Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 119:9
“How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
NIV · New International Version
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
WEB · World English Bible
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
What does Psalms 119:9 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 119:9
BETH.--The Second Part. BETH. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way?.... Some think David means himself, and that he was a young man when he wrote this psalm; and which they think is confirmed by Psalm 119:100; but neither of them seem conclusive; rather any young man is meant, and who is particularly mentioned, because young men are liable to sins and snares, to carnal lusts and sensual pleasures, which are of a defiling nature.
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Psalms 119:9
Here is, 1. A weighty question asked. By what means may the next generation be made better than this? Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 119:9–16
9. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? In this place he repeats, in different words, the same truth which he formerly advanced, That, however much men may pique themselves upon their own works, there is nothing pure in their life until they have made a complete surrender of themselves to the word of the Lord. The more effectually to excite them to this, he produces, in an especial manner, the example of children or youths.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 119:6–12 (WEB)
6Then I wouldn’t be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments. 7I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments. 8I will observe your statutes. Don’t utterly forsake me. BETH 9How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10With my whole heart I have sought you. Don’t let me wander from your commandments. 11I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12Blessed are you, LORD. Teach me your statutes.
Cross references
- 2 Timothy 2:22
Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
- James 1:21–25
Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
- 2 Timothy 3:15–17
From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- Joshua 1:7
Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
- Psalms 25:7
- Psalms 119:11
- Titus 2:4–6
that they may train the young wives to love their husbands, to love their children,
- Psalms 1:1–3