Kabir says that the iron is one, and the process of forging it is the crucible. From that same iron, both a book and a sword can be created.

Kabir suggests that the fundamental element—the iron—is singular, and the process of forging it is the crucible. Just as one metal can be shaped into both a sword and a book, a person possesses both knowledge and power within. This couplet teaches us that regardless of our outward appearance, our inner potential defines our true self.