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<!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.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/27-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/27-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/27.htm">Chapter 27</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/27-16.htm" title="Proverbs 27:16">◄</a> Proverbs 27:17 <a href="/proverbs/27-18.htm" title="Proverbs 27:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/27.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (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® 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’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="study" id="study"></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>…<span class="reftext">16</span>restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1270.htm" title="1270: bar·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: yā·ḥaḏ (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: bə·ḇar·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: wə·’îš (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·ḥaḏ (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: pə·nê- (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: rê·‘ê·hū (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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <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’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’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’ 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… </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… </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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/27.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>As iron sharpens iron</b><br />This phrase begins with a vivid metaphor that is both practical and profound. The Hebrew word for "iron" is "בַּרְזֶל" (barzel), which was a common metal used in ancient times for tools and weapons. The process of sharpening iron with iron involves friction, heat, and precision, symbolizing the way individuals can refine and improve one another through interaction. Historically, iron was a valuable resource, and its use in this metaphor underscores the importance of relationships that challenge and enhance personal growth. The imagery suggests that just as iron tools are honed to be more effective, so too are people refined through constructive and sometimes challenging relationships.<p><b>so one man sharpens another</b><br />The continuation of the metaphor emphasizes the mutual benefit and necessity of interpersonal relationships. The Hebrew word for "sharpens" is "חָדַד" (chadad), which means to make sharp or keen. This sharpening is not a one-sided process; it implies a reciprocal relationship where both parties are improved. In the context of ancient Israel, community and fellowship were central to daily life, and this proverb reflects the cultural understanding that personal development is often achieved through community interaction. Scripturally, this aligns with the New Testament teachings on fellowship and accountability within the body of Christ, as seen in passages like <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24-25</a>, which encourage believers to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. The phrase underscores the importance of godly relationships that encourage spiritual growth, wisdom, and character development.<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">Ἀνὴρ δὲ</span> <span class="greek">παροξύνει πρόσωπον ἑταίρου</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">Ἡ δ ὁμυλία</span><br /><span class="greek">Πάντων βροτοῖσι γίγνεται διδάσκαλος</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">בַּרְזֶ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(bar·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">יָ֑חַד</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḥaḏ)</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">בְּבַרְזֶ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḇar·zel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | 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">וְ֝אִ֗ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">יַ֣חַד</span> <span class="translit">(ya·ḥaḏ)</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">רֵעֵֽהוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | 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. 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