5 The earth, from which food comes, is transformed below as by fire;

Other Translations of Job 28:5

King James Version

5 As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire.

English Standard Version

5 As for the earth, out of it comes bread, but underneath it is turned up as by fire.

The Message

5 Earth's surface is a field for grain, but its depths are a forge

New King James Version

5 As for the earth, from it comes bread, But underneath it is turned up as by fire;

New Living Translation

5 Food is grown on the earth above, but down below, the earth is melted as by fire.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 28:5

Commentary on Job 28:1-11

(Read Job 28:1-11)

Job maintained that the dispensations of Providence were regulated by the highest wisdom. To confirm this, he showed of what a great deal of knowledge and wealth men may make themselves masters. The caverns of the earth may be discovered, but not the counsels of Heaven. Go to the miners, thou sluggard in religion, consider their ways, and be wise. Let their courage and diligence in seeking the wealth that perishes, shame us out of slothfulness and faint-heartedness in labouring for the true riches. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! How much easier, and safer! Yet gold is sought for, but grace neglected. Will the hopes of precious things out of the earth, so men call them, though really they are paltry and perishing, be such a spur to industry, and shall not the certain prospect of truly precious things in heaven be much more so?