What does Psalm 34:18 mean?
David wrote Psalm 34 after escaping a dangerous situation, and it is full of thanks for God's rescue. This verse offers some of the Bible's deepest comfort for people who are hurting. "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart" means God draws especially close to people crushed by grief, disappointment, or loss. He does not stand at a distance waiting for them to recover. "Saveth such as be of a contrite spirit" speaks of those whose spirit is crushed or humbled, and promises that God rescues them. The verse does not promise that pain will disappear, but that God is near in it.
Psalm 34:18 in the World English Bible
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Context
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Psalm 34:18 mean?
David wrote Psalm 34 after escaping a dangerous situation, and it is full of thanks for God's rescue. This verse offers some of the Bible's deepest comfort for people who are hurting. "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart" means God draws especially close to people crushed by grief, disappointment, or loss. He does not stand at a distance waiting for them to recover. "Saveth such as be of a contrite spirit" speaks of those whose spirit is crushed or humbled, and promises that God rescues them. The verse does not promise that pain will disappear, but that God is near in it.
What does Psalm 34:18 say in the KJV?
Psalm 34:18 (KJV) reads: “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”