Psalm 34 18

Psalm 34:18 kjv

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 34:18 nkjv

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Psalm 34:18 niv

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18 esv

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18 nlt

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Psalm 34 verses

Psalm 34 18 Meaning

Psalm 34:18 declares God's intimate presence and active salvation for those in deep spiritual and emotional distress. It conveys that the Most High draws especially near to individuals whose hearts are shattered by sorrow, grief, or remorse, and whose spirits are utterly dejected or bruised by suffering, offering them deliverance and rescue.

Psalm 34 18 Context

Psalm 34 is an acrostic psalm attributed to David in its superscription, stating it was composed "when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away" (referring to 1 Sam 21:10-15, where King Achish of Gath is called Abimelech). This was a period of extreme personal danger and vulnerability for David, having fled from Saul and then sought refuge among his enemies. After feigning madness to escape, David expressed his thanksgiving and praise for God's miraculous deliverance. The psalm encourages trust in God, highlighting His active care for the righteous and those who seek Him. Verse 18 is a core theological statement within this narrative of divine deliverance, assuring that God's presence is specifically and profoundly felt by the humble and afflicted, contrasting with the suffering of the wicked mentioned elsewhere in the psalm.

Psalm 34 18 Word analysis

• The Lord (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated "LORD" (in small capitals). It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithful, active presence in the lives of His people. Its use here underscores that it is the ultimate, faithful, and omnipotent God who acts in this way.

• is near (קָרוֹב, qarov): More than spatial proximity, this word implies an active, saving, and sympathetic presence. It denotes accessibility, responsiveness, and intimacy, indicating that God is not distant or indifferent but profoundly engaged with the distressed.

• to the brokenhearted (לְנִשְׁבְּרֵי-לֵב, l'nishberey-lev):

  • Brokenhearted (נִשְׁבְּרֵי-לֵב, nishberey-lev): "Nishberey" comes from the verb shavar (שָׁבַר), meaning "to break, shatter, demolish." "Lev" (לֵב) refers to the heart, but in Hebrew thought, it encompasses the entire inner being – mind, will, emotions, and moral consciousness. So, "brokenhearted" refers to those whose inner core is shattered by suffering, grief, repentance, or deep distress. It implies a complete collapse of self-reliance, a state of deep humility and utter dependence.

• and saves (וּמוֹשִׁיעַ, u'moshia): From the verb yasha (יָשַׁע), meaning "to deliver, rescue, bring salvation, help." It signifies a concrete act of deliverance from danger, oppression, or distress. It’s not just sympathy, but effective intervention and liberation.

• the crushed in spirit (וְאֶת-דַּכְאֵי-רוּחַ, v'et-dakh'ey-ruakh):

  • Crushed (דַּכְאֵי, dakh'ey): From the verb daka (דָּכָא), meaning "to crush, bruise, oppress, subdue." It conveys a state of being utterly deflated, despondent, deeply afflicted, or even ground down.
  • Spirit (רוּחַ, ruakh): Refers to the innermost part of a person, their animating life force, disposition, or mind. "Crushed in spirit" means those whose inner being or disposition has been severely afflicted, bruised, or oppressed to the point of dejection or despondency, often lacking all hope and strength.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "The Lord is near to...": Emphasizes God's active accessibility and responsiveness, not merely his omnipresence. It is a promise of intimate engagement with human suffering.
  • "brokenhearted and...crushed in spirit": These two parallel phrases describe the same deep spiritual and emotional anguish, often marked by a sense of humility and absolute need. They speak of an internal condition where human strength or hope has collapsed, paving the way for divine intervention. Such a state often correlates with repentance, recognizing one's dependence on God, rather than defiance or pride.

Psalm 34 18 Bonus section

The concept of a "broken and contrite heart" is a recurring theme in the Psalms and Prophetic books, notably in Psalm 51:17 and Isaiah 57:15, consistently presented as the kind of "sacrifice" that God truly desires and with which He chooses to dwell. This challenges any superficial understanding of religious duty, emphasizing a true inner state of humility and dependency. The Psalm, born out of David's own intense period of fear and vulnerability (feigning madness to escape danger), provides a deeply personal testimony to this truth. It suggests that difficult circumstances can be crucibles where genuine spiritual brokenness is forged, leading to a deeper, more profound relationship with the Lord and a truer experience of His deliverance.

Psalm 34 18 Commentary

Psalm 34:18 is a profound declaration of God's character and His preferential attention. It asserts that God is not aloof but intimately involved with those in the deepest states of distress. The "brokenhearted" and "crushed in spirit" are not necessarily physically harmed, but are those experiencing severe emotional, mental, or spiritual suffering, often arising from sin, loss, oppression, or profound grief. This condition implies a stripping away of self-sufficiency, pride, and human coping mechanisms, leading to a posture of humility and desperate reliance on God.

Contrary to ancient Near Eastern beliefs where suffering was often seen as a sign of divine abandonment or curse, this verse reveals a compassionate God who draws near precisely when one is most vulnerable and outwardly defeated. His nearness is not passive; He "saves" – He actively intervenes to deliver, heal, and restore. This saving action implies physical rescue, emotional healing, and spiritual restoration. This truth underpins the very heart of the Gospel, where Jesus Christ, as the embodiment of God, ministered most profoundly to the sick, the outcast, the poor in spirit, and the repentant. The pathway to God's deepest help often begins with the honest acknowledgment of one's brokenness.

• Examples:
  • A person deeply sorrowful over the loss of a loved one, finding God's comfort.
  • Someone burdened by guilt from past sins, whose spirit is crushed by repentance, experiencing forgiveness and peace.
  • An individual feeling overwhelmed by chronic illness or depression, finding God's strength and hope.