Psalms 34:20

KJV

He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

KJV (with Strong's)

He keepeth {H8104} all his bones {H6106}: not one {H259} of them {H2007} is broken {H7665}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He protects all his bones; not one of them gets broken.

Berean Standard Bible

He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken.

American Standard Version

He keepeth all his bones: Not one of them is broken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 34:20, "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken," serves as a profound testament to God's comprehensive and meticulous preservation of the righteous, even in the midst of severe adversity. This verse, rooted in David's personal experience of divine deliverance, offers a vivid image 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 weight, 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, penned by David after his perilous encounter with Abimelech (Achish) of Gath, where he feigned madness to escape capture ([1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David feigns madness before Achish")). The psalm opens with a 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](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The righteous cry, and the Lord hears") states, "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." This is followed by [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous"), 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 marked 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](/exodus/12-46 "Exodus 12:46 - Instructions for the Passover lamb") and [Numbers 9:12](/numbers/9-12 "Numbers 9:12 - Further Passover instructions")—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](/psalms/34 "Psalm 34 - A Psalm of Deliverance and Praise") 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](/psalms/34-4 "Psalm 34:4 - I sought the Lord, and he heard me").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keepeth (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** This verb signifies to guard, watch over, preserve, or protect. It implies active, diligent, and careful oversight. In this context, it conveys God's meticulous attention to every detail of the righteous person's being, ensuring their safety and integrity. It is not passive observation but an engaged, protective action.
* **Bones (Hebrew, _'etsem'_):** While literally referring to the physical skeleton, _'etsem_ often functions as a metonymy for the whole person, their very substance, essence, or self. It represents the core structure, strength, and vitality of an individual. The phrase "all his bones" emphasizes the totality and comprehensiveness of what is being preserved.
* **Broken (Hebrew, _shabar'_):** This verb means to break, shatter, or crush. It denotes complete destruction, irreparable damage, or the loss of integrity. The negation "not one of them is broken" powerfully emphasizes the perfection and completeness of God's preservation, indicating that no harm, however severe, can ultimately destroy the fundamental essence or purpose of the one under His care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He keepeth all his bones":** This clause asserts God's active and comprehensive preservation of the righteous. The "He" refers to the Lord, the divine protector. "All his bones" signifies the entirety of the person—not just their physical body, but their very being, their spiritual integrity, and their ultimate destiny. God's preservation is not partial or superficial; it is thorough and extends to the very core.
* **"not one of them is broken":** This second clause reinforces and intensifies the promise of the first. It emphasizes the absolute totality and perfection of God's protective care. Even in the face of suffering or threats, no part of the righteous person is left vulnerable, shattered, or destroyed. This speaks to an ultimate, divine safeguarding that ensures the integrity and wholeness of the individual, even if they experience temporary physical or emotional distress.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 34:20 employs several powerful literary devices. **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 is overlooked.

### 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](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous")). 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.

* [Psalm 91:10](/psalms/91-10 "Psalm 91:10 - No harm will overtake you")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When a man's ways please the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God works all things for good")

### 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
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's protection in suffering?**
* **In what ways might God "keep your bones" even when you experience hardship, loss, or physical affliction?**
* **What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in God's comprehensive and meticulous care for your life?**

### 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](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous"). 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](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous") 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.

### 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 ([John 19:32-33](/john/19-32 "John 19:32-33 - Soldiers break legs of criminals, but not Jesus'")). 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](/john/19-36 "John 19:36 - Prophecy of unbroken bones fulfilled")). This direct fulfillment links Jesus to the Passover Lamb, of which it was commanded, "neither shall ye break a bone thereof" ([Exodus 12:46](/exodus/12-46 "Exodus 12:46 - Instructions for the Passover lamb"); also [Numbers 9:12](/numbers/9-12 "Numbers 9:12 - Further Passover instructions")). 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](/john/6-39 "John 6:39-40 - Jesus will raise them up on the last day")).

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

John 19:36

For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

Psalms 35:10

All my bones shall say, LORD, who [is] like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

Psalms 91:12

They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Daniel 6:22

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

Daniel 6:24

And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.