Proverbs 20:9
Proverbs 20:9 in Multiple Translations
Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Who is able to say, I have made my heart clean, I am free from my sin?
Who can claim, “I've made sure my conscience is clean; I've purified myself from sin”?
Who can say, I haue made mine heart cleane, I am cleane from my sinne?
Who saith, 'I have purified my heart, I have been cleansed from my sin?'
Who can say, “I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin”?
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Who can say: My heart is clean, I am pure from sin?
There is no one [RHQ] who can truthfully say, “I do not know of any wrong things that I have done; I have ◄gotten rid of all my sinful behavior/quit doing what is sinful►.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 20:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִֽי
יֹ֭אמַר
זִכִּ֣יתִי
לִבִּ֑/י
טָ֝הַ֗רְתִּי
מֵ/חַטָּאתִֽ/י
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יֹ֭אמַר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
זִכִּ֣יתִי
zâkâh
H2135
to clean
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
לִבִּ֑/י
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
טָ֝הַ֗רְתִּי
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מֵ/חַטָּאתִֽ/י
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:9
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יֹ֭אמַר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
זִכִּ֣יתִי
zâkâh
H2135
"to clean"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
This verb means to make something clean, like washing away sins. In the Bible, it's used to describe God's people being purified and made righteous. It appears in Leviticus and Ezekiel, emphasizing God's desire for cleanliness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure, be clear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean, be pure 1a2) to be clear, be justified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make clean, make pure, keep clean, keep pure 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to cleanse 1c2) to make yourself clean, purify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be (make) clean, cleanse, be clear, count pure. See also: Job 15:14; Psalms 119:9; Psalms 51:6.
לִבִּ֑/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
טָ֝הַ֗רְתִּי
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
מֵ/חַטָּאתִֽ/י
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:9
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
7The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.
8A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.
9Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?
10Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD. 11Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 7:20 | Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. |
| 2 | 1 John 1:8–10 | If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 8:46 | When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to his own land, whether far or near, |
| 4 | Job 14:4 | Who can bring out clean from unclean? No one! |
| 5 | Job 15:14 | What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous? |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 4:4 | My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. |
| 7 | James 3:2 | We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. |
| 8 | Job 25:4 | How then can a man be just before God? How can one born of woman be pure? |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 6:36 | When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to a land far or near, |
| 10 | Psalms 51:5 | Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. |
Proverbs 20:9 Summary
This verse asks a question that makes us think about our own hearts and whether we can truly say we are free from sin. The Bible tells us that all of us have sinned (Romans 3:23), so it's unlikely that anyone can claim to have a completely pure heart. To be cleansed from our sin, we need to turn to God and ask for forgiveness, as we see in Acts 3:19. By acknowledging our sin and seeking God's forgiveness, we can begin to live with a pure heart, as God intends for us (Psalm 51:10).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a pure heart in Proverbs 20:9?
Having a pure heart means being free from sin and its effects, as seen in Psalm 51:10, where David asks God to create in him a clean heart.
Can anyone truly say they have kept their heart pure?
According to Proverbs 20:9, it is unlikely that anyone can claim to have kept their heart completely pure, as Romans 3:23 reminds us that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.
How can we be cleansed from our sin?
We can be cleansed from our sin through faith in Jesus Christ, as stated in Acts 3:19, where Peter tells us to repent and turn to God so that our sins may be wiped out.
What is the significance of this verse in relation to our self-reflection?
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own hearts and acknowledge our sin, rather than claiming to be sinless, as seen in 1 John 1:8, which warns us that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be deceiving myself about my own sinfulness?
- How can I cultivate a humble and honest heart, acknowledging my sin and seeking God's forgiveness?
- What are some practical ways I can 'keep my heart pure' in my daily life, according to God's standards?
- How does this verse relate to my relationships with others, and how can I apply its message to my interactions with them?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:9
Who can say, I have made my heart clean,.... The heart of than is naturally unclean, the mind, conscience, understanding, will, and affections; there is no part clean, all are defiled with sin; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:9
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Who can say (with truth), I have made my heart clean. Nay, we ought to say, "Create in me a clean heart, O God" (Psalms 51:10.) I am pure from my sin?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:9
Who can say? no man living upon earth can say this truly and sincerely. Compare 15:14 . I am pure from my sin; I am perfectly free from all guilt and filth of sin in my heart and life.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:9
Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?Ver. 9. Who can say, I have made my heart clean?] That can I, saith the proud Pharisee and the Popish justiciary. Non habeo, Domine, quod mihi ignoscas: I have nothing, Lord, for thee to pardon, saith Isidore the monk. When St Paul, that had been in the third, heaven, complains of his inward impurities, and though he should have known no evil by himself, yet durst he not look to be thereby justified. And holy Job could say, "If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; yet God would plunge me in the ditch, so that my own clothes should abhor me." And "If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities," saith David, "who should stand before thee?"
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:9
(9) Who can say, I have made my heart clean?—Though we may have done our best by self-examination and confession, and repentance and trust in the atoning blood of Christ to obtain remission of sin, still the heart is so deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), sins may so easily have escaped our notice (Psalms 19:12, 1 Corinthians 4:4), that satisfaction with ourselves ought never to be allowed (Romans 11:20).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:9
Verse 9. Who can say, I have made my heart clean] No man. But thousands can testify that the blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed them from all unrighteousness. And he is pure from his sin, who is justified freely through the redemption that is in Jesus.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:9
9. Comp. Psalms 19:12; Jeremiah 2:22; Luke 18:9-14.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:9
A warning voice against the spirit, which, ignorant of its own guilt, is forward to condemn others.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:9
9. Made my heart clean — Morally pure. This is an expression of human consciousness in respect to the impurity and imperfection of man.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Basics) 5. the Function of Conscience by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of conscience as God's greatest gift to humanity. He explains that conscience serves as a warning signal, much like pain in ou |
|
Sin Immeasurable by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the sinful nature of humanity and the extent of our guilt. He uses the analogy of a heated bar of iron being struck by hammers, with the spa |
|
Our Sins Infinite in Number and Enormity by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the infinite wickedness and iniquities of humanity, emphasizing that every individual, regardless of outward appearances, is guilty of numerous sins in |
|
Exposition on Psalm 149 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the importance of praising the Lord in voice, understanding, and good works, emphasizing the need to sing a new song unto Him. He contrasts the old son |
|
Inbred Sin by Samuel Alexander Danford | Samuel Alexander Danford preaches about the sinful nature of man inherited from Adam, emphasizing the impossibility of producing purity from impurity and the continuous evil in man |
|
1 Corinthians 3:1-3 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches to the Corinthians about the dangers of being carnal and not spiritual, highlighting the need to grow in faith and knowledge of God's wisdom. He emphasizes |
|
Gospel Meetings-Shannon Hills 03 by Worth Ellis | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the difficulty of getting people to recognize their need for salvation. He shares a personal story of a young girl who attended a series of |