Deuteronomy 33:25 — Word Study
WLCבַּרְזֶ֥ל וּנְחֹ֖שֶׁת מִנְעָלֶ֑יךָ וּכְיָמֶ֖יךָ דָּבְאֶֽךָ׃
BSAMay the bolts of your gateminʻâl△ [shoes, bars] be ironbarzel [strong metal] and bronzenᵉchôsheth [copper, base metal] and may your strengthdôbeʼ△ [power, might] match your daysyôwm [be as long as, lifetime, span of life]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| בַּרְזֶ֥ל | [will be] iron | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וּנְחֹ֖שֶׁת | and bronze | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| מִנְעָלֶ֑יךָ | bolts your | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וּכְיָמֶ֖יךָ | and [will be] like days your | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine plural construct |
| דָּבְאֶֽךָ׃ | strength your | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | May the bolts of your gate be iron and bronze, and may your strength match your days.” |
| KJV | Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. |
| ASV | Thy bars shall be iron and brass; And as thy days, so shall thy strength be. |
| YLT | Iron and brass [are] thy shoes, And as thy days — thy strength. |
| WEB | Your bars will be iron and bronze. As your days, so your strength will be. |
| BBE | Your shoes will be iron and brass; and as your days, so may your work be. |
All translations agree on the wording and meaning of this verse.
The verse consists of two main clauses connected by a conjunction, expressing two related blessings.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
2 of 5 occur nowhere else in the Old Testament — words chosen on purpose.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Deuteronomy 33:25
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Blessing of Ashergenerated
Deuteronomy 33:25 is part of Moses' blessings to the tribes of Israel, specifically addressing Asher. In this verse, Moses prays for Asher's gates to be fortified with iron and bronze, symbolizing strength and durability. The blessing emphasizes the hope that Asher's strength will be as enduring as his days, reflecting a desire for longevity and resilience in life.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 8:9 | a land where you will eat food without scarcity, where you will lack nothing; a land whose rocks are iron and whose hills are ready to be mined for copper. |
| 2 | Luke 15:22 | But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. |
| 3 | Ephesians 6:15 | and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 16:9 | For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” |
| 5 | Psalm 138:3 | On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — דָּבְאֶךָ, da.ve.'E.khagenerated
The Hebrew word דֹּ֫בֶא (dobe') is a noun that may relate to strength or rest, though its exact meaning is uncertain. It appears in this verse as a construct form, indicating possession: 'your strength'.
The parsing shows that it is a masculine singular noun, which aligns with the context of strength being attributed to an individual or a tribe. The ambiguity in its meaning leaves room for interpretation, potentially encompassing both physical strength and a sense of enduring presence.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations on this page agree that the verse speaks of strength matching days, with no significant variation in wording.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse centers around a main clause that expresses a wish: מִנְעָלֶיךָ bolts of your gate. This is followed by two parallel phrases describing the materials and the nature of strength.
The Hebrew word order emphasizes the blessings' elements, with the materials (iron and bronze) placed prominently to signify their importance in the context of strength and durability.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates בַּרְזֶל as σίδηρος (sidēros), which also means 'iron'. This choice reflects a direct correspondence without altering the meaning.
For נְחֹשֶׁת, it uses ξαλκὸς (xalkos), indicating bronze or copper, which aligns with the Hebrew's connotation of a base metal.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Deuteronomy 33:25 expresses Moses' blessing for Asher, wishing that the bolts of his gates be made of strong iron and bronze. He also hopes that Asher's strength will be as enduring as his days, symbolizing a desire for resilience and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies a wish for Asher to have strength that lasts throughout his life.
These metals symbolize durability and strength, representing the resilience that Moses desires for Asher.
Bolts symbolize security and protection, indicating that Asher will have strong defenses in life.
This chapter contains blessings for each tribe, emphasizing God's favor and the unique characteristics of each tribe.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I seek strength and resilience, similar to what Moses wished for Asher?
- How can I ensure that my foundations, like the bolts of a gate, are strong and secure?
- What does it mean for my strength to match my days, and how can I prepare for the challenges ahead?
- How can I apply the symbolism of iron and bronze in my life to represent strength and endurance?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early writers interpret this verse as a blessing for the church, linking the metals to virtues and perseverance.
Moses says this with regard to the holy church. Shoe in Holy Scripture means the office of preaching, as is written, “Feet have been shod in preparation for the gospel of peace.” Since iron means virtue and bronze means perseverance,Early Church Fathers on Deuteronomy 33 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 33:25 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThy shoes [shall be] iron and brass,.... Either they should have such an abundance of these metals, that they could if they would have made their shoes of them; but that is not usual; though it is
Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 33 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. Shoes shall be iron and brass. These shoes suited his rocky coast from Carmel to Sidon.
Read Robert Jamieson on Deuteronomy 33 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThy shoes shall be iron and brass: this may note either, 1. Their great strength, by which they should be able to tread down and crush their enemies, as Christ’ s feet for this very reason are said to be of brass, . Or, 2. The mines of iron and copper, which were in their portion, whence Sidon their neighbour was famous among the heathens for its plenty of brass and iron, and Sarepta is thought to have its name from the brass and iron, which were melted there in great quantity. Compare . Or, 3. The strength of its situation; and so some ancients and modems render the words, thy habitation or thy enclosure shall be iron and brass, i.e. fortified as it were with walls and gates of iron and…
Read Matthew Poole on Deuteronomy 33 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsDeuteronomy 33:25 Thy shoes [shall be] iron and brass; and as thy days, [so shall] thy strength [be].Ver. 25. Thy shoes.] Thou shalt have store of mines. And as thy days shall thy strength be,] i.e., Thou shalt come in a lusty old age to the grave. This the Greeks call ευγηρια. And the Hebrews made a feast when they were past sixty, if any whit healthy.
Read John Trapp on Deuteronomy 33 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(25) Thy shoes shall be iron and brass.—Perhaps we should rather read, thy bars shall be iron and brass. The word here rendered “shoes” in the Authorised Version does not occur elsewhere. The nearest word to it means “locks” or “fastenings.” It is also uncertain whether the whole sentence belongs to the blessing of Asher, or to all Israel. It seems most likely that, as Asher’s territory was at the northern end of Palestine, close to the pass by which the most formidable invaders must enter in, an assurance is here given that the frontier of Israel should be safe. “Iron” and “brass” are mentioned together in connection with gates and bars in Psalms 107:16; Isaiah 45:2. But they are not…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Deuteronomy 33 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 25. Thy shoes shall be iron and brass] Some suppose this may refer to the iron and copper mines in their territory; but it is more likely that it relates to their warlike disposition, as we know that greaves, boots, shoes, c., of iron, brass, and tin, were used by ancient warriors. Goliath had greaves of brass on his legs, 1 Samuel 17:6 and the brazen-booted Greeks, χαλκοκνημιδεςΑχαιοι, is one of the epithets given by Homer to his heroes; see Iliad. lib. viii., ver. 41. And as thy days, so shall thy strength be.] If we take this clause as it appears here, we have at once an easy sense; and the saying, I have no doubt, has comforted the souls of multitudes. The meaning is obvious…
Read AdamClarke on Deuteronomy 33 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges25. bars] Heb. min‘al, found only here, but the meaning is confirmed by that of the similar form man‘ul, Nehemiah 3:3, etc., and by the Sam. The shoes of A.V. and R.V. marg. and the LXX ὑπόδημα are a false conjecture from na‘al, sandal. Thy, LXX his. iron and brass] Or possibly basalt and bronze; see on Deuteronomy 8:9. strength] So Sam., LXX, Targ., perhaps reading robe’ for the Heb. dobe’, which is not found elsewhere and is of unknown meaning. Some render rest after the doubtful analogy of Ar.; Vulg. old age, as if reading d’b for db’.
Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 33 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe strength and firmness of Asher is as if he were shod with iron and brass (compare Revelation 1:15). The territory of this tribe probably contained iron and copper. Compare the marginal reference.
Read Albert Barnes on Deuteronomy 33 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
May the bolts of your gate be iron and bronze, and may your strength match your days.”
Your bars will be iron and bronze. As your days, so your strength will be.
May the bolts of your gate be iron and bronze, and may your strength match your days.”
The bars of your gates will be made of iron and bronze, and may you have lifelong strength.
Tyndale line
Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.
Thy bars shall be iron and brass; And as thy days, so shall thy strength be.
Thy bars shall be iron and brass; And as thy days, so shall thy strength be.
Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be .
Thy shooes shalbe yron and brasse, and thy strength shall continue as long as thou liuest.
Strictly literal
Iron and brass shall be thy bolts; And thy rest as thy days.
Iron and brass [are] thy shoes, And as thy days — thy strength.
Iron and bronze [are] your shoes, || And as your days—your strength.
Iron and copper shall be thy bolts; and as thy [younger] days so shall thy old age be.
May your city bars be iron and bronze; as long as will be your days, so long will your security be.
From the Latin
His shoe shall be iron and brass. As the days of thy youth, so also shall thy old age be.
Simplified
May the bolts of your gate be strong as iron and bronze, and may you be strong all your life.”
Your shoes will be iron and brass; and as your days, so may your work be.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of the verse, matching all five words. However, the Samaritan Pentateuch differs slightly, replacing one word with רביך (raviḵ, meaning 'much').
בַּרְזֶ֥ל וּנְחֹ֖שֶׁת מִנְעָלֶ֑יךָ וּכְיָמֶ֖יךָ דָּבְאֶֽךָ׃
5 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ברזל ונחשׁת מנעליך וכימיך רביך
1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: רביך (much)
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Deuteronomy 33:25
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
בַּרְזֶל (barzel) means 'iron' and can refer to iron ore or iron implements like tools and utensils. It also carries figurative meanings related to harshness, strength, or oppression. The word may be derived from a root associated with cutting. There is an Aramaic equivalent, פַּרְזֶל (parzel), also meaning 'iron'.
בַּרְזֶל n.m. iron
iron, lit.
tool of iron
iron in fig. of unwatered earth
base
H1270 בַּרְזֶל iron
1270 barzel bar-zel'
perhaps from the root of 1269; iron (as cutting); by
extension, an iron implement:--(ax) head, iron.
see HEBREW for 01269
בַּרְזֶל (bar.zel) — iron.
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)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
Iron
Tubal-Cain is the first-mentioned worker in iron (Gen. 4:22). The Egyptians wrought it at Sinai before the Exodus. David prepared it in great abundance for the temple (1 Chr. 22:3: 29:7). The merchants of Dan and Javan brought it to the market of Tyre (Ezek. 27:19). Various instruments are mentioned as made of iron (Deut. 27:5; 19:5; Josh. 17:16, 18; 1 Sam. 17:7; 2 Sam. 12:31; 2 Kings 6:5, 6; 1 Chr.…
is mentioned with brass as the earliest of known metals. (Genesis 4:22) The natural wealth in iron of the soil of Canaan is indicated by describing it as a land whose stones are iron." (8:9) (Recent explorations have shown that iron ore is abundant in the northern part of Palestine. --ED.) The book of Job contains passages which indicate that iron was a metal well known. Sheet-iron was used for cooking utensils. (Ezekiel 4:3) cf. Levi 7:9 That it was plentiful in the time of David appears from (1 Chronicles 22:3) The market of Tyre was supplied with bright or polished iron by the merchants of by Dan and Javan. (Ezekiel 27:19) The Chalybes of the Pontus were celebrated as…
Was early known and wrought, Ge 4:22. Moses often alludes to it. He compares the bondage in Egypt to a furnace for smelting iron, and speaks of the iron ore of Canaan, De 3:11 4:20 8:9. Many different articles and tools were anciently made of it. Immense quantities were provided for the building of the temple, 1Ch 29:2,7. "Iron" is used to illustrated slavery, strength, obstinacy, fortitude, affliction, etc., De 28:48 Job 40:18 Isa 48:4 Jer 1:18 Eze 22:18,20…
נְחֹ֫שֶׁת (nechosheth) refers to copper or bronze, often indicating items made from these metals, such as fetters. It is noted for being less valuable than gold but more than wood. Additionally, it can figuratively represent a harsh sky or, in specific contexts, suggest meanings related to lust or harlotry, as seen in Ezekiel 16:36.
נְחֹ֫שֶׁת 137 n.m. copper, bronze
copper
fetters of copper or bronze
as less in value than gold but more than wood
fig. of pitiless sky
base
[נְחֹ֫שֶׁת] n.[f.] Ez 16:36 where context favours mng. lust, harlotry, or specif. sens. obscoen.
ref
H5178a נְחֹ֫שֶׁת copper, bronze . copper
. fetters of copper or bronze
. as less in value than gold but more than wood
. fig. of pitiless sky
H5178b נְחֹ֫שֶׁת where context favours mng. lust, harlotry, or specif. sens. obscoen.
5178 nchosheth nekh-o'-sheth
for 5154; copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e.
coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or
silver):--brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass),
filthiness, steel.
see HEBREW for 05154
נְחֹ֫שֶׁת (ne.cho.shet) — bronze.
1) copper, bronze
1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy)
1b) fetters (of copper or bronze)
1c) copper (as value)
נְחֹ֫שֶׁת (ne.cho.shet) — lust.
lust, harlotry
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absoluteHC/Ncfsa
מִנְעָל (man`al) refers to a bolt or shoe, derived from a related root. The term appears in Deuteronomy 33:25 in a poetic context. The entries consistently identify it as a noun, but they do not provide extensive detail beyond its basic meanings.
[מִנְעָל] n.m. id. [n.ec.ad], only sf. Dt 33:25 (song).
ref
H4515 [מִנְעָל] id. [4514]
4515 man`al man-awl'
from 5274; a bolt:--shoe.
see HEBREW for 05274
מִנְעָל (min.al) — bolt.
shoe
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp2ms
יוֹם (yowm) means 'day' and refers to a division of time, contrasting with night. It can denote a literal 24-hour period, a general time span, or even a year. The term is used in various contexts, including the 'day of Yahweh,' which signifies a time of divine judgment. It also appears in phrases indicating temporal references like today, yesterday, and tomorrow.
יוֹם 2285 n.m. day
day, opp. night
Day as division of time
יוֹם י׳ day of Yahweh, chiefly as time of his coming in judgment, involving often blessedness for righteous
Pl. days of anyone
Days
יוֹם = time
Phrases
base
H3117 יוֹם day . day, opp. night
. Day as division of time
. יוֹם י׳ day of Yahweh, chiefly as time of his coming in judgment, involving often blessedness for righteous
. Pl. days of anyone
. Days
. יוֹם = time
. Phrases
3117 yowm yome
from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm
hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one
sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by
an associated term), (often used adverb):--age, + always, +
chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to)
day, (now a, two) days (agone), + elder, X end, + evening, +
(for) ever(-lasting, -more), X full, life, as (so) long as
(... live), (even) now, + old, + outlived, + perpetually,
presently, + remaineth, X required, season, X since, space,
then, (process of) time, + as at other times, + in trouble,
weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), X whole
(+ age), (full) year(-ly), + younger.
יוֹם (yom) — day.
: day/when/time/period
1) day, time, year
1a) day (as opposed to night)
1b) day (24 hour period)
1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1
1b2) as a division of time
1b2a) a working day, a day's journey
1c) days, lifetime (pl.)
1d) time, period (general)
1e) year
1f) temporal references
1f1) today
1f2) yesterday
1f3) tomorrow
יוֹם (yom) — day: old.
: old/(full/many)[days]
1) day, time, year
1a) day (as opposed to night)
1b) day (24 hour period)
1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1
1b2) as a division of time
1b2a) a working day, a day's journey
1c) days, lifetime (pl.)
1d) time, period (general)
1e) year
1f) temporal references
1f1) today
1f2) yesterday
1f3) tomorrow
יוֹם (yom) — day: year.
: year[of_days]
1) day, time, year
1a) day (as opposed to night)
1b) day (24 hour period)
1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1
1b2) as a division of time
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHC/R/Ncmpc/Sp2ms
דֹּ֫בֶא (dobe') is a Hebrew word that may relate to rest or strength, though its exact meaning is uncertain. The entries suggest it could imply a state of being sluggish or restful, but the interpretation remains ambiguous. It appears in Deuteronomy 33:25.
[דֹּ֫בֶא] n.[m.] perh. rest, but sense very doubtful De 33:25.
ref
H1679 [דֹּ֫בֶא] perh. rest, but sense very doubtful
1679 dobe' do'-beh
from an unused root (compare 1680) (probably meaning to be
sluggish, i.e. restful); quiet:--strength.
see HEBREW for 01680
דֹּ֫בֶא (do.ve) — strength.
strength?, rest? (meaning obscure)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp2ms