Bible Verse

Psalm 34:18

David writes after God delivered him from danger, likely when he feigned insanity before Abimelech (1 Samuel 21:10-15) and escaped.

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

— Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

— ESV

"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

— KJV

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

Psalm 34 is an acrostic psalm of praise and teaching. David celebrates God's deliverance and teaches about God's care for those who trust Him, especially the suffering.

Historical Background

Written during David's years fleeing from Saul, experiencing betrayal, rejection, and constant danger. David knew brokenheartedness personally and discovered God's nearness in suffering.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"The LORD is close"

'Close' (Hebrew: qarowb) means near, at hand, intimate. When we're broken, God doesn't distance Himself but draws near. This is relational proximity—He's present, attentive, engaged with our pain.

"to the brokenhearted"

'Brokenhearted' (shabar leb) means crushed, shattered heart. This describes deep emotional pain, grief, loss, disappointment. God is attracted to, not repelled by, our brokenness. He specializes in broken hearts.

"and saves"

'Saves' (yasha) means delivers, rescues, brings to safety. God doesn't just comfort but actively saves. This can mean deliverance from circumstances or inner healing and restoration despite circumstances.

"those who are crushed in spirit"

'Crushed' (daka) means beaten down, pulverized. 'Spirit' is one's inner being. This describes total spiritual/emotional devastation. Yet even at our lowest, God saves. No brokenness is beyond His healing.

Key Themes

God's nearness in sufferingComfort for the brokenheartedDivine deliveranceHope in despairGod's compassion

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    When heartbroken, don't isolate from God—draw near to Him who promises to be close to you.

  2. 2

    Bring your crushed spirit to God honestly; He's not put off by your pain.

  3. 3

    Trust that God saves not just from external danger but from internal devastation.

  4. 4

    Offer presence and compassion to the brokenhearted, reflecting God's character.

  5. 5

    Remember that brokenness can be a place of encountering God's nearness in unique ways.

Questions for Reflection

  • What heartbreak or crushing disappointment are you currently experiencing?
  • Have you experienced God's closeness in times of brokenness?
  • Are you running from God in your pain or running to Him?
  • How can you be God's presence to someone who is brokenhearted?

Related Scripture

Psalm 147:3

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Isaiah 61:1

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me... He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted."

Matthew 5:4

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort."

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