Psalms 119:9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Original Language Analysis
בַּמֶּ֣ה
H4100
בַּמֶּ֣ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
נַּ֭עַר
BETH Wherewithal shall a young man
H5288
נַּ֭עַר
BETH Wherewithal shall a young man
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
3 of 7
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָרְח֑וֹ
his way
H734
אָרְח֑וֹ
his way
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
5 of 7
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
Cross References
2 Timothy 2:22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.Joshua 1:7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.Psalms 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.Psalms 25:7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.Psalms 34:11Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.Proverbs 1:10My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.John 15:3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.Proverbs 4:1Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.Proverbs 1:4To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.Job 13:26For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, young men faced particular temptations and responsibilities—military service, marriage preparation, establishing households. Without God's Word as guide, they easily fell into the cultural patterns of surrounding nations. The Wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) specifically addresses young men, warning against sexual immorality, laziness, and bad company. This verse echoes Proverbs 4:20-27, which calls young men to guard their hearts and keep their paths straight.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific temptations do young people face today that require guarding through God's Word?
- How does Scripture function both as diagnostic (revealing impurity) and therapeutic (cleansing)?
- In what practical ways can believers "take heed" to God's Word in daily life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse asks the crucial question: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" The Hebrew bameh (how/by what means) seeks the method for moral purity. Naar (young man) emphasizes the vulnerability of youth to sin and folly. "Cleanse his way" uses zakah orcho—to purify, make clear, keep pure one's path. The answer: "by taking heed thereto according to thy word." Lishmor (taking heed) means to guard, observe, give attention—active vigilance. God's Word functions as both standard (revealing what is clean) and means (empowering cleansing). This anticipates Ephesians 5:26 (Christ cleanses the church "with the washing of water by the word"). Scripture sanctifies by revealing sin, pointing to Christ, and guiding righteous living.