He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

PSALMS 34:20KJV
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Psalms 34:20 (KJV)

What does Psalms 34:20 mean?

Psalms 34:20 says that God protects the righteous so completely that not even one of their bones will be broken. This verse uses the image of unbroken bones to show the thoroughness of God’s care and protection.

David is the speaker in Psalms 34, writing after being delivered from a dangerous situation. He is encouraging others who trust in God, describing how God watches over those who are faithful to Him. The verse uses physical safety—specifically, bones not being broken—as a way to express God’s detailed and personal protection in times of trouble.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 34:20

  • "keepeth" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to guard, watch, or preserve. In this verse, it emphasizes that God is actively and attentively protecting every part of the righteous person.
  • "bones" (עֶצֶם, etsem): The word for bones here refers to the literal bones of the body, a symbol of a person’s strength and well-being. The focus on bones highlights the completeness of God’s protection.
  • "broken" (שָׁבַר, shavar): This word means to break or shatter. The verse assures that not even a single bone will be broken, underlining the idea of total safety.

Why Psalms 34:20 matters

  • Psalms 34:20 clarifies that God’s protection is not just general but extends to every detail, using the image of bones as a symbol for the whole person.
  • This verse is part of a larger passage where David describes God’s faithfulness in delivering those who trust Him, reinforcing the theme of God’s attentive care.
  • The verse is sometimes linked to later biblical references, but in its original setting, it simply expresses David’s confidence in God’s ability to protect the faithful from harm.

Where else these words appear

“them” Hebrew H2007 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 6:2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 5:6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.

“bones” Hebrew H6106 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • 1 Kings 13:31 And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones:
  • Proverbs 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

“broken” Hebrew H7665 · used in 145 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Psalms 37:15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
  • Jeremiah 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: