The Church Fathers on this verse

Deuteronomy 33:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

His shoe shall be iron and brass. As the days of thy youth, so also shall thy old age be.

Douay-Rheims

בַּרְזֶ֥ל וּנְחֹ֖שֶׁת מִנְעָלֶ֑יךָ וּכְיָמֶ֖יךָ דָּבְאֶֽךָ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Ephraem the Syrian

4th centuryChurch Father

"Your boots are made of iron and brass." This illustrates the unwavering strength and steadfastness required of those who glorify and declare the greatness of God.

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

Moses also inquired on behalf of Asher regarding the richness of the land and the prosperity of the sea, for he proclaimed that he would immerse his foot in oil, and the iron and bronze of his footwear would symbolize a wealth of blessings.

Paterius of Brescia

7th centuryChurch Father

Moses discreetly references the Holy Church, where footwear in Scripture symbolizes empowerment for evangelism, as indicated by the verse, "And having shod His feet in readiness to preach the gospel to the world" (Eph. 6:15). Iron represents moral strength, while brass embodies endurance; thus, the footwear of Christ is depicted through these materials, as His message is fortified by both insight and steadfastness. With iron, He confronts and vanquishes malevolence, whereas with brass, He patiently safeguards the goodness that has been achieved.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.