Psalms 34:18
Psalms 34:18 in Multiple Translations
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.
The Lord is near the broken-hearted; he is the saviour of those whose spirits are crushed down.
The Lord is close beside those who are broken-hearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.
The Lord is neere vnto them that are of a contrite heart, and will saue such as be afflicted in Spirite.
Near [is] Jehovah to the broken of heart, And the bruised of spirit He saveth.
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
The LORD is nigh to them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.
I will give thanks to thee in a great church; I will praise thee in a strong people.
Yahweh is always ready to help those who are discouraged; he rescues those who have nothing good to hope for.
Some people are really sad and feel hurt inside. God stays really close to those people. And some people think nothing good will happen to them. God helps those people too.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 34:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 34:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צָעֲק֣וּ
וַ/יהוָ֣ה
שָׁמֵ֑עַ
וּ/מִ/כָּל
צָ֝רוֹתָ֗/ם
הִצִּילָֽ/ם
צָעֲק֣וּ
tsâʻaq
H6817
to cry
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וַ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Conj | N-proper
שָׁמֵ֑עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וּ/מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | Prep | N-ms
צָ֝רוֹתָ֗/ם
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
N-fp | Suff
הִצִּילָֽ/ם
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 34:18
צָעֲק֣וּ
tsâʻaq
H6817
"to cry"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
וַ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Conj | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
שָׁמֵ֑עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וּ/מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
צָ֝רוֹתָ֗/ם
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
N-fp | Suff
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
הִצִּילָֽ/ם
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 34:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 34:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 34:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 34:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 34:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 34:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 34:18
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 34:18
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 34:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 34:18
- Sermons on Psalms 34:18
Context — Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
16But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to wipe out all memory of them from the earth.
17The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles.
18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.
19Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all. 20He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 147:3 | He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. |
| 2 | Psalms 145:18 | The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth. |
| 3 | Isaiah 57:15 | For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. |
| 4 | Isaiah 61:1 | The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, |
| 5 | Psalms 51:17 | The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 36:26 | I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. |
| 7 | Isaiah 66:2 | Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. |
| 8 | Psalms 85:9 | Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land. |
| 9 | Isaiah 55:6 | Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. |
| 10 | Luke 4:18 | “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, |
Psalms 34:18 Summary
[Psalms 34:18 tells us that God is close to those who are deeply hurting or sorrowful, which is a wonderful promise of comfort and hope. This means that when we are feeling brokenhearted, we can trust that God is near to us and cares about our pain (as seen in Psalms 103:13-14). By coming to God with a humble and repentant heart, we can experience His salvation and restoration, as promised in Psalms 51:17. This verse reminds us that God is a loving and compassionate Father who wants to heal and comfort our broken hearts.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be brokenhearted in Psalms 34:18?
To be brokenhearted means to be deeply sorrowful, often as a result of experiencing pain, loss, or suffering, as seen in Psalms 51:17 where it says 'a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise'
How does God save the contrite in spirit?
God saves the contrite in spirit by forgiving their sins and restoring their relationship with Him, as promised in Psalms 103:12, where it says 'as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us'
What is the difference between being brokenhearted and being contrite in spirit?
Being brokenhearted refers to the emotional state of being deeply sorrowful, while being contrite in spirit refers to a humble and repentant attitude towards God, as seen in Isaiah 57:15, where it says 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit'
How can I experience God's nearness when I am brokenhearted?
You can experience God's nearness by crying out to Him in prayer, as the righteous do in Psalms 34:17, and trusting in His promise to deliver you from your troubles, as seen in Psalms 34:19
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am currently brokenhearted, and how can I bring these before God in prayer?
- In what ways can I cultivate a contrite spirit, and how will this affect my relationship with God?
- How does the promise of God's nearness to the brokenhearted bring me comfort and hope in times of sorrow?
- What are some ways I can reach out to others who are brokenhearted and offer them the comfort and support of God's presence?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 34:18
The Lord [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart,.... Who are pressed and bore down with afflictions, by the sorrow of heart under which their spirits are broken, Proverbs 15:13; or with a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 34:18
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 34:18
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, . 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 lot of wicked men. And therefore in this sense, and to such persons, this proposition and promise is not true. Or rather, 2. Those whose hearts or spirits are truly and deeply humbled under the hand of God, and the sense of their sins, and God’ s displeasure for them, which was David’ s case, , &c.: ,4, whose proud and self-willed hearts are subdued and made obedient to God’ s will, and submissive to his providence; for to all such, and to such only, this promise is verified.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 34:18
Psalms 34:18 The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.Ver. 18. The Lord is nigh unto them, &c.] More nigh than the bark is to the tree, for he is with them and in them continually; pouring the oil of his grace into these broken vessels, quorum corda peccata eorum non amplius retinent, sed, ut vas fracture, effundunt, saith Aben Ezra here, whose hearts retain not their sins any longer, but pour them out as water before the Lord. And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit] Such as are ground to powder, as it were, with sense of sin and fear of wrath; yet not without good hope of mercy. These God delivereth out of their dangers; and in fine bringeth them to eternal blessedness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 34:18
Verse 18. A broken heart] נשברי לב nishberey leb, the heart broken to shivers. A contrite spirit.] דכאי רוח dakkeey ruach, "the beaten-out spirit." In both words the hammer is necessarily implied; in breaking to pieces the ore first, and then plating out the metal when it has been separated from the ore. This will call to the reader's remembrance Jeremiah 23:29: "Is not my word like as a fire, saith the Lord? And like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" The breaking to shivers, and beating out, are metaphorical expressions: so are the hammer and the rock. What the large hammer struck on a rock by a powerful hand would do, so does the word of the Lord when struck on the sinner's heart by the power of the Holy Spirit. The broken heart, and the contrite spirit, are two essential characteristics of true repentance.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 34:18
18. nigh &c.] Cp. Psalms 119:151; Isaiah 50:8; and the contrast, Psalms 10:1. The broken in heart and crushed in spirit are those who have been broken down and crushed by sorrow and suffering (Psalms 147:3; Isaiah 61:1; Jeremiah 23:9); in whom, it is implied, affliction has borne fruit, and all self-asserting pride has been subdued and replaced by true contrition and humility.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 34:18
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart - Margin, as in Hebrew: “to the broken of heart.” The phrase, “the Lord is nigh,” means that he is ready to hear and to help. The language is, of course, figurative.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 34:18
15-22. These closing words are devoted to an earnest digest of the moral government of God in redeeming the humble and contrite, and punishing the wicked. Broken heart… contrite spirit—Comp. Psalms 51:17; 1 Samuel 16:7.
Sermons on Psalms 34:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Pure Heart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, Dr. Luke Reisman preaches from the historic pulpit of John Wesley in London. He highlights the power of reading and understanding the Word of God. He emphasizes the |
|
Reading From the Beatitudes by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes the profound blessings found in the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on the comfort promised to those who mourn and the meek. He explains that mourning signi |
|
(Pdf Book) Beauty of Christ Through Brokenness by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of brokenness in the Christian life, illustrating that true humility and surrender to God are essential for reflecting Christ's image. He |
|
Art's Testimony - Part 1 by Art Katz | This sermon reflects on a Jewish atheist's journey from rejection of God to a profound encounter with faith, triggered by deep questions about human existence, experiences in post- |
|
Jehovah Jireh by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abram and the Abrahamic covenant. He highlights how Abram's faith wavered for 13 years after receiving the covenant promise. Th |
|
|
With God All Things Are Possible by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the message of hope and restoration for those who feel they have fallen too far from God's grace. It highlights the power of God's love and compassion to rea |
|
Contrast of Faith by Peter Marshall | Peter Marshall contrasts two maritime disasters to illustrate the evolution of faith in society. He reflects on the survivors of the Athenia, who sang lighthearted songs in the fac |