The topaz of Ethiopia cannot compare with it: Ethiopia is known in Hebrew as “Cush.” Here the place name probably designates the quality of the gem and not its place of origin. The word translated topaz also occurs in Exodus 28.17 and Ezekiel 28.13. It is a yellow stone found on the shores of the Red Sea.

Nor can it be valued in pure gold: gold is the same word used in verse 16. This line is about the same as verse 16a. Topaz may be handled in the same way as suggested for “coral” in verse 17.

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 .