Psalms 34:18
What does Psalms 34:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:18 means
This verse reveals a profound aspect of God's character: His intimate presence with those who suffer internal anguish. "Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart" signifies His closeness and compassion for individuals burdened by deep sorrow or spiritual distress. Similarly, He "saveth such as are of a contrite spirit," referring to those who are humble, repentant, and deeply penitent over their sin. God's salvation here is often a comforting rescue from despair and a restoration of hope for those who acknowledge their need for Him and are genuinely humble.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord is near the broken-hearted; he is the saviour of those whose spirits are crushed down.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Near <FI>is<Fi> Jehovah to the broken of heart, And the bruised of spirit He saveth.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I will give thanks to thee in a great church; I will praise thee in a strong people.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah is nigh to those that are of a broken heart, and saveth them that are of a contrite spirit.
Context
Building on the general promise of deliverance for the righteous in verse 17, this verse offers a more specific and tender aspect of God's care. It highlights His intimate closeness to those suffering from inner pain—the brokenhearted and contrite. This compassionate detail sets the stage for the subsequent verses that acknowledge the reality of affliction for the righteous, while ultimately affirming God's comprehensive deliverance from them all.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 119:151
Thou art nigh, O Jehovah; And all thy commandments are truth.
- Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised,
- Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
- Ezekiel 36:31
Then shall ye remember your evil ways, and your doings that were not good; and ye shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.
- Isaiah 57:15
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.
- Psalms 85:9
Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him, That glory may dwell in our land.
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