Psalm 119:9

ESV How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.

NIV How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

NASB How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.

CSB How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping your word.

NLT How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.

KJV BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

NKJV How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

What does Psalm 119:9 mean?

Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 119; verse-level content coming soon!

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Psalm 119:9–16 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter beth. This passage emphasizes how knowledge of Scripture helps a person maintain a pure, moral life. The psalmist commits himself to applying God's Word to life. This requires memorizing and careful study. These ideas parallel 1 Timothy 4:13–16, Joshua 1:7–8, and Proverbs 1:4–5.

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Chapter Summary
This song is composed of twenty-two stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each line in the stanza is an individual verse and each begins with the corresponding letter. The psalmist emphasizes study of God's Word in a variety of circumstances, including persecution, sadness, and rescue. Benefits of taking in the Word include a moral life, joy, wisdom, hope, peace, strength, and freedom. Those who interact with the Word of the Lord should respond with delight, careful study, and obedience.

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