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Psalms 34:18

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

The LORD {H3068} is nigh {H7138} unto them that are of a broken {H7665} heart {H3820}; and saveth {H3467} such as be of a contrite {H1793} spirit {H7307}.

ADONAI is near those with broken hearts; he saves those whose spirit is crushed.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.

Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.

Commentary

Psalm 34:18 offers profound comfort and insight into the character of God, revealing His intimate care for those in a state of deep humility and distress. This verse assures believers that the Lord is uniquely close to those who recognize their need for Him, promising salvation and deliverance.

Context of Psalm 34

Psalm 34 is a psalm of David, composed after a harrowing experience where he feigned madness before Abimelech (King Achish of Gath) to escape capture, as described in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. Despite his desperate and undignified act, David experienced God's deliverance. The psalm is a testament to God's faithfulness, a call to praise Him, and an encouragement to trust in His provision, particularly for the righteous who cry out to Him (Psalm 34:17). Verse 18 highlights a specific aspect of God's responsiveness: His closeness to the afflicted and humble.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Proximity to the Afflicted: The phrase "The LORD is nigh" emphasizes God's active presence and closeness, not just geographically, but relationally and emotionally. He is not distant or indifferent to human suffering. This provides immense comfort to those experiencing distress.
  • Compassion for the Brokenhearted: A "broken heart" (Hebrew: shabar lev) signifies deep sorrow, emotional pain, or even spiritual remorse. It speaks of a spirit that is not proud or self-sufficient but humbled by circumstances, grief, or the weight of sin. God's nearness to such a heart signifies His tender compassion and willingness to heal.
  • Salvation for the Contrite Spirit: A "contrite spirit" (Hebrew: dakka ruach) refers to a spirit that is crushed, humbled, or penitent. It implies an acknowledgement of one's own weakness, sinfulness, or desperate need for God. This is not about self-pity but a humble readiness to submit to God's will. God "saveth" (delivers, preserves, brings salvation) such individuals, indicating His active intervention and rescue. This concept is beautifully echoed in Psalm 51:17, which states, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
  • Humility as a Prerequisite for Divine Help: The verse subtly teaches that a humble and dependent heart is receptive to God's grace and intervention. Pride often hinders us from seeking or receiving God's help, but a broken and contrite spirit opens the door for His presence and salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used are powerful: "broken heart" (shabar lev) literally means a shattered or crushed heart, conveying extreme emotional or spiritual distress. "Contrite spirit" (dakka ruach) refers to a spirit that is humbled, low, or bruised, suggesting a deep sense of humility and penitence. These phrases paint a picture of utter brokenness and dependence, which God sees not as weakness to be despised, but as a state He draws near to and redeems.

Practical Application

Psalm 34:18 offers immense encouragement and practical guidance for life today:

  • Comfort in Suffering: If you are experiencing deep grief, pain, or distress, this verse assures you that God is not far off. He is especially close to those who feel utterly broken.
  • Invitation to Humility: It encourages us to approach God not with self-righteousness or pretense, but with genuine humility and honesty about our struggles and sins. It is in our weakness that God's strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • Hope for Deliverance: Regardless of the nature of the brokenness—whether from sin, loss, or life's hardships—the promise is that God "saveth" those with a contrite spirit. This points to spiritual restoration, emotional healing, and divine intervention in our circumstances.
  • Understanding God's Nature: This verse reveals God as compassionate, merciful, and intimately involved in the lives of His people, especially those who acknowledge their need for Him. His presence is a source of healing and salvation.

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true strength often begins with recognizing our profound need for God, and that His most comforting presence is often felt in our deepest valleys.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 147:3 (113 votes)

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

  • Psalms 145:18 (87 votes)

    The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

  • Isaiah 57:15 (71 votes)

    For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

  • Isaiah 61:1 (51 votes)

    ¶ 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;

  • Psalms 51:17 (47 votes)

    The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

  • Ezekiel 36:26 (44 votes)

    A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

  • Isaiah 66:2 (36 votes)

    For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.