Bible Dictionary
BROKENHEARTED
The brokenhearted are those who recognize their spiritual poverty and helplessness and long for God’s mercy and salvation. Scripture presents them as humble and contrite people whom God is ready to comfort and bless.
Definition
The brokenhearted are people who recognize their spiritual poverty and helplessness and long for God’s help and salvation. Their brokenness is a condition of humility and contrition rather than mere emotional distress.
Biblical Usage
Scripture presents the brokenhearted as people whom God meets and blesses. The expression is associated with a broken or contrite heart and spirit, and with God’s healing and saving care.
Historical Background
The Hebrew and Greek expressions describe a heart that has been broken or crushed. The supplied passages connect this condition with contrition and spiritual dependence upon God.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bro'-k'-n-har-ted (shabhar lebh; suntetrimmenoi ten kardian; Ps 69:20,21; Isa 61:1; Lu 4:18 the King James Version; "of a broken heart," Ps 34:18; "broken in heart," Ps 147:3): People who feel their spiritual bankruptcy and helplessness, and who long for the help and salvation of God. Such people are in the right condition to be met and blessed by God. Compare "of contrite spirit" (Ps 31:18; Isa 66:2).</p>