Steel
Summary
A term used in older Bible translations that more properly refers to copper or bronze, though the ancient Hebrews may have known of hardened iron.
☩Translation Issues
In most cases where 'steel' appears in the King James Version, the Hebrew word (nechushah or nechosheth) should properly be translated 'copper' or 'bronze.' The same Hebrew words are elsewhere consistently translated 'brass' in older versions. Modern translations generally correct this to 'bronze.'
☩Ancient Metallurgy
Whether the ancient Hebrews knew steel (hardened iron) is uncertain. Jeremiah's reference to 'iron from the north' may allude to superior iron produced by the Chalybes of Pontus, ancient master ironsmiths. The hardening of iron was practiced in various regions, and the Egyptians apparently knew steel, as evidenced by weapons painted blue (indicating steel) rather than red (indicating bronze) in ancient tombs.
Related Verses4 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Steel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Steel," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).