CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/22-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/20_Pro_22_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 22:6 - A Good Name" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/22-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/22-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm" title="Proverbs 22:5">◄</a> Proverbs 22:6 <a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm" title="Proverbs 22:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Train up a child according to his way, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Train a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not turn away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Train a child in the way appropriate for him, and when he becomes older, he will not turn from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Give instruction to a youth about his way, "" Even when he is old he does not turn from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Give instruction to a youth about his way, Even when he is old he turneth not from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Straiten to a youth upon the mouth of his way, also when he shall grow old he will not depart from it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />It is a proverb: A young man according to his way, even when he is old he will not depart from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The proverb is: A youth is close to his way; even when he is old, he will not withdraw from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that reproves a boy concerning the beginning of his way, even if he becomes old, he will not turn away from it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old, he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/22-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4417" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">A Good Name</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2596.htm" title="2596: ḥă·nōḵ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To train up, dedicate. A primitive root; properly, to narrow; figuratively, to initiate or discipline.">Train up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: lan·na·‘ar (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">a child</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: ḏar·kōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">the way</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî (N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">he should go,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/2204.htm" title="2204: yaz·qîn (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be or become old. A primitive root; to be old.">he is old</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: yā·sūr (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">depart</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from it.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a></span><br />These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-4.htm">Psalm 78:4-6</a></span><br />We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15</a></span><br />From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-13.htm">Isaiah 54:13</a></span><br />Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their prosperity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a></span><br />For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-5.htm">2 Timothy 1:5</a></span><br />I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9-10</a></span><br />Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. / The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-27.htm">1 Samuel 1:27-28</a></span><br />I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, / I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-14.htm">Matthew 19:14</a></span><br />But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/127-3.htm">Psalm 127:3-5</a></span><br />Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. / Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. / Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">1 Timothy 4:12</a></span><br />Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-26.htm">Exodus 12:26-27</a></span><br />When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ / you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-16.htm">Luke 18:16-17</a></span><br />But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. / Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.</p><p class="hdg">train up a child</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a></b></br> For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9</a></b></br> Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/6-7.htm">Deuteronomy 6:7</a></b></br> And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.</p><p class="hdg">the way</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-28.htm">1 Samuel 1:28</a></b></br> Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-26.htm">1 Samuel 2:26</a></b></br> And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/12-2.htm">1 Samuel 12:2,3</a></b></br> And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons <i>are</i> with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-15.htm">Right</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Tenor</a> <a href="/psalms/68-18.htm">Train</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Trained</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/genesis/43-7.htm">Tenor</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Train</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Trained</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-18.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-19.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">A good name is more desirable than great wealth</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/22.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Train up</b><br />The Hebrew word for "train up" is "חנך" (chanak), which means to dedicate or initiate. This term is often used in the context of dedicating a building or a temple, suggesting a formal and intentional beginning. In the context of child-rearing, it implies a deliberate and purposeful approach to guiding a child. The idea is not merely to instruct but to set a foundation, much like laying the cornerstone of a building. This foundation is crucial for the child's future development and spiritual growth.<p><b>a child</b><br />The word "child" here is "נַעַר" (na'ar) in Hebrew, which can refer to a young person from infancy to adolescence. This broad age range indicates that the training should begin early and continue through the formative years. The emphasis is on the importance of early education and moral instruction, recognizing that the impressions made during these years are lasting and significant.<p><b>in the way he should go</b><br />This phrase can be translated from the Hebrew "עַל־פִּי דַרְכּוֹ" (al-pi darko), which literally means "according to his way." This suggests a personalized approach to training, taking into account the individual child's personality, talents, and inclinations. It implies that parents and educators should discern the unique path God has for each child and guide them accordingly. This aligns with the biblical understanding that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made (<a href="/psalms/139-14.htm">Psalm 139:14</a>) and has a specific purpose in God's plan.<p><b>and when he is old</b><br />The phrase "when he is old" refers to maturity, not necessarily old age. The Hebrew word "זָקֵן" (zaqen) can mean advanced in years but also mature or grown. The promise here is that the training and values instilled in youth will endure into adulthood. This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where the seeds of righteousness planted early will yield a harvest of godliness later in life.<p><b>he will not depart from it</b><br />The assurance that "he will not depart from it" speaks to the enduring impact of early training. The Hebrew verb "סוּר" (sur) means to turn aside or deviate. The promise is that the child, having been trained in the right way, will remain steadfast in that path. This is not a guarantee of a life without challenges or deviations, but rather a general principle that the foundational truths and values imparted will anchor the individual throughout life's journey. It underscores the importance of a solid spiritual and moral foundation, which serves as a compass guiding one back to the right path even if they momentarily stray.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Train up a child in the way he should go.</span> The verb translated "train" (<span class="accented">chanak</span>) means, first, "to put something into the mouth," "to give to be tasted," as nurses give to infants food which they have masticated in order to prepare it for their nurslings; thence it comes to signify "to give elementary instruction," "to imbue," "to train." The Hebrew literally is, <span class="accented">Initiate a child in accordance with his way.</span> The Authorized Version, with which Ewald agrees, takes the maxim to mean that the child should be trained from the first in the right path - the path of obedience and religion. This is a very true and valuable rule, but it is not what the author intends. "His way" must mean one of two things - either his future calling and station, or his character and natural inclination and capacity. Delitzsch and Plumptre take the latter interpretation; Nowack and Bertheau the former, on the ground that <span class="accented">derek</span> is not used in the other sense suggested. But, as far as use is concerned, both explanations stand on much the same ground; and it seems more in conformity with the moralist's age and nation to see in the maxim an injunction to consider the child's nature, faculties, and temperament, in the education which is given to him. If, from his early years, a child is thus trained, <span class="cmt_word">when he is old, he will not depart from it.</span> This way, this education in accordance with his idiosyncrasy, will bear fruit all his life long; it will become a second nature, and will never be obliterated. The Vulgate commences the verse with <span class="accented">Proverbium est</span>, taking the first word substantively, as if the author here cited a trite saying; but the rendering is a mistake. There are similar maxims, common at all times and in all countries. Virg., 'Georg.,' 2:272 - <p><span class="foreign">"Adeo in teneris consuescere multum est."</span> Horace, 'Epist.,' 1:2, 67 - <p><span class="foreign">"Nunc adbibe puro<br />Pectore verba, puer."</span> For, as he proceeds - <p><span class="foreign">"Quo semel est imbuta recens, servabit odorem<br />Testa diu."</span> Thus we have two mediaeval jingles - . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/22-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Train up</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲנֹ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·nōḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">To narrow, to initiate, discipline</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a child</span><br /><span class="heb">לַ֭נַּעַר</span> <span class="translit">(lan·na·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the way</span><br /><span class="heb">דַרְכּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḏar·kōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he should go,</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(gam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he is old</span><br /><span class="heb">יַ֝זְקִ֗ין</span> <span class="translit">(yaz·qîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2204.htm">Strong's 2204: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">depart</span><br /><span class="heb">יָס֥וּר</span> <span class="translit">(yā·sūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from it.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּֽנָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 22:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 22:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>