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 the tender and compassionate character of God, portraying Him not merely as a distant, majestic sovereign but as an intimately involved Healer of the human soul. This verse offers immense comfort and assurance, declaring that the Lord actively attends to the deepest emotional and spiritual distress, mending fragmented spirits and restoring inner wholeness with divine care. It underscores His unwavering commitment to the well-being of His people, providing profound solace and enduring hope in the midst of suffering that shatters the heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a magnificent hymn of praise, likely composed for a celebratory occasion, possibly marking the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the return of the Jewish exiles, as suggested by verses like [Psalms 147:2](/psalms/147-2 "Psalms 147:2 - The Lord Builds Up Jerusalem") ("The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel") and [Psalms 147:13](/psalms/147-13 "Psalms 147:13 - He Strengthens Your Bars") ("For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you"). The psalm seamlessly interweaves themes of God's majestic power over the cosmos (e.g., numbering and naming stars in [Psalms 147:4](/psalms/147-4 "Psalms 147:4 - He Counts the Stars"); controlling weather patterns in [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 omnipotence is matched by His profound gentleness towards the brokenhearted.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 147 is widely understood to be the post-exilic period, following the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. This era was marked not only by the significant physical rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple but also by profound emotional and spiritual trauma. Generations had lived in exile, experiencing immense loss, displacement, cultural disruption, and the shattering of national and individual identity. The "broken in heart" and "wounds" in this 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, providing a unique source of hope in a time of national vulnerability.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 147:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Compassion and Immanence**, showcasing God's active and tender engagement with human suffering, a stark contrast to pagan deities often perceived as detached or indifferent. 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. This theme is 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"), which speaks of the Anointed One coming "to bind up the brokenhearted." Thirdly, it speaks profoundly to **God's Personal Attentiveness**, demonstrating that despite His cosmic power over the universe, His care is deeply individual, extending to the innermost pain of a single "heart." This personal, covenantal care is a hallmark of God's relationship with His people, a truth celebrated throughout the entire [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, make whole." 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 and function.
* **Broken (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** From H7665, this primitive root means "to burst (literally or figuratively); break (down, off, in pieces, up), crush." When applied to the "heart" (lêb), 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, trauma, or spiritual distress.
* **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's wounds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He healeth the broken in heart":** This clause emphatically establishes God as the active, compassionate agent of healing. The "broken in heart" refers to those experiencing profound emotional distress, grief, despair, or psychological and spiritual trauma. It emphasizes that God's healing extends beyond physical ailments to the deepest, most vulnerable parts of human experience—the inner self, which encompasses emotions, will, and intellect. His healing here is not merely comforting but actively mending what has been shattered, restoring integrity to the inner person.
* **"and bindeth up their wounds":** This second clause functions in powerful synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and elaborating on the first. The "wounds" (Hebrew, _ʻatstsebeth'_ from H6094, meaning "pain or wound; sorrow") are the specific, tangible manifestations of the "broken heart." The act of "binding up" suggests a meticulous, tender, and protective care, much like a physician carefully dressing a wound. It implies a process of enclosing, securing, and comforting the injured part, leading to restoration, protection from further harm, and ultimately, wholeness. 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 profound message of divine compassion. **Parallelism** is prominently featured 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 and spiritual suffering, reinforcing the message through repetition and slightly varied, yet complementary, 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 yet impactful **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (healing, binding) to God. This personification makes God's care relatable and tangible, emphasizing His active, compassionate intervention in human suffering, rather than a passive or detached 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, and equally significantly, 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 often fall short. It underscores His role as the ultimate source of comfort and wholeness, particularly for those who feel shattered by life's trials, affirming that His greatness is matched by His profound empathy.

* [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 neither 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. It calls us to lament honestly before Him, knowing that He draws near to the contrite, and to patiently trust in His restorative work, even when the process feels long or arduous.

#### 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 your current circumstances?**
* **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 His tender healing?**
* **How does understanding God as the ultimate Healer influence your approach to personal suffering, and how might it shape your ministry to others who are hurting?**

### 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, indicating that God's healing touch extends to every facet of our inner pain.

**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 certainly occur, more often His work of mending the brokenhearted is a process that involves various means. This can include providing profound 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 redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the very 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 as His mission statement 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 pervasive consequences, offering eternal life and the promise of a future where God Himself 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 all 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.

Cross-References

Psalms 34:18

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

Job 5:18

For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Jeremiah 33:6

Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Hosea 6:1

¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Hosea 6:2

After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.