The term "wherewithal" is an archaic English word that appears in the King James Version of the Bible and is often used to denote the means or resources necessary to accomplish something. In the context of Scripture, it is frequently associated with the provision, sustenance, or ability granted by God to fulfill His purposes or commands.

Biblical Usage:

1. Psalm 119:9 : "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word." In the King James Version, this verse begins with "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" The term "wherewithal" here refers to the means by which a young man can maintain purity and righteousness. The answer provided is through adherence to God's Word, emphasizing the sufficiency and necessity of Scripture in guiding moral and spiritual conduct.

2. Divine Provision: The concept of "wherewithal" can be extended to the broader biblical theme of God's provision. Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as the ultimate provider, supplying the needs of His people. For instance, in the wilderness, God provided manna for the Israelites (Exodus 16), demonstrating His ability to sustain them with the necessary resources.

3. Faith and Trust: The notion of "wherewithal" also underscores the importance of faith and trust in God's provision. In Matthew 6:31-33 , Jesus instructs His followers not to worry about their material needs, saying, "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Here, the "wherewithal" for daily living is promised to those who prioritize God's kingdom, highlighting the principle that God provides for those who trust in Him.

4. Spiritual Resources: Beyond physical needs, "wherewithal" can also refer to spiritual resources. Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the "armor of God," which equips believers with the necessary spiritual tools to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. This passage illustrates that God provides the spiritual wherewithal for believers to live victoriously in a fallen world.

Theological Implications:

The use of "wherewithal" in Scripture points to the sufficiency of God's provision in all aspects of life. It reflects a worldview that acknowledges human dependence on divine resources for both physical sustenance and spiritual growth. This dependence fosters a life of faith, obedience, and reliance on God's promises.

In summary, "wherewithal" in the biblical context emphasizes the means by which God equips His people to live according to His will, underscoring His role as the ultimate provider and sustainer.(adv. & n.) Wherewith.

Beth.
... St. Augustin on the Psalms. Beth. 9. "Wherewithal shall a young man correct his
way? ... For he might have said, wherewithal shall any one (homo) correct his way? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/beth.htm

Whether it is Praiseworthy to Enter Religion Without Taking ...
... with a man who has a mind to build a tower, says that he doth "first sit down and
reckon the charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is praiseworthy to.htm

A Cleansed Way
... VOLUME II: PSALMS LI to CXLV A CLEANSED WAY. 'Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse
his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy word.'"Psalm 119:9. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a cleansed way.htm

Thy Bidding, Holy Brother Aurelius, it was Meet that I Should ...
... Be not therefore solicitous, saying, What shall we eat, or what shall we drink,
or wherewithal shall we be clad? for all these things do the Gentiles seek. ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 1 thy bidding holy.htm

The Forgiveness of Sins.
... pay. The wages of sin is death, and as sinners we are like the servant,
we owe a vast debt, and we have not wherewithal to pay. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lvii the forgiveness of.htm

Augustine 354-430 -- the Recovery of Sight by the Blind
... Would He give thee wherewithal to see the sun which He made, and not give thee
wherewithal to see Him who made thee, when He made thee after His own image? ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/augustine 354-430 the recovery.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men ...
... Would He give thee wherewithal to see the sun which He made, and not give thee
wherewithal to see Him who made thee, when He made thee after His own image? ...
/.../sermon xxxviii on the words.htm

The Man who Knocked at Midnight
... eat? or what shall we drink? or wherewithal shall we be clothed? It is now
for the Holy Spirit, and for the Holy Spirit alone. Our ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xiv the man who knocked.htm

The General Service to a Prophet.
... prophets, through communion and grace, secondarily as a gift, become partakers of
those first qualities and indications of substance wherewithal God is depicted ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter vii the general service.htm

1 John ii. 17-Dec
... I have not wherewithal to live, have not wherewithal to eat, have not wherewithal
to drink. But what if thou canst not have these but by iniquity? ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily ii 1 john ii.htm

Wherewithal (2 Occurrences)
... (adv. & n.) Wherewith. Multi-Version Concordance Wherewithal (2 Occurrences). ... or,
What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (KJV ASV). ...
/w/wherewithal.htm - 7k

Whet (5 Occurrences)

/w/whet.htm - 8k

Thereto (26 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY). Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by
taking heed thereto according to thy word. (KJV JPS ASV). ...
/t/thereto.htm - 14k

Path (91 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Psalms 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his path?
by taking heed according to thy word. (DBY YLT). Psalms ...
/p/path.htm - 33k

Wherewith (182 Occurrences)

/w/wherewith.htm - 38k

Cleanse (75 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young
man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. ...
/c/cleanse.htm - 36k

Wherewithal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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