Proverbs 22:6
New International Version
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

New Living Translation
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

English Standard Version
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Berean Standard Bible
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

King James Bible
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

New King James Version
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

New American Standard Bible
Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.

NASB 1995
Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

NASB 1977
Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Legacy Standard Bible
Train up a child according to his way, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Amplified Bible
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.

Christian Standard Bible
Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

American Standard Version
Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Contemporary English Version
Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right.

English Revised Version
Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Train a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not turn away from it.

Good News Translation
Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.

International Standard Version
Train a child in the way appropriate for him, and when he becomes older, he will not turn from it.

Majority Standard Bible
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

NET Bible
Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

New Heart English Bible
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Webster's Bible Translation
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

World English Bible
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Give instruction to a youth about his way, "" Even when he is old he does not turn from it.

Young's Literal Translation
Give instruction to a youth about his way, Even when he is old he turneth not from it.

Smith's Literal Translation
Straiten to a youth upon the mouth of his way, also when he shall grow old he will not depart from it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
It is a proverb: A young man according to his way, even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The proverb is: A youth is close to his way; even when he is old, he will not withdraw from it.

New American Bible
Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.

New Revised Standard Version
Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He that reproves a boy concerning the beginning of his way, even if he becomes old, he will not turn away from it.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Good Name
5Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them. 6Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
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.

Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Psalm 78:4-6
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

2 Timothy 3:15
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 54:13
Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their prosperity.

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

Genesis 18:19
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.”

2 Timothy 1:5
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.

Deuteronomy 4:9-10
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.”

1 Samuel 1:27-28
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.

Matthew 19:14
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.”

Psalm 127:3-5
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.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Exodus 12:26-27
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.

Luke 18:16-17
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.”


Treasury of Scripture

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

train up a child

Genesis 18:19
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.

Deuteronomy 4:9
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;

Deuteronomy 6:7
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.

the way

1 Samuel 1:28
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.

1 Samuel 2:26
And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

1 Samuel 12:2,3
And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day…

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Proverbs 22
1. A good name is more desirable than great wealth














Train up a child
The phrase "train up" implies a deliberate and intentional process of teaching and guiding. In ancient Hebrew culture, education was primarily the responsibility of the family, particularly the parents. The Hebrew word used here, "chanak," can also mean to dedicate or initiate, suggesting a formal commitment to the child's moral and spiritual development. This aligns with Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where parents are instructed to diligently teach God's commandments to their children.

in the way he should go
This phrase suggests a path or direction that is appropriate for the child. It implies understanding the child's unique personality, gifts, and calling. The "way" can also be interpreted as the path of righteousness and wisdom, as outlined throughout the book of Proverbs. This aligns with the biblical principle of living according to God's commandments and wisdom, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where God's word is described as a lamp to one's feet and a light to one's path.

and when he is old
The phrase "when he is old" indicates the long-term impact of early training. In biblical times, the concept of age was often associated with maturity and wisdom. The expectation is that the foundational teachings imparted during childhood will endure into adulthood. This reflects the biblical understanding of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, where the seeds sown in youth bear fruit in later life.

he will not depart from it
This promise suggests a lasting adherence to the teachings and values instilled during childhood. It reflects the belief in the enduring power of godly instruction and the work of the Holy Spirit in maintaining one's path. While this is a general principle rather than an absolute guarantee, it underscores the importance of early spiritual and moral education. This concept is echoed in 2 Timothy 3:14-15, where Timothy is reminded of the sacred writings he has known since childhood, which are able to make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are reflected in the Proverbs.

2. Children
The primary focus of this verse is on children, emphasizing the importance of their upbringing and moral education.

3. Parents/Guardians
Those responsible for the training and guidance of children, tasked with instilling values and principles that align with God's teachings.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where family and community played a central role in the upbringing of children.

5. The Path of Righteousness
Symbolic of the moral and spiritual direction that children are encouraged to follow, rooted in the teachings of the Lord.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Early Training
Early childhood is a critical period for instilling values and principles. The habits and beliefs formed during this time often last a lifetime.

Consistency in Teaching
Consistent teaching and modeling of godly behavior by parents and guardians are crucial. Children learn not only through instruction but also by observing the actions of adults.

Tailoring the Approach
The Hebrew word for "train" (chanak) implies dedication and initiation. Training should be tailored to the individual child's personality and needs, guiding them in their unique path.

Long-term Perspective
The promise of this proverb is not immediate but long-term. Parents are encouraged to trust that their efforts will bear fruit in due time, even if not immediately visible.

Reliance on God's Wisdom
Parents should seek God's wisdom and guidance in raising their children, recognizing that true wisdom comes from Him.Verse 6. - Train up a child in the way he should go. The verb translated "train" (chanak) 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, Initiate a child in accordance with his way. 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 derek 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, when he is old, he will not depart from it. 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 Proverbium est, 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 -

"Adeo in teneris consuescere multum est." Horace, 'Epist.,' 1:2, 67 -

"Nunc adbibe puro
Pectore verba, puer."
For, as he proceeds -

"Quo semel est imbuta recens, servabit odorem
Testa diu."
Thus we have two mediaeval jingles - . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Train up
חֲנֹ֣ךְ (ḥă·nōḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2596: To narrow, to initiate, discipline

a child
לַ֭נַּעַר (lan·na·‘ar)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

in
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the way
דַרְכּ֑וֹ (ḏar·kōw)
Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

he should go,
פִּ֣י (pî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

and
גַּ֥ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

when
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he is old
יַ֝זְקִ֗ין (yaz·qîn)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2204: To be or become old

he will not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

depart
יָס֥וּר (yā·sūr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

from it.
מִמֶּֽנָּה׃ (mim·men·nāh)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 22:5
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