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Selected Verse: Psalms 119:9 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Ps 119:9	Strong Concordance	BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man [05288] cleanse [02135] his way [0734]? by taking heed [08104] thereto according to thy word [01697].
	King James	BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
BETH. (Psa 119:9-16). The whole verse may be read as a question; for, by taking heed--is better, "for" taking heed, that is, so as to do it. The answer is implied, and inferable from Psa 119:5, Psa 119:10, Psa 119:18, &c., that is, by God's grace.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

BETH. (Psa 119:9-16).

The whole verse may be read as a question; for,

by taking heed--is better, "for" taking heed, that is, so as to do it. The answer is implied, and inferable from Psa 119:5, Psa 119:10, Psa 119:18, &c., that is, by God's grace.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Wherewithal - This begins the second portion of the psalm, extending to Psa 119:16, in which all the verses begin with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet (ב b), indicated in our translation by the word Beth. These names of the letters, inserted for convenience, are no part of the psalm, as it is not so marked in the original. This mode of indicating the divisions of the psalm is special to our version. It is not in the Septuagint, the Latin Vulgate, or the German versions. The word wherewithal means "by what" (Hebrew); that is, What means shall a young man adopt by which he may "cleanse his way?" it indicates a state of inquiry. The case supposed is that of a young man pondering the question how he may be saved from the corruptions of his own heart, and escape the temptations to which he is exposed in early years, and lead a pure and upright life. There can be no more important inquiry for one just entering on the journey of life; there can be found nowhere a more just and comprehensive answer than is contained in this single verse. All the precepts of ancient and modern wisdom, all the teachings of pagan morality and religion, and all the results of the experience of mankind, could furnish nothing in addition to what is here suggested. The world has no higher wisdom than this by which to guide a young man, so that he may lead a holy life. Shall a young man - The remark here might be applied also to those who are in middle life, or even to those who are in more advanced years, but it is applied here especially to the young, because it may be supposed that in the other cases the matter may be regarded as settled by experience; because to the young, as they commence life, the inquiry is so momentous; and because it is a question which it may be supposed will come up before the mind of every young man who has any right aspirations, and any proper conception of the dangers which encompass his path. Cleanse his way? - Make his course of life pure and upright. The language does not necessarily imply that there had been any previous impurity or vice, but it has particular reference to the future: not how he might cleanse himself from past offences, but how he might make the future pure. The inquiry is, how he might conduct himself - what principles he could adopt - under what influence he could bring himself - so that his future course would be honest, honorable, upright. By taking heed thereto ... - The word "thereto" is not in the original. The Hebrew is, "To keep according to thy word;" or, "in keeping according to thy word." Prof. Alexander supposes that this means "to keep it (his way) according to thy word;" and that the whole is a question - "How may a young man so cleanse his way as to keep it according to thy word?" - and that the answer to the question is to be found in the general strain of the psalm, or in the general principles laid down in the psalm. But it is clear that the answer to the question must be found in the verse, or not found at all; and the most natural construction is that in our translation. So DeWette renders it: "How can a young man walk guiltless? If (or, when) he holds (or, keeps) himself according to thy word." The meaning clearly is If he governs himself according to the law of God - if he makes that law the rule of his life and conduct, he would be enabled to do it. All other things might fail; this rule would never fail, in making and keeping a man pure. The more principles of common honesty, the principles of honor, the considerations of self-interest, the desire of reputation - valuable as they may be - would not constitute a security in regard to his conduct; the law of God would, for that is wholly pure.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

Wherewithal - This begins the second portion of the psalm, extending to Psa 119:16, in which all the verses begin with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet (ב b), indicated in our translation by the word Beth. These names of the letters, inserted for convenience, are no part of the psalm, as it is not so marked in the original. This mode of indicating the divisions of the psalm is special to our version. It is not in the Septuagint, the Latin Vulgate, or the German versions. The word wherewithal means "by what" (Hebrew); that is, What means shall a young man adopt by which he may "cleanse his way?" it indicates a state of inquiry. The case supposed is that of a young man pondering the question how he may be saved from the corruptions of his own heart, and escape the temptations to which he is exposed in early years, and lead a pure and upright life. There can be no more important inquiry for one just entering on the journey of life; there can be found nowhere a more just and comprehensive answer than is contained in this single verse. All the precepts of ancient and modern wisdom, all the teachings of pagan morality and religion, and all the results of the experience of mankind, could furnish nothing in addition to what is here suggested. The world has no higher wisdom than this by which to guide a young man, so that he may lead a holy life.

Shall a young man - The remark here might be applied also to those who are in middle life, or even to those who are in more advanced years, but it is applied here especially to the young, because it may be supposed that in the other cases the matter may be regarded as settled by experience; because to the young, as they commence life, the inquiry is so momentous; and because it is a question which it may be supposed will come up before the mind of every young man who has any right aspirations, and any proper conception of the dangers which encompass his path.

Cleanse his way? - Make his course of life pure and upright. The language does not necessarily imply that there had been any previous impurity or vice, but it has particular reference to the future: not how he might cleanse himself from past offences, but how he might make the future pure. The inquiry is, how he might conduct himself - what principles he could adopt - under what influence he could bring himself - so that his future course would be honest, honorable, upright.

By taking heed thereto ... - The word "thereto" is not in the original. The Hebrew is, "To keep according to thy word;" or, "in keeping according to thy word." Prof. Alexander supposes that this means "to keep it (his way) according to thy word;" and that the whole is a question - "How may a young man so cleanse his way as to keep it according to thy word?" - and that the answer to the question is to be found in the general strain of the psalm, or in the general principles laid down in the psalm. But it is clear that the answer to the question must be found in the verse, or not found at all; and the most natural construction is that in our translation. So DeWette renders it: "How can a young man walk guiltless? If (or, when) he holds (or, keeps) himself according to thy word." The meaning clearly is If he governs himself according to the law of God - if he makes that law the rule of his life and conduct, he would be enabled to do it. All other things might fail; this rule would never fail, in making and keeping a man pure. The more principles of common honesty, the principles of honor, the considerations of self-interest, the desire of reputation - valuable as they may be - would not constitute a security in regard to his conduct; the law of God would, for that is wholly pure.

Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch [1857-78]
The eightfold Beth. Acting in accordance with the word of God, a young man walks blamelessly; the poet desires this, and supplicates God's gracious assistance in order to it. To purify or cleanse one's way or walk (זכּה, cf. Psa 73:13; Pro 20:9) signifies to maintain it pure (זך, root זך, Arab. zk, to prick, to strike the eye, nitere; (Note: The word receives the meaning of νικᾶν (vid., supra, p. 367), like Arab. ḏhr and bhr, from the signification of outshining = overpowering.) vid., Fleischer in Levy's Chaldisches Wrterbuch, i. 424) from the spotting of sin, or to free it from it. Psa 119:9 is the answer to the question in Psa 119:9; לשׁמר signifies custodiendo semetipsum, for שׁמר can also signify "to be on one's guard" without נפשׁו (Jos 6:18). The old classic (e.g., Psa 18:31) אמרתך alternates throughout with דּברך; both are intended collectively. One is said to hide (צפן) the word in one's heart when one has it continually present with him, not merely as an outward precept, but as an inward motive power in opposition to selfish action (Job 23:12). In Psa 119:12 the poet makes his way through adoration to petition. ספּרתּי in Psa 119:13 does not mean enumeration, but recounting, as in Deu 6:7. עדות is the plural to עדוּת; עדות, on the contrary, in Psa 119:138 is the plural to עדה: both are used of God's attestation of Himself and of His will in the word of revelation. כּעל signifies, according to Psa 119:162, "as over" (short for כּאשׁר על), not: as it were more than (Olshausen); the כּ would only be troublesome in connection with this interpretation. With reference to הון, which has occurred already in Psa 44:13; Psa 112:3 (from הון, Arab. hawn, to be light, levem), aisance, ease, opulence, and concrete, goods, property, vid., Fleischer in Levy's Chald. Wrterb. i. 423f. ארחתיך, Psa 119:15, are the paths traced out in the word of God; these he will studiously keep in his eye.

Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch [1857-78]

The eightfold Beth. Acting in accordance with the word of God, a young man walks blamelessly; the poet desires this, and supplicates God's gracious assistance in order to it. To purify or cleanse one's way or walk (זכּה, cf. Psa 73:13; Pro 20:9) signifies to maintain it pure (זך, root זך, Arab. zk, to prick, to strike the eye, nitere;

(Note: The word receives the meaning of νικᾶν (vid., supra, p. 367), like Arab. ḏhr and bhr, from the signification of outshining = overpowering.)

vid., Fleischer in Levy's Chaldisches Wrterbuch, i. 424) from the spotting of sin, or to free it from it. Psa 119:9 is the answer to the question in Psa 119:9; לשׁמר signifies custodiendo semetipsum, for שׁמר can also signify "to be on one's guard" without נפשׁו (Jos 6:18). The old classic (e.g., Psa 18:31) אמרתך alternates throughout with דּברך; both are intended collectively. One is said to hide (צפן) the word in one's heart when one has it continually present with him, not merely as an outward precept, but as an inward motive power in opposition to selfish action (Job 23:12). In Psa 119:12 the poet makes his way through adoration to petition. ספּרתּי in Psa 119:13 does not mean enumeration, but recounting, as in Deu 6:7. עדות is the plural to עדוּת; עדות, on the contrary, in Psa 119:138 is the plural to עדה: both are used of God's attestation of Himself and of His will in the word of revelation. כּעל signifies, according to Psa 119:162, "as over" (short for כּאשׁר על), not: as it were more than (Olshausen); the כּ would only be troublesome in connection with this interpretation. With reference to הון, which has occurred already in Psa 44:13; Psa 112:3 (from הון, Arab. hawn, to be light, levem), aisance, ease, opulence, and concrete, goods, property, vid., Fleischer in Levy's Chald. Wrterb. i. 423f. ארחתיך, Psa 119:15, are the paths traced out in the word of God; these he will studiously keep in his eye.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
A young man - Or, any man. But he names the young man, because such are commonly void of wisdom and experience, and exposed to many and great temptations. Cleanse - Purge himself from all filthiness of flesh and spirit.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
A young man cleanse his way - ארח orach, which we translate way here, signifies a track, a rut, such as is made by the wheel of a cart or chariot. A young sinner has no broad beaten path; he has his private ways of offense, his secret pollutions: and how shall he be cleansed from these? how can he be saved from what will destroy mind, body, and soul? Let him hear what follows; the description is from God. 1. He is to consider that his way is impure; and how abominable this must make him appear in the sight of God. 2. He must examine it according to God's word, and carefully hear what God has said concerning him and it. 3. He must take heed to it, לשמר lishmor, to keep guard, and preserve his way - his general course of life, from all defilement.

Top

¹⁸ Open [01540] thou mine eyes [05869], that I may behold [05027] wondrous things [06381] out of thy law [08451].

¹⁰ With my whole heart [03820] have I sought [01875] thee: O let me not wander [07686] from thy commandments [04687].

⁵ O that [0305] my ways [01870] were directed [03559] to keep [08104] thy statutes [02706]!

⁹ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man [05288] cleanse [02135] his way [0734]? by taking heed [08104] thereto according to thy word [01697].
¹⁰ With my whole heart [03820] have I sought [01875] thee: O let me not wander [07686] from thy commandments [04687].
¹¹ Thy word [0565] have I hid [06845] in mine heart [03820], that I might not sin [02398] against thee.
¹² Blessed [01288] art thou, O LORD [03068]: teach [03925] me thy statutes [02706].
¹³ With my lips [08193] have I declared [05608] all the judgments [04941] of thy mouth [06310].
¹⁴ I have rejoiced [07797] in the way [01870] of thy testimonies [05715], as much as in [05921] all riches [01952].
¹⁵ I will meditate [07878] in thy precepts [06490], and have respect [05027] unto thy ways [0734].
¹⁶ I will delight [08173] myself in thy statutes [02708]: I will not forget [07911] thy word [01697].

¹⁶ I will delight [08173] myself in thy statutes [02708]: I will not forget [07911] thy word [01697].

¹⁵ I will meditate [07878] in thy precepts [06490], and have respect [05027] unto thy ways [0734].

³ Wealth [01952] and riches [06239] shall be in his house [01004]: and his righteousness [06666] endureth [05975] for ever [05703].

¹³ Thou makest [07760] us a reproach [02781] to our neighbours [07934], a scorn [03933] and a derision [07047] to them that are round about [05439] us.

¹⁶² I rejoice [07797] at thy word [0565], as one that findeth [04672] great [07227] spoil [07998].

¹³⁸ Thy testimonies [05713] that thou hast commanded [06680] are righteous [06664] and very [03966] faithful [0530].

⁷ And thou shalt teach them diligently [08150] unto thy children [01121], and shalt talk [01696] of them when thou sittest [03427] in thine house [01004], and when thou walkest [03212] by the way [01870], and when thou liest down [07901], and when thou risest up [06965].

¹³ With my lips [08193] have I declared [05608] all the judgments [04941] of thy mouth [06310].

¹² Blessed [01288] art thou, O LORD [03068]: teach [03925] me thy statutes [02706].

¹² Neither have I gone back [04185] from the commandment [04687] of his lips [08193]; I have esteemed [06845] the words [0561] of his mouth [06310] more than my necessary [02706] food.

³¹ For who is God [0433] save [01107] the LORD [03068]? or who is a rock [06697] save [02108] our God [0430]?

¹⁸ And ye, in any wise [07535] keep [08104] yourselves from the accursed thing [02764], lest ye make yourselves accursed [02763], when ye take [03947] of the accursed thing [02764], and make [07760] the camp [04264] of Israel [03478] a curse [02764], and trouble [05916] it.

⁹ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man [05288] cleanse [02135] his way [0734]? by taking heed [08104] thereto according to thy word [01697].

⁹ Who can say [0559], I have made my heart [03820] clean [02135], I am pure [02891] from my sin [02403]?

¹³ Verily I have cleansed [02135] my heart [03824] in vain [07385], and washed [07364] my hands [03709] in innocency [05356].