Psalm 34:18 – Meaning & Devotional
"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
What This Verse Means
When your heart is shattered, God doesn't withdraw — He draws closer. This verse reveals that brokenness and contrition are not barriers to God's presence but invitations for it.
The world values strength and self-sufficiency. God values broken hearts and humble spirits. Those who feel most disqualified by their pain are precisely the ones God moves toward.
Historical Context
David wrote this psalm after escaping from King Achish of Gath by pretending to be insane. Having experienced desperation and humiliation, David testifies that God is especially close during life's lowest moments.
How to Apply This Today
Don't hide your brokenness from God. Bring your shattered heart to Him honestly. He doesn't expect you to be strong — He promises to be near when you're at your weakest.
Related Verses
Psalm 51:17
"A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
Isaiah 57:15
"I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit."
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 34:18
Lord, thank You for drawing near when my heart is broken. I bring my pain to You without pretense, trusting Your comforting presence. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
How Can I Know the Will of God?
God reveals His will through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, wise counsel, circumstances, and the peace of Christ in the heart.
Read answerWhat Is True Worship?
True worship is honoring God in spirit and truth — not merely through rituals or music, but through a heart fully surrendered to Him in every area of life.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Lust?
Jesus taught that lust begins in the heart and constitutes adultery in God's eyes. Scripture calls believers to flee lustful desires and pursue purity through the Spirit's power.
Read answerWhat Is the Gift of Prophecy?
The gift of prophecy is the Spirit-empowered ability to speak God's Word for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the church.
Read answerWhat Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Read answerWho Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
Read answerDeep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Psalm 34:18 Commentary
In-depth study • Brokenness & Comfort
Psalm 34:17-18 Commentary
In-depth study • God's Nearness in Pain
God Promises to Be Close to the Brokenhearted
Bible promises about God drawing near to those whose hearts are broken and spiri
Psalm 147:3 — Meaning & Devotional
Healing
Broken Heart
Bible verses about broken heart — KJV Scripture on the theme of broken heart wit
God Promises to Heal Broken Hearts
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Free printable companion
30 KJV Verses for Comfort
30 KJV scripture cards for the suffering, the grieving, and those who care for them.
Download freeFuneral & Memorial Scripture Cards
KJV cards of comfort and hope — Psalm 23, John 14, Revelation 21 — for funerals, sympathy, and grief.
Download freeMore Devotionals on Comfort
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
More Verse Devotionals on Comfort
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- Psalm 23:4 — Comfort in Suffering
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- Psalm 23:4 — Comfort in Death
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