Not One Was Broken

Psalm 34:20

The human body consists of hundreds of bones. Most infants are born with around 300 bones, whereas adults have approximately 206 bones.[1] While human bones are also quite strong, the force to break them varies. For example, the femur (thigh bone) requires significantly more force to break than the bones in the finger. In the world of athletics, broken bones are common, with the shoulder being one of the more frequent injuries. Typically, all that it takes is a fall on the shoulder to break the collarbone. In one of the Bible’s prophecies about the death of the Messiah, it states that although the death would be cruel, it would not result in any bones being broken.

Psalm 34 is one of the many psalms written by David. The theme of the psalm is related to the Lord being both a provider and deliverer. In this comforting psalm, David describes how the Lord is good to His people (1-7). Additionally, he continues to strengthen and encourage with the reminder that the Lord blesses those who walk in His ways (8-22). It is here that we read the prophecy that many years later Jesus would fulfill literally.

“Under His wings I am safe­ly abid­ing,

 Though the night deep­ens and tem­pests are wild,

 Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,

 He has re­deemed me, and I am His child.”[2] 

In Psalm 34:19-20, David indicates that the Lord delivers His people from “out of all of their troubles.” This is a glorious reminder that the Lord may not keep us out of life’s troubles, but He most certainly delivers us out of them. Continuing in verse 20, David states that the Lord will keep or guard their bones. While the expression was a metaphor for David’s general protection, it became a literal, physical reality for Jesus. The Lord protects and ultimately preserves the righteous. The implication of the Lord’s care extends to us today.

“As many troubles as they experience, they need not be afraid, because they are not alone. The Lord will deliver his own.”[3] 

Years later, the prophecy would be literally fulfilled in the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. We find this in John 19:33-36. One might expect that at least one of Jesus’ bones would have been broken. But not even one of His bones was broken. God’s Word is once again shown to be exact and fulfilled to the smallest detail. Just as the psalmist states, “the entirety of Your Word is truth.”

In the early days of the Israelites, the Lord provided specific instructions to follow related to the observance of Passover. One of those instructions was that the Passover lamb must not have any broken bones. This was a foreshadowing of the true Passover Lamb, the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:7). In every detail, Scripture reminds us that God’s promises are sure and that the Lamb of God fulfilled them perfectly.

Lord, once again Your Word is shown to be precise down to the smallest of details. May I always be amazed at this, as well as grow in fully trusting it. Thank You that Jesus is the Lamb who took my sins away by faith alone in Him. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

[1] https://www.ucdavis.edu/research/labs-to-lives/blog/childrens-community-health/bone-basics. Accessed March 2026.

[2] William Cushing. “Under His Wings.”

[3] Willem A. VanGemeren. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary - Volume 5, pg. 285.