Surely there is a mine for silver: Surely translates the Hebrew word commonly translated “for” or “because.” It may seem strange to open a discourse with Surely; however, the Hebrew for Surely is frequently used to introduce an emphatic assertion. Translators may use whatever structure is available in the receptor language to supply this emphasis. In some languages this opening assertion may be something equivalent to “It is certain that,” “It is true,” or “Indeed it is so.”

Mine translates a word meaning “source” or “outlet” and normally refers to a place in the ground from which water flows. In the context of verse 1 it refers to the place of origin, and for the origin of a precious metal, mine is appropriate. In English the plural is more natural, as in Good News Translation. In Jeremiah 10.9 and Ezekiel 27.12, silver is said to be imported from Tarshish, possibly Tartessus in Spain. A mine for silver means a mine or mines where silver is obtained or, as Good News Translation says, “where silver is dug.” This line may also be rendered “There are mines where men dig silver.” In languages in which there is no word for silver or gold, the translator may do one of the following: (a) use a loan word from a major language; (b) use a loan word with a classifier; for example, “a valuable metal called silver”; or (c) use a substitute metal if one is known and is highly valuable; this may be the least desirable alternative.

It may be suggested that some adaptation be made in verse 1 that will prepare for the contrast of obtaining wisdom in verses 12-28. For example, Moffatt places verse 12 before verse 1 and renders verse 1a “For silver there are mines,” and then repeats verse 12 after verse 11. However, Moffatt did not use headings, which can accomplish this task even better.

And a place for gold which they refine: a place is parallel to mine in the previous line and means the same thing. Good News Translation again pluralizes a place so as to make it general, like “mines” in line a. Revised Standard Version reflects the Hebrew form, gold which they refine. The plural form of the verb has the meaning of a passive, “where gold is refined,” or of an impersonal actor, “where one refines gold.” Refine refers to the process of heating gold to a liquid and then removing the impurities that float to the surface. In languages which must employ active constructions, this line may be rendered, for example, “and places where men dig gold and refine it.” Refine may sometimes be translated as “purify, clean.” A translation should not attempt to explain in the text the process of refining, as this would place more emphasis on it than is given in the flow of the poem’s discourse. A note may be used in some cases.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .