Psalms 34:20
What does Psalms 34:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:20 means
This verse provides a vivid image of God's meticulous preservation of the righteous, stating, "He keepeth all his bones: Not one of them is broken." This hyperbolic expression signifies complete and thorough protection, even in the midst of severe trials. While not always a literal guarantee against physical harm, it assures believers of God's ultimate care for their well-being and His preservation of their life and integrity. This verse finds its ultimate prophetic fulfillment in Christ, whose bones were not broken on the cross (John 19:36), highlighting God's perfect plan and preservation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He keepeth all his bones: Not one of them is broken.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He keepeth all his bones: Not one of them is broken.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He keeps all his bones: not one of them is broken.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He is keeping all his bones, One of them hath not been broken.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For they spoke indeed peaceably to me; and speaking in the anger of the earth they devised guile.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He keepeth all his bones; not one of them is broken.
Context
Building on the promise of deliverance from many afflictions in verse 19, this verse provides a vivid and specific illustration of God's protection. The image of keeping "all his bones" emphasizes a meticulous and thorough preservation. This specific detail stands as a testament to God's care, contrasting sharply with the destructive fate awaiting the wicked presented in the subsequent verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 6:22
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
- John 19:36
For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
- Psalms 91:12
They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
- Psalms 35:10
All my bones shall say, Jehovah, who is like unto thee, Who deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, Yea, the poor and the needy from him that robbeth him?
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