TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 34 verses 11–22
David, in this latter part of the psalm, undertakes to teach children. Though a man of war, and anointed to be king, he did not think it below him; though now he had his head so full of cares and his hands of business, yet he could find heart and time to give good counsel to young people, from his own experience. It does not appear that he had now any children of his own, at least any that were grown up to a capacity of being taught; but, by divine inspiration, he instructs the children of his people. Those that were in years would not be taught by him, though he had offered them his service (Psa 32:8); but he had hopes that the tender branches will be more easily bent and that children and young people will be more tractable, and therefore he calls together a congregation of them (Psa 34:11): "Come, you children, that are now in your learning age, and are now to lay up a stock of knowledge which you must live upon all your days, you children that are foolish and ignorant, and need to be taught." Perhaps he intends especially those children whose parents neglected to instruct and catechise them; and it is as great a piece of charity to put those children to school whose parents are not in a capacity to teach them as to feed those children whose parents have not bread for them. Observe, 1. What he expects from them: "Hearken unto me, leave your play, lay by your toys, and hear what I have to say to you; not only give me the hearing, but observe and obey me." 2. What he undertakes to teach them - the fear of the Lord, inclusive of all the duties of religion. David was a famous musician, a statesman, a soldier; but he does not say to the children, "I will teach you to play on the harp, or to handle the sword or spear, or to draw the bow, or I will teach you the maxims of state policy;" but I will teach you the fear of the Lord, which is better than all arts and sciences, better than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices. That is it which we should be solicitous both to learn ourselves and to teach our children.
I. He supposes that we all aim to be happy (Psa 34:12): What man is he that desireth life? that is, as it follows, not only to see many days, but to see good comfortable days. Non est vivere, sed valere, vita - It is not being, but well being, that constitutes life. It is asked, "Who wishes to live a long and pleasant life?" and it is easily answered, Who does not? Surely this must look further than time and this present world; for man's life on earth at best consists but of few days and those full of trouble. What man is he that would be eternally happy, that would see many days, as many as the days of heaven, that would see good in that world where all bliss is in perfection, without the least alloy? Who would see the good before him now, by faith and hope, and enjoy it shortly? Who would? Alas! very few have that in their thoughts. Most ask, Who will show us any good? But few ask, What shall we do to inherit eternal life? This question implies that there are some such.
II. He prescribes the true and only way to happiness both in this world and that to come, Psa 34:13, Psa 34:14. Would we pass comfortably through this world, and out of the world, our constant care must be to keep a good conscience; and, in order to that, 1. We must learn to bridle our tongues, and be careful what we say, that we never speak amiss, to God's dishonour or our neighbours prejudice: Keep thy tongue from evil speaking, lying, and slandering. So great a way does this go in religion that, if any offend not in word, the same is a perfect man; and so little a way does religion go without this that of him who bridles not his tongue it is declared, His religion is vain. 2. We must be upright and sincere in every thing we say, and not double-tongued. Our words must be the indications of our minds; our lips must be kept from speaking guild either to God or man. 3. We must leave all our sins, and resolve we will have no more to do with them. We must depart from evil, from evil works and evil workers; from the sins others commit and which we have formerly allowed ourselves in. 4. It is not enough not to do hurt in the world, but we must study to be useful, and live to some purpose. We must not only depart from evil, but we must do good, good for ourselves, especially for our own souls, employing them well, furnishing them with a good treasure, and fitting them for another world; and, as we have ability and opportunity, we must do good to others also. 5. Since nothing is more contrary to that love which never fails (which is the summary both of law and gospel, both of grace and glory) than strife and contention, which bring confusion and every evil work, we must seek peace and pursue it; we must show a peaceable disposition, study the things that make for peace, do nothing to break the peace and to make mischief. If peace seem to flee from us, we must pursue it; follow peace with all men, spare no pains, no expense, to preserve and recover peace; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal, both in honour and interest, for peace' sake. These excellent directions in a way to life and good are transcribed into the New Testament and made part of our gospel duty, Pe1 3:10, Pe1 3:11. And, perhaps David, in warning us that we speak no guile, reflects upon his own sin in changing his behaviour. Those that truly repent of what they have done amiss will warn others to take heed of doing likewise.
III. He enforces these directions by setting before us the happiness of the godly in the love and favour of God and the miserable state of the wicked under his displeasure. Here are life and death, good and evil, the blessing and the curse, plainly stated before us, that we may choose life and live. See Isa 3:10, Isa 3:11.
1.Woe to the wicked, it shall be ill with them, however they may bless themselves in their own way. (1.) God is against them, and then they cannot but be miserable. Sad is the case of that man who by his sin has made his Maker his enemy, his destroyer. The face of the Lord is against those that do evil, Psa 34:16. Sometimes God is said to turn his face from them (Jer 18:17), because they have forsaken him; here he is said to set his face against them, because they have fought against him; and most certainly God is able to out-face the most proud and daring sinners and can frown them into hell. (2.) Ruin is before them; this will follow of course if God be against them, for he is able both to kill and to cast into hell. [1.] The land of the living shall be no place for them nor theirs. When God sets his face against them he will not only cut them off, but cut off the remembrance of them; when they are alive he will bury them in obscurity, when they are dead he will bury them in oblivion. He will root out their posterity, by whom they would be remembered. He will pour disgrace upon their achievements, which they gloried in and for which they thought they should be remembered. It is certain that there is no lasting honour but that which comes from God. [2.] There shall be a sting in their death: Evil shall slay the wicked, Psa 34:21. Their death shall be miserable; and so it will certainly be, though they die on a bed of down or on the bed of honour. Death, to them, has a curse in it, and is the king of terrors; to them it is evil, only evil. It is very well observed by Dr. Hammond that the evil here, which slays the wicked, is the same word, in the singular number, that is used (Psa 34:19) for the afflictions of the righteous, to intimate that godly people have many troubles, and yet they do them no hurt, but are made to work for good to them, for God will deliver them out of them all; whereas wicked people have fewer troubles, fewer evils befal them, perhaps but one, and yet that one may prove their utter ruin. One trouble with a curse in it kills and slays, and does execution; but many, with a blessing in them, are harmless, nay, gainful. [3.] Desolation will be their everlasting portion. Those that are wicked themselves often hate the righteous, name and thing, have an implacable enmity to them and their righteousness; but they shall be desolate, shall be condemned as guilty, and laid waste for ever, shall be for ever forsaken and abandoned of God and all good angels and men; and those that are so are desolate indeed.
2.Yet say to the righteous, It shall be well with them. All good people are under God's special favour and protection. We are here assured of this under a great variety of instances and expressions.
(1.)God takes special notice of good people, and takes notice who have their eyes ever to him and who make conscience of their duty to him: The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (Psa 34:15), to direct and guide them, to protect and keep them. Parents that are very fond of a child will not let it be out of their sight; none of God's children are ever from under his eye, but on them he looks with a singular complacency, as well as with a watchful and tender concern.
(2.)They are sure of an answer of peace to their prayers. All God's people are a praying people, and they cry in prayer, which denotes great importunity; but is it to any purpose? Yes, [1.] God takes notice of what we say (Psa 34:17): They cry, and the Lord hears them, and hears them so as to make it appear he has a regard to them. His ears are open to their prayers, to receive them all, and to receive them readily and with delight. Though he has been a God hearing prayer ever since men began to call upon the name of the Lord, yet his ear is not heavy. There is no rhetoric, nothing charming, in a cry, yet God's ears are open to it, as the tender mother's to the cry of her sucking child, which another would take no notice of: The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, Psa 34:17. This intimates that it is the constant practice of good people, when they are in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant comfort that God hears them. [2.] He not only takes notice of what we say, but is ready for us to our relief (Psa 34:18): He is nigh to those that are of a broken heart, and saves them. Note, First, It is the character of the righteous, whose prayers God will hear, that they are of a broken heart and a contrite spirit (that is, humbled for sin and emptied of self); they are low in their own eyes, and have no confidence in their own merit and sufficiency, but in God only. Secondly, Those who are so have God nigh unto them, to comfort and support them, that the spirit may not be broken more than is meet, lest it should fail before him. See Isa 57:15. Though God is high, and dwells on high, yet he is near to those who, being of a contrite spirit, know how to value his favour, and will save them from sinking under their burdens; he is near them to good purpose.
(3.)They are taken under the special protection of the divine government (Psa 34:20): He keepeth all his bones; not only his soul, but his body; not only his body in general, but every bone in it: Not one of them is broken. He that has a broken heart shall not have a broken bone; for David himself had found that, when he had a contrite heart, the broken bones were made to rejoice, Psa 51:8, Psa 51:17. One would not expect to meet with any thing of Christ here, and yet this scripture is said to be fulfilled in him (Joh 19:36) when the soldiers broke the legs of the two thieves that were crucified with him, but did not break his, they being under the protection of this promise as well as of the type, even the paschal-lamb (a bone of him shall not be broken); the promises, being made good to Christ, through him are sure to all the seed. It does not follow but that a good man may have a broken bone; but, by the watchful providence of God concerning him, such a calamity is often wonderfully prevented, and the preservation of his bones is the effect of this promise; and, if he have a broken bone, sooner or later it shall be made whole, at furthest at the resurrection, when that which is sown in weakness shall be raised in power.
(4.)They are, and shall be, delivered out of their troubles. [1.] It is supposed that they have their share of crosses in this world, perhaps a greater share than others. In the world they must have tribulation, that they may be conformed both to the will of God and to the example of Christ (Psa 34:19); Many are the afflictions of the righteous, witness David and his afflictions, Psa 132:1. There are those that hate them (Psa 34:21) and they are continually aiming to do them a mischief; their God loves them, and therefore corrects them; so that, between the mercy of heaven and the malice of hell, the afflictions of the righteous must needs be many. [2.] God has engaged for their deliverance and salvation: He delivers them out of all their troubles (Psa 34:17, Psa 34:19); he saves them (Psa 34:18), so that, though they may fall into trouble, it shall not be their ruin. This promise of their deliverance is explained, Psa 34:22. Whatever troubles befal them, First, They shall not hurt their better part. The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants from the power of the grave (Psa 49:15) and from the sting of every affliction. He keeps them from sinning in their troubles, which is the only thing that would do them a mischief, and keeps them from despair, and from being put out of the possession of their own souls. Secondly, They shall not hinder their everlasting bliss. None of those that trust in him shall be desolate; that is, they shall not be comfortless, for they shall not be cut off from their communion with God. No man is desolate but he whom God has forsaken, nor is any man undone till he is in hell. Those that are God's faithful servants, that make it their care to please him and their business to honour him, and in doing so trust him to protect and reward them, and, with good thoughts of him, refer themselves to him, have reason to be easy whatever befals them, for they are safe and shall be happy.
In singing these verses let us be confirmed in the choice we have made of the ways of God; let us be quickened in his service, and greatly encouraged by the assurances he has given of the particular care he takes of all those that faithfully adhere to him.
The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. [Psalms 34:20]
There should also be certain bones of the inner person in which the bond of union and harmony of spiritual powers is collected. Just as the bones by their own firmness protect the tenderness of the flesh, so also in the church there are some who through their own constancy are able to carry the infirmities of the weak. And as the bones are joined to each other through articulations by sinews and fastenings that have grown on them, so also would be the bond of charity and peace, which achieves a certain natural junction and union of the spiritual bones in the church of God.
"The Lord keeps all their bones: not one of them shall be broken" [Psalm 34:20]: this also, Brethren, let us not receive carnally. Bones are the firm supports of the faithful. For as in flesh our bones give firmness, so in the heart of a Christian it is faith that gives firmness. The patience then which is in faith, is as the bones of the inner man: this is that which cannot be broken. "The Lord keeps all their bones: not one of them shall be broken." If of our Lord God Jesus Christ he had said this, "The Lord keeps all the bones of His Son; not one of them shall be broken;" as is prefigured of Him also in another place, when the lamb was spoken of that should be slain, and it was said of it, "Neither shall you break a bone thereof:" [Exodus 12:46] then was it fulfilled in the Lord, because when He hung upon the Cross, He expired before they came to the Cross, and found His Body lifeless already, and would not break His legs, that it might be fulfilled which was written. [John 19:33] But He gave this promise to other Christians also, "The Lord keeps all their bones; not one of them shall be broken." Therefore, Brethren, if we see any Saint suffer tribulation, and haply either by a Physician so cut, or by some persecutor so mangled, that his bones be broken; let us not say, This man was not righteous, for this has the Lord promised to His righteous, of whom He said, "The Lord keeps all their bones; not one of them shall be broken." Would you see that He spoke of other bones, those which we called the firm supports of faith, that is, patience and endurance in all tribulations? For these are the bones which are not broken. Hear, and see ye in the very Passion of our Lord, what I say. The Lord was in the middle Crucified; near Him were two thieves: the one mocked, the other believed: the one was condemned, the other justified: the one had his punishment both in this world, and that which shall be, but unto the other said the Lord, "Verily I say unto you, Today shall you be with Me in Paradise;" [Luke 23:43] and yet those who came broke not the bones of the Lord, but of the thieves they broke: as much were broken the bones of the thief who blasphemed, as of the thief who believed. Where then is that which is spoken, "The Lord keeps all their bones; not one of them shall be broken"? Lo, unto whom He said, "Today shall you be with Me in Paradise," could He keep all his bones? The Lord answers you: Yea, I kept them: for the firm support of his faith could not be broken by those blows whereby his legs were broken.
Continue studying Psalms 34:20 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Psalms 34:20, "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken," stands as a profound declaration of God's comprehensive and meticulous preservation of the righteous, even amidst severe adversity. This verse, arising from David's personal testimony of divine deliverance, paints a vivid picture of complete integrity and ultimate protection, assuring believers that God's watchful care extends to the very core of their being. Beyond its immediate context, it carries immense prophetic significance, finding its ultimate and literal fulfillment in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, thereby linking the Suffering Servant to the unblemished Passover Lamb.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 34 is an acrostic psalm of thanksgiving and wisdom, attributed to David after his perilous encounter with Abimelech (Achish) of Gath, where he feigned madness to escape capture, as recounted in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. The psalm opens with a fervent call to bless the Lord and magnify Him for His deliverance. The verses immediately preceding Psalms 34:20 emphasize God's attentiveness to the cries of the righteous and His active role in their salvation. Psalm 34:17 states, "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." This is followed by Psalm 34:19, which acknowledges, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all." Against this backdrop of acknowledged suffering and assured deliverance, verse 20 provides a striking, almost hyperbolic, image of God's perfect and complete preservation, underscoring the totality of His protective care for His faithful ones.
Historical & Cultural Context: David's life was characterized by periods of intense persecution and flight, particularly from King Saul. His episode in Gath, a Philistine city, represents a moment of extreme vulnerability and desperation, where his very survival depended on divine intervention. In the ancient Near East, "bones" often symbolized the entire person, the core of one's being, strength, or vitality. To "break bones" was to inflict severe, often fatal, or permanently debilitating injury, signifying complete destruction or utter defeat. Conversely, the preservation of bones implied the integrity, strength, and continued existence of the individual. This cultural understanding amplifies the promise of comprehensive preservation in Psalms 34:20. Furthermore, the command regarding the Passover lamb in Exodus 12:46 and Numbers 9:12—that "neither shall ye break a bone thereof"—establishes a significant cultural and ritualistic precedent that would later become profoundly prophetic.
Key Themes: Psalms 34:20 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to Psalm 34 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Protection and Preservation, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to safeguard His faithful servants, even amidst life-threatening circumstances. This is not merely general oversight but a meticulous, detailed care that extends to the very essence of a person. Secondly, the verse underscores God's Faithfulness and Reliability, portraying Him as an active, sovereign agent who upholds and sustains those who trust in Him. It affirms His covenant loyalty and His power to deliver. Thirdly, it offers Hope Amidst Adversity, assuring believers that no matter the intensity of their trials or afflictions, God maintains ultimate control, ensuring the spiritual and ultimate integrity of His chosen ones. This theme resonates with the psalm's overall message of seeking the Lord and experiencing His deliverance, as seen in Psalm 34:4.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 34:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. Metonymy is evident, where "bones" represent the entire person, signifying their fundamental integrity, strength, and existence. By stating that "not one of them is broken," the psalmist uses Hyperbole to emphasize the completeness and perfection of God's preservation; it's a poetic exaggeration to convey absolute security, not necessarily a literal promise of immunity from all physical harm in this life. The phrase also creates vivid Imagery, painting a picture of a body kept perfectly intact, even amidst severe trials, conveying a sense of divine control and meticulous care. The structure of the verse, moving from a general statement of preservation ("He keepeth all his bones") to a specific, emphatic negation ("not one of them is broken"), functions as a form of Merism or a strong affirmation of totality, ensuring that no aspect of the righteous is overlooked by God's protective hand.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 34:20 profoundly illustrates God's covenant faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His people. It reveals a God who is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of the righteous, actively safeguarding their well-being. This preservation is not merely physical but speaks to a deeper, holistic integrity that God maintains for those who trust Him, even when they face "many afflictions" (Psalm 34:19). The verse assures that while suffering may be a reality, it does not ultimately destroy the essence or purpose of the righteous in God's sovereign plan. It points to a divine control that transcends immediate circumstances, guaranteeing ultimate preservation and spiritual wholeness, ensuring that His purposes for His beloved will prevail.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 34:20 offers immense comfort and encouragement to believers navigating a world fraught with challenges and suffering. It reminds us that God's care is not superficial but extends to the deepest parts of our being, ensuring our ultimate integrity and security in His hands. While we may experience physical pain, emotional distress, or even death, this verse assures us that nothing can ultimately shatter our true essence or separate us from God's preserving love. It calls us to cultivate a profound trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that His plan for our lives, and indeed our very being, is secure in His keeping. This perspective allows us to face adversity with hope, understanding that even in brokenness, God maintains His grip, working all things for our ultimate good and His glory. It invites us to rest in the assurance that our spiritual and eternal well-being is perfectly guarded by the One who keeps every "bone" of His beloved.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse promise that believers will never suffer physical harm or death?
Answer: No, Psalms 34:20 is not a literal promise of physical immunity from all harm or death in this life for believers. While God certainly protects His people, the Bible is clear that the righteous do experience suffering, illness, and ultimately physical death, as acknowledged even in the preceding verse, Psalm 34:19. Rather, the verse speaks to a comprehensive preservation of one's integrity, purpose, and ultimate destiny in God's hands. Its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, where His physical bones were literally preserved, highlights a deeper, spiritual, and redemptive preservation for all who believe. It assures that nothing can ultimately thwart God's plan for the righteous or destroy their true essence, even if their physical body perishes.
How does this verse relate to the suffering of the righteous mentioned in the preceding verse (Psalm 34:19)?
Answer: Psalm 34:19 explicitly states that "Many are the afflictions of the righteous." Verse 20, "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken," then provides the divine assurance that despite these numerous afflictions, God's protection is so complete and meticulous that even the most fundamental aspects of their being—their "bones"—remain intact. It's a powerful promise of ultimate preservation through suffering, not necessarily from suffering. This means that while believers will face trials, no tribulation can utterly destroy God's chosen ones or separate them from His love and purpose. It underscores God's sovereign control and His ability to maintain the integrity of His people even amidst the most severe challenges, ensuring their spiritual and eternal wholeness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 34:20 finds its most profound and literal fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John explicitly cites this verse in relation to Jesus' crucifixion. While the Roman soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals crucified alongside Him to hasten their deaths, they did not break Jesus' legs because He was already dead, as recorded in John 19:32-33. John then declares, "For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken" (John 19:36). This direct fulfillment links Jesus to the Passover Lamb, of which it was commanded, "neither shall ye break a bone thereof" (Exodus 12:46; also Numbers 9:12). Thus, Jesus is revealed as the perfect, unblemished sacrificial Lamb of God, whose physical integrity at the cross was preserved in fulfillment of ancient prophecy, signifying the completeness and perfection of His atoning work. His unbroken bones underscore His sinlessness and the efficacy of His sacrifice, which secures the ultimate spiritual preservation and eternal life for all who believe in Him, ensuring that none of those the Father has given Him will be lost (John 6:39-40).