Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Hebrew word for "train" literally means to initiate or dedicate, suggesting that raising a child isn't just about teaching rules, but about setting them apart and consecrating them to a righteous path. This instruction isn't meant to be rigidly one-size-fits-all; rather, it should be adapted "according to his way," acknowledging and working with the child's unique disposition and character.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is nestled within a collection of wisdom sayings that offer practical advice for living a righteous and successful life, often contrasted with the folly of the wicked. It’s part of a broader section that emphasizes the importance of instruction and the value of godly character, appearing just before a series of warnings against foolishness and the consequences of immoral behavior. The promise that a child trained in the right way won't depart from it serves as a powerful motivation for parents to diligently instill virtues from the earliest age.
The Hebrew word for 'train up' is rich with meaning, suggesting more than just instruction.
The Hebrew word used here, 'chanak,' carries a fascinating nuance. It literally relates to putting something in the mouth, like a mother preparing food for a baby. This imagery points to an intimate, foundational form of education – not just telling someone what to do, but subtly initiating them into a way of life.
Think of it as a gentle, persistent seasoning of the mind and heart from the very beginning. It’s about carefully preparing a child to receive and internalize the values and practices that will shape their future.
Is 'the way he should go' a one-size-fits-all path, or something more personal?
The phrase 'the way he should go' is often translated from a Hebrew that literally means 'according to his way.' This isn't about indulging a child's every whim, but about understanding their unique makeup – their capacities, temperament, and natural inclinations.
Effective training involves discerning the individual child and guiding them on a path that aligns with their God-given potential, while still steering them toward righteousness. It's about adapting the timeless principles of godly living to the specific journey of each person.
Ask a follow-up
Why does Solomon link early training to lifelong faithfulness?
The promise that 'when he is old he will not depart from it' isn't a guarantee against all failure, but a powerful statement about the profound impact of early, consistent training.
The scholars note that impressions made in childhood 'will remain,' becoming 'a second nature.' This highlights how deeply ingrained habits and values formed in youth establish a trajectory for life. It’s like filling a new clay pot – the initial shape and scent are incredibly difficult to erase.
This principle doesn't remove personal responsibility for continued growth, but it underscores the immense value of laying a strong, righteous foundation early on. The wisdom here is that consistent, guided practice in 'the way' creates deeply rooted patterns that are unlikely to be abandoned.
Understand the original words
chanak · Hebrew Verb
To dedicate, initiate, or discipline; often used in the context of training for a specific life purpose or moral path.
derek · Hebrew Noun
A term for the path, course, or manner of life one chooses or follows; in a moral sense, it refers to a lifestyle consistent with God's wisdom.
This passage echoes the spirit of Proverbs 22:6 by emphasizing the continuous and intentional instruction of children in God's ways, integrating it into the very fabric of daily life.
Ephesians 6:4This New Testament instruction directly parallels Proverbs 22:6, commanding parents to bring their children up in the training and instruction of the Lord, highlighting the spiritual dimension of child-rearing.
Jeremiah 31:33This verse speaks of God's new covenant, where His law will be written on the hearts of His people, a promise that underpins the hope in Proverbs 22:6 that early instruction can lead to lasting inner transformation.
Luke 1:15The description of John the Baptist being 'filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth' illustrates the profound impact of dedicated upbringing, suggesting that early dedication and training can indeed shape a life for God's purposes.
bensonProverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6 . Train up — Hebrew, חנךְ , initiate, or instruct; a child in the way he should go — Or, according to his way, that is, in that course or manner of life which thou wouldest have him to choose and follow. Or, as some render the clause, in the beginning of his way, that is, in his tender years, as soon as he is capable of receiving instruction, the Hebrew על פי דרכו , signifyin…
clarkeProverbs 22:6: "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 in the way he should go - The Hebrew of this clause is curious: חנך לנער על פי דרכו chanoch lannaar al pi darco, "Initiate the child at the opening (the mouth) of his path." When he comes to the opening of the way of life, being able to walk alone, and to choose; stop at this entrance, and begin a series of instructions, how he is to conduct himself in every step he takes…
The Hebrew word for "train" literally means to initiate or dedicate, suggesting that raising a child isn't just about teaching rules, but about setting them apart and consecrating them to a righteous path. This instruction isn't meant to be rigidly one-size-fits-all; rather, it should be adapted "according to his way," acknowledging and working with the child's unique disposition and character.
This proverb is nestled within a collection of wisdom sayings that offer practical advice for living a righteous and successful life, often contrasted with the folly of the wicked. It’s part of a broader section that emphasizes the importance of instruction and the value of godly character, appearing just before a series of warnings against foolishness and the consequences of immoral behavior. The promise that a child trained in the right way won't depart from it serves as a powerful motivation for parents to diligently instill virtues from the earliest age.
This proverb is nestled within a collection of wisdom sayings that offer practical advice for living a righteous and successful life, often contrasted with the folly of the wicked. It’s part of a broader section that emphasizes the importance of instruction and the value of godly character, appearing just before a series of warnings against foolishness and the consequences of immoral behavior. The promise that a child trained in the right way won't depart from it serves as a powerful motivation for parents to diligently instill virtues from the earliest age.
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." — The Hebrew word for "train" literally means to initiate or dedicate, suggesting that raising a child isn't just about teaching rules, but about setting them apart and consecrating them to a righteous…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026