956.htm">Strong's 5956: </a> </span><span class="str2">To veil from sight, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the eyes</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעֵינֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ê·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - cdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of every</span><br /><span class="heb">כָל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">living thing</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and concealed</span><br /><span class="heb">נִסְתָּֽרָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(nis·tā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5641.htm">Strong's 5641: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hide, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the birds</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמֵע֖וֹף</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mê·‘ō·wp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5775.htm">Strong's 5775: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flying creatures</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the air.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/28-21.htm">Job 28:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/28-21.htm">Job 28:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/28-21.htm">Job 28:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/28-21.htm">Job 28:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/28-21.htm">Job 28:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/28-21.htm">Job 28:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/28-21.htm">Job 28:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/28-21.htm">Job 28:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/28-21.htm">Job 28:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/28-21.htm">Job 28:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/28-21.htm">OT Poetry: Job 28:21 Seeing it is hidden from the eyes (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/28-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 28:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 28:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/28-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 28:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 28:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>