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Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/27-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/20_Pro_27_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 27:17 - Do not Boast about Tomorrow" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/27.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/27.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/27.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/27.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/27.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>As</i> iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>As</i> iron sharpens iron, So one person sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/27.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/27.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/27.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/27.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />[As] iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens the wits of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/27.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/27.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens a friend's character. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/27.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens his friend. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/27.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend&#8217;s countenance. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Iron is sharpened by iron, "" And a man sharpens the face of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Iron by iron is sharpened, And a man sharpens the face of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Iron will sharpen upon iron; and a man will sharpen the face of his friend.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/27.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Iron is sharpened by iron; one person sharpens another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron; so a man enlightens the face of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/27.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the person of his neighbor.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/27.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/27.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Iron sharpens iron; and a man sharpens his friend's countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/27-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5605" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/27.htm">Do not Boast about Tomorrow</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">16</span>restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one&#8217;s right hand. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1270.htm" title="1270: bar&#183;zel (N-ms) -- Iron. Perhaps from the root of Birzowth; iron; by extension, an iron implement.">As iron</a> <a href="/hebrew/2300.htm" title="2300: y&#257;&#183;&#7717;a&#7695; (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be sharp, keen. A primitive root; to be sharp or severe.">sharpens</a> <a href="/hebrew/1270.htm" title="1270: b&#601;&#183;&#7687;ar&#183;zel (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Iron. Perhaps from the root of Birzowth; iron; by extension, an iron implement.">iron,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: w&#601;&#183;&#8217;&#238;&#353; (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">so one man</a> <a href="/hebrew/2300.htm" title="2300: ya&#183;&#7717;a&#7695; (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be sharp, keen. A primitive root; to be sharp or severe.">sharpens</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: p&#601;&#183;n&#234;- (N-mpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: r&#234;&#183;&#8216;&#234;&#183;h&#363; (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">another.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9-10</a></span><br />Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. / For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24-25</a></span><br />And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. / Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a></span><br />Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a></span><br />Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15-16</a></span><br />Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. / From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-14</a></span><br />The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. / For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. / For the body does not consist of one part, but of many.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-14.htm">Romans 15:14</a></span><br />I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a></span><br />As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1-2</a></span><br />Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. / Carry one another&#8217;s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a></span><br />Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">1 Samuel 23:16</a></span><br />And Saul&#8217;s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-2.htm">2 Timothy 2:2</a></span><br />And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42-47</a></span><br />They devoted themselves to the apostles&#8217; teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. / A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. / All the believers were together and had everything in common. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/13-11.htm">2 Corinthians 13:11</a></span><br />Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.</p><p class="hdg">iron</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/13-20.htm">1 Samuel 13:20,21</a></b></br> But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/1-18.htm">Joshua 1:18</a></b></br> Whosoever <i>he be</i> that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/2-24.htm">Joshua 2:24</a></b></br> And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/11-9.htm">1 Samuel 11:9,10</a></b></br> And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, To morrow, by <i>that time</i> the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed <i>it</i> to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad&#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/25-23.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-23.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-16.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-14.htm">Friend's</a> <a href="/psalms/149-8.htm">Iron</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-13.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Sharpened</a> <a href="/psalms/7-12.htm">Sharpeneth</a> <a href="/job/16-9.htm">Sharpens</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-19.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-10.htm">Friend's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Iron</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Sharpened</a> <a href="/exodus/11-7.htm">Sharpeneth</a> <a href="/job/16-9.htm">Sharpens</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 27</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">observations of self love</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-5.htm">of true love</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-11.htm">of care to avoid offenses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-23.htm">and of the household care</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/27.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/27.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>As iron sharpens iron</b><br>This phrase illustrates the process of mutual improvement and refinement. In ancient times, iron tools were essential for daily life, and sharpening them was a common task. The imagery of iron sharpening iron suggests a process that involves friction and sometimes sparks, indicating that growth and improvement can be challenging and require effort. This concept is echoed in other scriptures that emphasize the importance of community and accountability, such as <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9-10</a>, which speaks of the benefits of companionship. The use of iron, a strong and durable metal, symbolizes strength and resilience, qualities that are developed through interaction and challenge.<p><b>so one man sharpens another</b><br>This part of the verse highlights the importance of relationships in personal and spiritual growth. The idea is that just as iron is used to sharpen iron, people are used by God to refine and improve each other. This is seen in the New Testament teachings of Jesus and the apostles, where believers are encouraged to build each other up (<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a>) and to spur one another on toward love and good deeds (<a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24</a>). The sharpening process implies a mutual benefit, suggesting that both parties involved in the relationship are improved. This reflects the biblical principle of fellowship and the body of Christ, where each member contributes to the growth and edification of others (<a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical insights into human relationships and godly living.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/iron.htm">Iron</a></b><br>A common metal used in ancient times for tools and weapons. The process of sharpening iron involves friction and careful honing, symbolizing the mutual improvement of individuals through interaction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs, where community and relationships were central to daily life and spiritual growth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community.htm">The Importance of Community</a></b><br>Just as iron sharpens iron, believers are called to engage in relationships that foster spiritual growth and accountability. Community is essential for personal development and maintaining a strong faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mutual_edification.htm">Mutual Edification</a></b><br>The sharpening process is mutual; both parties benefit from the interaction. Christians should seek relationships where they can both give and receive encouragement and correction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/constructive_conflict.htm">Constructive Conflict</a></b><br>Friction is necessary for sharpening. Healthy conflict, when approached with love and humility, can lead to growth and deeper understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/intentional_relationships.htm">Intentional Relationships</a></b><br>Believers should be intentional about forming relationships with those who challenge and inspire them to grow in their faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability.htm">Accountability</a></b><br>Being accountable to others helps maintain spiritual discipline and integrity. Christians should seek out mentors and peers who will hold them accountable in their walk with Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 27</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_'iron_sharpens_iron'_historically_valid.htm">Proverbs 27:17 &#8211; Historically, did ancient ironworking practices support the claim &#8220;iron sharpens iron,&#8221; or is this an anachronistic analogy? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_net_bible_reliable.htm">Is the NET Bible a reliable translation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_an_accountability_partner.htm">What is an accountability partner?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_church_hopping_and_why.htm">What is church hopping and why do people do it?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the play of wit with wit sharpens and brightens up the face.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Iron sharpeneth iron.</span> The proverb deals with the influence which men have upon one another. <span class="cmt_word">So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.</span> So the Vulgate, <span class="accented">Homo exacuit faciem amici sui</span>. The action of the file is probably meant (<a href="/1_samuel/13-21.htm">1 Samuel 13:21</a>); and the writer names iron as the sharpener rather than the whetstone, because he wishes to denote that one man is of the same nature as another, and that this identity is that which makes mutual action possible and advantageous. Some have taken the proverb in a bad sense, as if it meant that one angry word leads to another, one man's passion excites another's rage. Thus Aben Ezra. The Septuagint perhaps supports this notion by rendering, <span class="greek">&#x1f08;&#x3bd;&#x1f74;&#x3c1;&#x20;&#x3b4;&#x1f72;</span> <span class="greek">&#x3c0;&#x3b1;&#x3c1;&#x3bf;&#x3be;&#x1f7b;&#x3bd;&#x3b5;&#x3b9;&#x20;&#x3c0;&#x3c1;&#x1f79;&#x3c3;&#x3c9;&#x3c0;&#x3bf;&#x3bd;&#x20;&#x1f11;&#x3c4;&#x3b1;&#x1f77;&#x3c1;&#x3bf;&#x3c5;</span>. But the best commentators understand the maxim to say that intercourse with other men influences the manner, appearance, deportment, and character of a man, sharpens his wits, controls his conduct, and brightens his very face. Horace uses the same figure of speech, 'Ars Poet.,' 304 - <p><span class="foreign">"Fungar vice cotis, acutum<br />Reddere quae ferrum valet, exsors ipsa secaudi."</span> On the subject of mutual intercourse Euripides says, 'Androm.,' 683 - <p><span class="greek">&#x1f29;&#x20;&#x3b4;&#x20;&#x1f41;&#x3bc;&#x3c5;&#x3bb;&#x1f77;&#x3b1;</span><br /><span class="greek">&#x3a0;&#x1f71;&#x3bd;&#x3c4;&#x3c9;&#x3bd;&#x20;&#x3b2;&#x3c1;&#x3bf;&#x3c4;&#x3bf;&#x1fd6;&#x3c3;&#x3b9;&#x20;&#x3b3;&#x1f77;&#x3b3;&#x3bd;&#x3b5;&#x3c4;&#x3b1;&#x3b9;&#x20;&#x3b4;&#x3b9;&#x3b4;&#x1f71;&#x3c3;&#x3ba;&#x3b1;&#x3bb;&#x3bf;&#x3c2;</span> <p><span class="accented">"Companionship<br />Is that which teaches mortals everything."</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/27-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">As iron</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1463;&#1512;&#1456;&#1494;&#1462;&#1443;&#1500;</span> <span class="translit">(bar&#183;zel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1270.htm">Strong's 1270: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iron, an iron implement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sharpens</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1464;&#1425;&#1495;&#1463;&#1491;</span> <span class="translit">(y&#257;&#183;&#7717;a&#7695;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2300.htm">Strong's 2300: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, sharp, severe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">iron,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1456;&#1489;&#1463;&#1512;&#1456;&#1494;&#1462;&#1443;&#1500;</span> <span class="translit">(b&#601;&#183;&#7687;ar&#183;zel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1270.htm">Strong's 1270: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iron, an iron implement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so one man</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1437;&#1488;&#1460;&#1431;&#1497;&#1513;&#1473;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;&#8217;&#238;&#353;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sharpens</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1463;&#1443;&#1495;&#1463;&#1491;</span> <span class="translit">(ya&#183;&#7717;a&#7695;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2300.htm">Strong's 2300: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, sharp, severe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">another.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1512;&#1461;&#1506;&#1461;&#1469;&#1492;&#1493;&#1468;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(r&#234;&#183;&#8216;&#234;&#183;h&#363;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/27-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/27-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 27:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 27:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/27-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 27:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 27:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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