Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 27:17 in Multiple Translations
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Iron makes iron sharp; so a man makes sharp his friend.
An iron blade is sharpened with an iron tool, and one person's mind is sharpened by another's.
Yron sharpeneth yron, so doeth man sharpen the face of his friend.
Iron by iron is sharpened, And a man sharpens the face of his friend.
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
We can use one iron tool to sharpen another iron tool; similarly [SIM], when one person shares what he is thinking, it can help other people to think more clearly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 27:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בַּרְזֶ֣ל
בְּ/בַרְזֶ֣ל
יָ֑חַד
וְ֝/אִ֗ישׁ
יַ֣חַד
פְּנֵֽי
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
בַּרְזֶ֣ל
barzel
H1270
iron
N-ms
בְּ/בַרְזֶ֣ל
barzel
H1270
iron
Prep | N-ms
יָ֑חַד
châdad
H2300
be sharp
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
וְ֝/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
יַ֣חַד
châdad
H2300
be sharp
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
פְּנֵֽי
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 27:17
בַּרְזֶ֣ל
barzel
H1270
"iron"
N-ms
Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.
Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.
בְּ/בַרְזֶ֣ל
barzel
H1270
"iron"
Prep | N-ms
Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.
Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.
יָ֑חַד
châdad
H2300
"be sharp"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To sharpen or be severe, as seen in Genesis when God makes a sharp distinction between good and evil. This word is about being fierce or intense. It is used to describe something that cuts deeply.
Definition: 1) to be sharp, be alert, be keen 1a) (Qal) to be sharp, be keen 1b) (Hiphil) to sharpen 1c) (Hophal) to be sharpened Also means: cha.dah (חָדַה "to sharpen" H2300B)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be fierce, sharpen. See also: Proverbs 27:17; Ezekiel 21:15; Habakkuk 1:8.
וְ֝/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
יַ֣חַד
châdad
H2300
"be sharp"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To sharpen or be severe, as seen in Genesis when God makes a sharp distinction between good and evil. This word is about being fierce or intense. It is used to describe something that cuts deeply.
Definition: 1) to be sharp, be alert, be keen 1a) (Qal) to be sharp, be keen 1b) (Hiphil) to sharpen 1c) (Hophal) to be sharpened Also means: cha.dah (חָדַה "to sharpen" H2300B)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be fierce, sharpen. See also: Proverbs 27:17; Ezekiel 21:15; Habakkuk 1:8.
פְּנֵֽי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:17
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:17
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
15A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike—
16restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand.
17As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
18Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. 19As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the true man.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 10:24 | And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. |
| 2 | Proverbs 27:9 | Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul. |
| 3 | Job 4:3–4 | Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands. Your words have steadied those who stumbled; you have braced the knees that were buckling. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 23:16 | And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, |
| 5 | 2 Timothy 2:3 | Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
| 6 | Isaiah 35:3–4 | Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” |
| 7 | 1 Peter 4:12–13 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. |
| 8 | James 1:2 | Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 10:11–12 | “If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.” |
| 10 | 2 Timothy 1:8 | So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. |
Proverbs 27:17 Summary
[Proverbs 27:17 means that just like iron sharpens iron, people can help each other become better and stronger, by encouraging and challenging each other to grow in their faith and character. This can happen in friendships, family relationships, or even casual acquaintances, as we are all called to build each other up in the body of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:11). By surrounding ourselves with people who will help us grow, and by being that kind of person for others, we can become more like Christ and live out our faith in a more meaningful way (Ephesians 4:12-13).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to sharpen one another?
To sharpen one another means to encourage, challenge, and help each other grow in our faith and character, as seen in Proverbs 27:17, just as iron sharpens iron by removing imperfections and making it stronger, so too can we help each other become more like Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13).
Is this verse only talking about friendships?
While friendships are an important aspect of sharpening one another, Proverbs 27:17 is not limited to just friendships; it can also apply to family relationships, mentorships, and even casual acquaintances, as we are all called to encourage and build each other up in the body of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
How can I apply this verse in my daily life?
You can apply Proverbs 27:17 by being intentional about surrounding yourself with people who will encourage and challenge you to grow in your faith, and also by being that kind of person for others, offering words of encouragement and support, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25, where we are exhorted to spur one another on towards love and good deeds.
What if I'm not sure if a particular relationship is helping me grow spiritually?
If you're unsure about a particular relationship, ask yourself if the people you're surrounding yourself with are helping you to become more like Christ, or if they're hindering your growth, and consider the wisdom in 1 Corinthians 15:33, which warns us that bad company can corrupt good character.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can sharpen others in my life, and how can I create opportunities for them to sharpen me?
- How can I balance the desire to be sharpened by others with the need to also be a source of encouragement and challenge for them?
- What are some potential pitfalls or dangers of surrounding myself with people who are not helping me to grow spiritually, and how can I avoid them?
- In what ways can I be more intentional about seeking out relationships that will help me to become more like Christ, and how can I prioritize those relationships in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron,.... A sword or knife made of iron is sharpened by it; so butchers sharpen their knives; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend; by conversation with him; thus learned
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:17
Iron cutting tools are made bright, and sharp, and fit for use by rubbing them against the file, or some other iron. So a man, who being alone is sad, and dull, and unactive, by the company and conversation of his friend is greatly refreshed, his very wits are sharpened, and his spirit revived, and he is both fitted for and provoked to action. The countenance is here put for the mind or spirit, whose temper or disposition is commonly visible in men’ s countenances.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.Ver. 17. Iron sharpeneth iron.] One edge tool sharpeneth another; so doth the face of a man his friend. Ipse aspectus viri boni delectat, saith Seneca. Let us "whet one another to love and good works," saith Paul, as boars whet their tusks, as mowers whet their scythes. Thus Paul was "pressed in spirit" by the coming of Timothy, and extimulates Timothy to "stir up (αναζωπυρειν) the gift of God that was in him." Thus Peter roused up (διεγειρειν) those to whom he wrote, ex veterno torporis et teporis, out of their spiritual lethargy. And thus those good souls "spake often one to another," for mutual quickening in dull and dead times. As amber grease is nothing so sweet in itself as when compounded with other things; so godly and learned men are gainers by communicating themselves to others. Conference hath incredible profit in all sciences. Castalio renders this text thus: Ut ferrum ferro, sic heroines alii aliis coniuguntur; As iron is to iron, so are men joined and soldered to one another, - viz., in a very straight bond of love and friendship.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:17
(17) So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend—i.e., the play of wit with wit sharpens and brightens up the face.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:17
Verse 17. Iron sharpeneth iron] As hard iron, viz., steel, will bring a knife to a better edge when it is properly whetted against it: so one friend may be the means of exciting another to reflect, dive deeply into, and illustrate a subject, without which whetting or excitement, this had never taken place. Had Horace seen this proverb in the Septuagint translation when he wrote to the Pisos? Ergo fungar vice cotis, acutum Reddere quae ferrum valet, exors ipsa secandi. HOR. ARS. POET., ver. 304. "But let me sharpen others, as the hone Gives edge to razors, though itself have none." FRANCIS.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:17
17. sharpeneth] This has been understood to mean exasperates. Comp. Mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me, Job 16:9 (where, however, the Hebrew word is different). But, as it is a friend that is spoken of here, it is better to take the proverb in a good sense. See for illustrations, 1 Kings 10:1; 1 Kings 10:3; Acts 28:15. The effect, however, is mutual, not like that of the whetstone to which Horace compares the critic, acutum Reddere quæ ferrum valet, exsors ipsa secandi. De Art. Poet. 304, 5.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:17
The proverb expresses the gain of mutual counsel as found in clear, well-defined thoughts. Two minds, thus acting on each other, become more acute.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:17
17. Iron sharpeneth iron; so, etc. — Men’s minds are excited to activity by contact. One wit whets another. One friend encourages another. One intellectual man stimulates another.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Called to Be Accountable by Andy Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability in the Christian life. He argues that God does not expect us to struggle alone and that we all face the same |
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The Beginning, Increase and End of the Divine Life by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the principle that although the beginnings of good things may be small, they will greatly increase over time. The preacher aims to provide p |
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Walking With God by James A. Stewart | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking with God and having a perfect agreement in the theme of conversation. He shares a personal story about a jeweler wh |
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3 Chapel of the Air Interviews of Leonard Ravenhill by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon discusses the importance of spiritual revival, emphasizing the need for discipline, depth in understanding, and a return to the profound teachings of earlier generation |
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The Friends of God by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a man from his church who was in distress and came to see him. The man had experienced a family accident and was deeply a |
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The Holy Spirit - Part 11 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of encountering Christ and following godly examples, highlighting the impact of living a pure and noble life amidst the moral decadence of the |
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The Holy Spirit - Part 5 by Keith Daniel | This sermon recounts a powerful testimony of a man's conversion to Christianity and his struggle with worldly temptations after being saved. It emphasizes the importance of genuine |