He cuts out channels in the rocks: the word translated channels is commonly used in the singular to refer to the Nile. Here it is used as in Isaiah 33.21, as a poetic parallel with the singular term for river translated “streams” in the next verse. The word may refer to the canals along the Nile. Accordingly New Jerusalem Bible translates “He cuts canals through the rock.” Another possibility is that the channels are either drainage gutters or sluices connected with the mining operation. Cuts translates the same word used in Psalm 74.15, where Revised Standard Version translates “Thou didst cleave open springs and brooks.” Good News Translation uses “tunnel through the rocks,” which is expressive and very likely says what the poet meant.

And his eye sees every precious thing: his eye sees is a poetic manner of saying “he sees,” but it has also an element of close attention, as if he is carefully watching for something as he works. The expression is used in 7.7; 13.1a; 29.11. It is more than seeing and passing on, and so Good News Translation translates “discover.” New Jerusalem Bible says “on the watch for.” Every precious thing is general, but in the context it naturally refers to precious stones or ores: “he watches carefully to find every precious stone” or “he watches every rock to find anything that is valuable.”

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 .