Proverbs 16:9 (KJV) with Hebrew, Strong’s Concordance, and Deeper Insight
Proverbs 16:9 (KJV):
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.”
Hebrew Text with Strong’s Concordance Numbers:
לֵ֣ב (H3820) אָדָ֣ם (H120) יַחְשֹׁ֣ב (H2803) דַּרְכּ֑וֹ (H1870) וַ֝יהוָ֗ה (H3068) יָכִ֥ין (H3559) צַעֲדֽוֹ׃ (H6806)
Transliteration with Strong’s Concordance Numbers:
“Lev-H3820 adam-H120 yachshov-H2803 darko-H1870; va’Yahweh-H3068 yachin-H3559 tza’ado-H6806.”
Key Hebrew Words and Their Meanings:
- לֵ֣ב (Lev – H3820) → Heart, mind, inner self
- אָדָ֣ם (Adam – H120) → Man, mankind, human
- יַחְשֹׁ֣ב (Yachshov – H2803) → Plans, thinks, considers
- דַּרְכּ֑וֹ (Darko – H1870) → His way, path, journey
- וַיהוָ֗ה (Va’Yahweh – H3068) → But the Lord (God’s name)
- יָכִ֥ין (Yachin – H3559) → Directs, establishes, makes firm
- צַעֲדֽוֹ (Tza’ado – H6806) → Steps, movements, actions
Deeper Insight & Meaning:
This verse contrasts human plans with God’s sovereignty:
- “A man’s heart deviseth his way”
- People plan their lives, set goals, and make decisions according to their own wisdom.
- However, human knowledge and foresight are limited and subject to change.
- “But the Lord directeth his steps”
- Even though we make plans, God ultimately determines the outcome.
- He guides, redirects, and establishes our steps according to His divine purpose.
Practical Application:
✅ Trust God’s Guidance – We should plan wisely, but always submit to God’s will.
✅ Be Open to Divine Redirection – Sometimes, our plans change unexpectedly because God is leading us to something better.
✅ Walk in Faith – Even when we don’t see the full picture, we can trust that God is guiding each step.
Cross-Reference Verses:
📖 Jeremiah 10:23 (KJV): “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
📖 Psalm 37:23 (KJV): “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”
Conclusion:
Proverbs 16:9 teaches that while we make plans, God has the final say in our lives. He lovingly directs our steps to align with His perfect will. This verse encourages us to plan responsibly but trust fully in God’s guidance.
