Psalms 147:3

KJV

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

KJV (with Strong's)

He healeth {H7495} the broken {H7665} in heart {H3820}, and bindeth up {H2280} their wounds {H6094}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Berean Standard Bible

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

American Standard Version

He healeth the broken in heart, And bindeth up their wounds.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 147:3 profoundly reveals God's tender character, portraying Him not merely as a distant sovereign but as an intimately compassionate Healer. This verse offers immense comfort, assuring those in deep emotional distress that the Lord actively attends to their deepest pains, mending fragmented spirits and restoring inner wholeness with divine care. It underscores His unwavering commitment to the well-being of His people, providing solace and hope in the midst of profound suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise, likely composed for a celebratory occasion, possibly the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the return of exiles (as suggested by verses like [Psalms 147:2](/psalms/147-2 "Psalms 147:2 - The Lord Builds Up Jerusalem") and [Psalms 147:13](/psalms/147-13 "Psalms 147:13 - He Strengthens Your Bars")). It seamlessly interweaves themes of God's majestic power over the cosmos (e.g., numbering stars, [Psalms 147:4](/psalms/147-4 "Psalms 147:4 - He Counts the Stars"); controlling weather, [Psalms 147:8](/psalms/147-8 "Psalms 147:8 - He Covers the Heavens with Clouds")) with His meticulous, compassionate care for the vulnerable and afflicted among His people. Verse 3 stands as a pivotal statement within this psalm, bridging the cosmic grandeur of God with His personal, intimate involvement in human suffering, emphasizing that His greatness is matched by His gentleness towards the brokenhearted.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 147 is often understood to be the post-exilic period, following the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. This era was marked by significant physical rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple, but also by profound emotional and spiritual trauma. Generations had lived in exile, experiencing loss, displacement, and the shattering of national identity. The "broken in heart" and "wounds" in the verse would have resonated deeply with a people grappling with collective grief, despair, and the psychological scars of their experience. Culturally, healing was often sought from physicians or through religious rituals; however, this verse points to God as the ultimate, sovereign Healer, whose power transcends human limitations and addresses the deepest, unseen wounds of the soul.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 147:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Compassion and Immanence**, showcasing God's active engagement with human suffering, contrasting with pagan deities often perceived as detached. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **God as the Ultimate Healer and Restorer**, not just of physical ailments but, crucially, of emotional and spiritual brokenness, a theme echoed in prophetic promises of restoration for Israel found in passages like [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord Anointed Me"). Thirdly, it speaks to **God's Personal Attentiveness**, demonstrating that despite His cosmic power, His care is deeply individual, extending to the innermost pain of a single "heart." This personal care is a hallmark of God's covenant relationship with His people, as seen throughout the [Book of Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Praise and Lament").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Healeth (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** From H7495, this primitive root means "to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure." While it can apply to physical restoration, in this context, it clearly signifies a profound psychological and spiritual mending. It implies a comprehensive process of making whole, addressing not just symptoms but the root of the brokenness, much like a skilled physician stitches a wound to restore integrity.
* **Broken (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** From H7665, this primitive root means "to burst (literally or figuratively); break (down, off, in pieces, up)." When applied to the "heart," it vividly describes a state of profound fragmentation, despair, or crushing grief. It's not mere sadness but a deep shattering of one's inner being, a sense of being utterly crushed and undone by sorrow or trauma.
* **Bindeth up (Hebrew, _châbash'_):** From H2280, this primitive root means "to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule." In the context of wounds, it evokes the tender, careful act of bandaging or dressing a severe injury. This imagery suggests that God's healing is not a sudden, magical eradication of pain but a compassionate, often gradual, process of attentive care, comfort, and restoration, akin to a skilled nurse diligently attending to a patient.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He healeth the broken in heart":** This clause establishes God as the active agent of healing. The "broken in heart" refers to those experiencing profound emotional distress, grief, despair, or psychological trauma. It emphasizes that God's healing extends beyond physical ailments to the deepest, most vulnerable parts of human experience—the inner self, the seat of emotions, will, and intellect. His healing here is not merely comforting but actively mending what has been shattered.
* **"and bindeth up their wounds":** This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and elaborating on the first. The "wounds" (Hebrew, _ʻatstsebeth'_ from H6094, meaning "pain or wound; sorrow") are the specific manifestations of the "broken heart." The act of "binding up" suggests a meticulous, tender, and protective care, like a physician carefully dressing a wound. It implies a process of enclosing, securing, and comforting the injured part, leading to restoration and protection from further harm. This imagery underscores God's personal involvement and gentle touch in the healing process.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 147:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident through the synonymous relationship between the two clauses: "He healeth the broken in heart" and "and bindeth up their wounds." Both phrases convey the same core idea of divine restoration for emotional suffering, reinforcing the message through repetition and slightly varied imagery. The verse also utilizes a vivid **Metaphor**, portraying God as a divine physician or healer. The actions of "healing" and "binding up wounds" are typically associated with medical care, thereby casting God in the role of one who meticulously attends to the deepest spiritual and emotional injuries. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (healing, binding) to God, making His care relatable and tangible. This personification emphasizes God's active, compassionate intervention in human suffering, rather than a passive observation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 147:3 stands as a profound declaration of God's character, revealing His compassionate nature and His active involvement in the deepest human suffering. It asserts that divine power is not only manifested in cosmic creation and control but also in the tender, personal work of mending broken spirits. This verse establishes a foundational truth: God is intimately concerned with the emotional and spiritual well-being of His people, offering solace and restoration where human remedies fall short. It underscores His role as the ultimate source of comfort and wholeness, particularly for those who feel shattered by life's trials.

* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord Anointed Me")
* [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted")
* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 147:3 offers profound encouragement and a vital spiritual truth for all who navigate the complexities of human suffering. It assures us that in moments of deep emotional pain, grief, despair, or spiritual fragmentation, we are not alone, nor are our wounds too profound for divine intervention. God, the Creator of the cosmos, is simultaneously the tender Physician of the soul, intimately aware of our inner turmoil and actively engaged in our healing. This verse invites us to release our burdens and heartaches into His capable hands, trusting that His compassion is boundless and His power to restore is absolute. It reminds us that healing, though often a process, is a divine promise, rooted in God's character as one who meticulously cares for His beloved children, bringing wholeness where there was brokenness and comfort where there was sorrow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the imagery of God "healing the broken in heart" and "binding up their wounds" reveal about His character that is particularly comforting to you?**
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "broken in heart" or carry unseen "wounds" that you need to bring before the Lord for healing?**
* **How does understanding God as the ultimate Healer influence your approach to personal suffering and the suffering of others?**

### FAQ
**Does "broken in heart" only refer to emotional pain, or does it include other forms of suffering?**

Answer: While "broken in heart" primarily refers to deep emotional distress, grief, and despair, its scope is broad enough to encompass any profound inner suffering that shatters one's sense of well-being or wholeness. This can include spiritual brokenness due to sin or disillusionment, psychological trauma from abuse or loss, or even the deep weariness that comes from prolonged struggle. The Hebrew word for "heart" (lêb) often refers to the entire inner person—intellect, will, and emotions—suggesting a holistic brokenness that God seeks to mend. The imagery of "wounds" further reinforces this comprehensive understanding of suffering.

**How does God "heal" and "bind up wounds" in a practical sense? Is it always an immediate miracle?**

Answer: God's healing is multifaceted and not always instantaneous. While miraculous, immediate healing can occur, more often His work of mending the brokenhearted is a process that involves various means. This can include providing comfort through His Holy Spirit, guiding us to wise counselors or supportive communities, bringing understanding and perspective through His Word (the Bible), and working through the passage of time. The imagery of "binding up" suggests a careful, deliberate, and often gradual process, much like a physical wound needs time and consistent care to heal. It implies a compassionate presence and active intervention, rather than a passive waiting for pain to disappear. God's healing often involves our cooperation in seeking Him, lamenting, and trusting in His restorative power, as seen in the call to "cast your burden on the Lord" in [Psalm 55:22](/psalms/55-22 "Psalm 55:22 - Cast Your Burden on the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 147:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's compassionate heart, sent specifically to minister to the broken and wounded. As prophesied in [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord Anointed Me"), a passage Jesus Himself quoted in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement"), He came "to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners." Jesus' earthly ministry was characterized by His tender care for the marginalized, the grieving, and the afflicted. He not only healed physical ailments but consistently addressed the deeper emotional and spiritual wounds of those He encountered, offering forgiveness, peace, and hope. His own suffering on the cross, where "by His wounds we are healed" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")), demonstrates His perfect empathy as our great High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ provides the ultimate healing for the brokenness of sin and its consequences, offering eternal life and the promise of a future where God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Thus, the Psalmist's declaration is a prophetic glimpse of the compassionate, healing work fully realized in Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and binds up the wounds of humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.