The term "broken-hearted" refers to a state of deep emotional pain and distress, often resulting from loss, betrayal, or profound disappointment. In the Bible, the broken-hearted are frequently mentioned as individuals who are in need of God's comfort, healing, and restoration. The Scriptures provide numerous references to God's compassion and care for those who are broken-hearted, emphasizing His role as a healer and comforter.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 34:18 · "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." This verse highlights God's proximity to those who are suffering emotionally. It assures believers that God is not distant but is intimately aware of their pain and is ready to offer salvation and comfort.

2. Psalm 147:3 · "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Here, the psalmist speaks of God's active role in healing. The imagery of binding up wounds suggests a tender and careful process of restoration, indicating that God is attentive to the specific needs of the broken-hearted.

3. Isaiah 61:1 · "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners." This prophetic passage, later quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18, underscores the mission of the Messiah to address the needs of the broken-hearted, among others. It reflects God's overarching plan of redemption and restoration.

4. Matthew 5:4 · "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." In the Beatitudes, Jesus promises comfort to those who are mourning, which includes the broken-hearted. This assurance is part of the broader message of hope and blessing for those who suffer.

5. Luke 4:18 · "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed." Jesus identifies His mission with the prophecy from Isaiah, emphasizing His role in bringing healing and liberation to those who are broken-hearted and oppressed.

Theological Insights:

The broken-hearted are often depicted as those who are humble and contrite, recognizing their need for God. This state of brokenness can lead to a deeper reliance on God and a more profound experience of His grace and mercy. The Bible consistently portrays God as a refuge and strength for those who are emotionally wounded, offering hope and renewal.

In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry is characterized by His compassion for the broken-hearted. He reaches out to those who are marginalized, afflicted, and in despair, offering them healing and new life. This reflects the heart of God, who desires to restore and redeem His people.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to seek God's presence and comfort in times of emotional distress. The church is also called to be a community that supports and uplifts the broken-hearted, reflecting God's love and compassion. Through prayer, fellowship, and acts of kindness, Christians can embody the healing presence of Christ to those who are suffering.

The concept of being broken-hearted serves as a reminder of the human condition and the need for divine intervention. It points to the hope that is found in Christ, who promises to heal and restore all who come to Him with a contrite heart.(a.) Having the spirits depressed or crushed by grief or despair.7665. shabar -- to break, break in pieces
... break down, off, in pieces, up, brokenhearted, bring to the birth, crush ... or figuratively)
-- break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken((-hearted)), bring to the ...
/hebrew/7665.htm - 6k

3820. leb -- inner man, mind, will, heart
... from the same as lebab Definition inner man, mind, will, heart NASB Word Usage accord
(1), attention (4), attention* (1), bravest* (1), brokenhearted* (3), care ...
/hebrew/3820.htm - 7k

A Broken-Hearted Father
... THE OLD TESTAMENT A BROKEN-HEARTED FATHER. After Absalom and all the men
of Israel crossed the Jordan, David counted the troops who ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a broken-hearted father.htm

Beauty for Ashes
... It comes from him who said, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me," "he hath sent
me to bind up the broken-hearted." Now, in a very inferior and subordinate ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/beauty for ashes.htm

Quotations from the Old Testament in the New.
... of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings
to the meek: he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxix quotations from the.htm

Christ's Hospital
... If there is a broken-hearted person anywhere about, many people despise him. ... In
a great many cases people despair of the broken-hearted ones. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/christs hospital.htm

God's Cup of Myrrh
... Here share, O my Lord, Thy rejection,. Ere I sit on Thy throne with Thee. I see
Thee alone, broken-hearted,. Of comforters findest Thou none; ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter liii gods cup of.htm

A Defaulter's Confession.
... One week ago I preached on the text, "Christ came to heal the broken-hearted." I
told you just before I came down that I had received a letter from a broken ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/a defaulters confession.htm

Reaping the Whirlwind.
... deserted long years ago, that he had been gone but a few months before his father
was confined to his house; and very soon after died broken-hearted, and that ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/reaping the whirlwind.htm

Broken Hearts.
... The next home I entered I found a woman crushed and broken-hearted. She told me
her boy had forsaken her, and she had no idea where he had gone. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/broken hearts.htm

Messiah Unpitied, and Without a Comforter
... 13:7). This rebuke broke His heart. Let broken-hearted sinners look, by
faith, upon a broken-hearted Saviour. The phrase denotes ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xxii messiah unpitied and.htm

The Morning Breaketh
... cheer. The Prophet Isaiah in this particular part of his prophecy seems to
be almost broken-hearted because of the sin of the people. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the morning breaketh.htm

Brokenhearted (5 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BROKENHEARTED. ... Compare "of contrite spirit" (Psalm
31:18 Isaiah 66:2). Multi-Version Concordance Brokenhearted (5 Occurrences). ...
/b/brokenhearted.htm - 8k

Broken-hearted (5 Occurrences)
Broken-hearted. Brokenhearted, Broken-hearted. Brokenness . Noah Webster's
Dictionary ... (BBE). Brokenhearted, Broken-hearted. Brokenness . Reference Bible
/b/broken-hearted.htm - 8k

Liberty (32 Occurrences)
... Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach
the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach ...
/l/liberty.htm - 20k

Freedom (45 Occurrences)
... The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because I am marked out by him to give good news
to the poor; he has sent me to make well those who are broken-hearted; to say ...
/f/freedom.htm - 21k

Captives (69 Occurrences)
... He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives,
recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, (WEB KJV ASV ...
/c/captives.htm - 29k

Release (61 Occurrences)
... He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives,
recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, (WEB WEY ASV ...
/r/release.htm - 26k

Preach (72 Occurrences)
... He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives,
recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, (WEB KJV ASV ...
/p/preach.htm - 28k

Oppressed (81 Occurrences)
... He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives,
recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, (See NAS RSV ...
/o/oppressed.htm - 31k

Wounded (114 Occurrences)
... The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because I am marked out by him to give good news
to the poor; he has sent me to make well those who are broken-hearted; to say ...
/w/wounded.htm - 37k

Recovering (3 Occurrences)
... He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives,
recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, (WEB KJV ASV ...
/r/recovering.htm - 7k

What does the Bible say about brokenness? | GotQuestions.org

How can I heal from the hurt of a broken relationship? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus