What Does Psalm 34:18 Mean?
Psalm 34:18 meaning explained verse-by-verse: "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit...." Original language, context & application.
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
— Psalm 34:18 (KJV)
The Plain Meaning
David assures us that God draws especially close to those who are hurting and humble. A broken heart attracts God's nearness, not His distance.
Word Study
'Nishb'rei-lev' means broken of heart—'shavar' (to break, shatter) combined with 'lev' (heart). It describes a heart that is crushed, not just saddened. God is drawn to genuine brokenness, not performative grief.
Living It Out
In seasons of grief and brokenness, know that God is not distant but near. He saves those with contrite spirits and brings comfort to the brokenhearted.
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