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Psalms 34:18

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

English Standard Version (ESV)

This verse highlights that God's nearness isn't about physical distance, but about His active presence with those whose spirits are humbled by sorrow and sin. It's not just about being sad, but about a deep, self-emptying sorrow that makes room for God's healing power to truly enter.

What Psalms 34:18 means

This psalm recounts a dramatic escape where David, feeling abandoned and in distress, cried out to God and was delivered. The verses surrounding this one emphasize that even in the midst of many afflictions and when facing enemies, God hears the cries of those who trust Him and actively intervenes on their behalf. This promise of God's nearness and salvation is presented as a direct contrast to the ultimate destruction awaiting the wicked.

The Nearness of God in Suffering

When life feels overwhelming and you're at your lowest, does God feel distant? This verse reveals a profound truth about His presence.

The psalmist declares, 'The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.' This isn't just a general statement; it's a specific promise. When your heart is shattered by loss, disappointment, or sin, God doesn't recoil. Instead, He draws near. This nearness isn't about physical proximity but about His active, compassionate engagement with your pain. It means He understands your suffering because He Himself entered into it through Jesus. He is the God who doesn't just observe our hurt but intimately shares in it and offers solace.

Salvation for the Crushed in Spirit

What does it mean to be 'crushed in spirit'? And what kind of salvation is offered to those who feel this way?

The second part of the verse speaks of God saving 'the crushed in spirit.' This refers to those who are overwhelmed by sorrow, guilt, or the weight of their circumstances, feeling utterly defeated and without hope. It's a deep, internal breaking. God's saving power here isn't just about rescuing from external dangers, but about inwardly restoring and giving life to those who feel spiritually annihilated. This saving action points to His ability to mend what is broken, to lift those who are bowed down, and to grant a new, resilient spirit through faith in Him.

Understand the original words

Original language

brokenheartedשָׁבַר

shabar (lev) · Hebrew Adjective/Participle

A metaphorical state of deep grief, humility, or spiritual distress resulting from sin or heavy trial. It is the condition of one who recognizes their total dependence on God.

crushed in spiritדָּכָא

daka' ruach · Hebrew Adjective/Participle

A state of being humbled, abased, or spiritually devastated. It signifies a person who has reached the end of their own strength and is fully receptive to God's intervention.

Historical context

Written
Likely composed between 1000-950 BC.
Author
Traditionally understood as David, though some scholars suggest a later author.
Location
Likely written from the wilderness of Judah, possibly during his time fleeing from Saul.
Genre
Poetry (Psalm) with an acrostic structure and rich use of metaphor to convey emotional depth.

Historical background

This verse speaks to the heart of David's experience as a fugitive, hiding and feigning madness to escape danger. It highlights that even in moments of profound humiliation and desperation, God's presence and saving power are closest to those who feel utterly broken and contrite.

  1. c. 1000 BC

    David flees from Saul

    During his flight from King Saul, David experienced intense fear and persecution, leading to moments of deep distress and reliance on God. This period likely formed the backdrop for many of his psalms.

  2. c. 1000 BC— this verse

    David feigns madness before Achish

    According to the psalm's superscription, David pretended to be insane to escape the Philistine king Achish in Gath. This humiliating and desperate act showcases a moment of profound brokenness and reliance on God's intervention.

  3. c. 970 BC

    David becomes King of Israel

    After years of wandering and hardship, David finally ascended to the throne. This marked a transition from extreme distress to a position of power, but his past experiences of brokenness and God's deliverance remained central to his understanding of faith.

Key themes

  1. 01Divine nearness in suffering
  2. 02Salvation for the humble
  3. 03God's tender mercy

Cross-references

Isaiah 61:1

This passage describes the Spirit of the Lord being upon the servant to 'bind up the brokenhearted' and proclaim freedom, directly paralleling the Lord's action towards those with a broken spirit in Psalms 34:18.

Matthew 5:3-4

Jesus' Beatitudes declare 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' and 'those who mourn,' aligning with the concept of a broken and contrite spirit that finds blessing and divine nearness.

2 Corinthians 7:10

This verse distinguishes between godly sorrow that leads to salvation and worldly sorrow, highlighting that a 'brokenhearted' and 'contrite spirit' in the psalm is a sign of genuine, saving repentance.

Luke 18:13

The parable of the tax collector, who 'beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’' demonstrates the contrite spirit the Lord draws near to save.

Scholarly commentary

Psalms 34:18: "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

Nigh; ready to hear and succour them; though by the severe course of his providence towards them he seems to themselves and others to stand afar off, as David complains, Psalm 10:1 . Such as be of a contrite spirit; by which he understands either, 1. Those whose spirits are oppressed, and even broken, with the greatness of their calamities. But this may be, and frequently is, the l…

poole

Psalms 34:18-22: "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

  1. Jehovah is nigh to those who are broken of heart; he will save those who are bruised of spirit. 19. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but Jehovah will deliver him from them all. 20. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken [701] 21. But malice shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous shall be destroyed. 22. Jehovah redeemeth the soul of his…
calvin

Frequently asked questions

What does Psalms 34:18 mean?

This verse highlights that God's nearness isn't about physical distance, but about His active presence with those whose spirits are humbled by sorrow and sin. It's not just about being sad, but about a deep, self-emptying sorrow that makes room for God's healing power to truly enter.

Explain the meaning of Psalms 34:18

This psalm recounts a dramatic escape where David, feeling abandoned and in distress, cried out to God and was delivered. The verses surrounding this one emphasize that even in the midst of many afflictions and when facing enemies, God hears the cries of those who trust Him and actively intervenes on their behalf. This promise of God's nearness and salvation is presented as a direct contrast to the ultimate destruction awaiting the wicked.

What is the context of Psalms 34:18?

This psalm recounts a dramatic escape where David, feeling abandoned and in distress, cried out to God and was delivered. The verses surrounding this one emphasize that even in the midst of many afflictions and when facing enemies, God hears the cries of those who trust Him and actively intervenes on their behalf. This promise of God's nearness and salvation is presented as a direct contrast to the ultimate destruction awaiting the wicked.

Breakdown of Psalms 34:18

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." — This verse highlights that God's nearness isn't about physical distance, but about His active presence with those whose spirits are humbled by sorrow and sin. It's not just about being sad, but about…

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Psalms 34:18 Meaning: This verse highlights that God's nearness isn't about physical distan… | Sola Bible App