Psalms 34:20

20 the Lord preserves them completely; 1 not one of their bones is broken.

Psalms 34:20 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 34:20

He keepeth all his bones; not one of them is broken.
] This is literally true of Christ, in whom the type of the passover lamb had its accomplishment, and this passage also; see ( Exodus 12:46 ) ( John 19:31-36 ) ; and seems better to agree with him than with any of his members, since the bones of many of them have been broken by one accident or another; and especially many of the martyrs of Jesus have had all their bones broken upon the rack or wheel; wherefore, to understand these words of them might tend to create uneasiness and despondency in the minds of such who by any means have their bones broken; as if they were not righteous persons, this promise not being fulfilled in them: and to interpret this of the Lord's keeping the bones of his people in the grave, and in the resurrection putting them together again; this is no other than what will be done to the wicked; it seems therefore best to understand the whole of Christ; and it looks as if this passage was had in view as fulfilled in ( John 19:36 ) ; since a Scripture is referred to; but if it is interpreted of the righteous in general, it must be with a limitation; as that their bones are all kept by the Lord, and not one is broken without his knowledge and will; and that they are not broken finally, but restored again perfect and whole in the resurrection, and so will continue to all eternity: the phrase, without entering into particulars, may in general design the care of Providence over the righteous; with this compare ( Matthew 10:29 Matthew 10:30 ) .

Psalms 34:20 In-Context

18 The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope.
19 Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all;
20 the Lord preserves them completely; not one of their bones is broken.
21 Evil will kill the wicked; those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 The Lord will save his people; those who go to him for protection will be spared.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 34.20John 19.36.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.