Psalms 34:18
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
King James Version
World English Bible (WEB)
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.
What this verse means
God is described as especially near to people whose hearts are breaking.
A short prayer
Lord, my heart is heavy. Come near, as You promised, and hold what I cannot.
Read in context — Psalms 34
16The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
20He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Related verses
“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”Psalms 27:14
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”Psalms 37:4
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”Psalms 46:1
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”Romans 12:2
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”Romans 15:13