Psalm 34 (33):21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Conversely, might we understand it this way: when it refers to man, it signifies the soul and spirit; hence, the totality of a person is referenced through bodily components. Scripture often identifies the inner man, as seen in the statement: “The wise man's eyes are in his head” (Ecclesiastes 2:14), indicating that the inner wise man possesses discernment and wisdom. Similarly, Scripture employs the term “eyes” for both spiritual and physical perception, which is evident not only in the previously mentioned saying but also in: “The commandment of the Lord is bright, enlightening the eyes” (Psalm 18:9). How should we interpret the phrase: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8)? Clearly, those with discerning ears can perceive God’s words. However, what is declared to those lacking such ears? “Deaf, ye shall hear, and blind, ye shall see” (Isaiah 42:18). Additionally, “My mouth hath opened, and drawn the spirit” (Psalm 118:131) and “thou hast broken the teeth of sinners” (Psalm 3:8). All these expressions refer to the faculties engaged in the reception of spiritual nourishment and divine revelation. Likewise, expressions such as “my belly is sore unto me” (Jeremiah 4:19) and “the foot” of the righteous “shall not tread” (cf. Proverbs 3:23) pertain to the inner being. Along the same lines, we can envision within the inner man some metaphorical bones, serving to maintain the integrity and connectivity between the soul’s faculties. Just as bones provide protection to the soft tissues, there are individuals within the Church whose strength allows them to support the fragile. Furthermore, as bones are bound together through sinews and joints, so the bonds of love and peace within God’s Church create a similar unity among its spiritual members. The Prophet speaks of these bones, which seem to lose their structural integrity: “Our bones are wasted” “in hell” (cf. Psalm 140:7). When overwhelmed by distress and fear, he prays: “Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are crushed” (cf. Psalm 6:3). However, when these bones, preserved by the Lord, remain in harmony, none will suffer fracture; instead, they are deemed worthy to proclaim God’s glory. “All my bones,” the Prophet declares, “say, Lord, Lord, who is like unto Thee?” (Psalm 34:10). Do you perceive that bones have even been granted the ability to express words? Perhaps the Church will echo this sentiment: “all my bones shall speak,” alluding to the Sacrament of the Resurrection. As it is written: “Behold, the Lord saith unto these bones: behold, I will put into you the spirit of life, and I will give you veins, and I will put flesh upon you... and ye shall live, and shall be made alive, and shall be led away, because I am the Lord” (cf. Ezekiel 37:5-6). These bones, having received life and offering praise to the Resurrector, “say, ‘Lord, Lord, who is like You?

3:8); again, 'My soul is distressed' (Jeremiah 4:19); and concerning the feet, 'Your foot will not stumble' (Proverbs 3:23), and similar expressions signifying the faculties of the soul. Therefore, in this context, as articulated by the learned Basil and Theodoret, bones represent thoughts that uphold and support the soul, much like bones provide stability and structure to the body. The Lord safeguards the thoughts of the righteous so that they may be pleasing to Him. None of their thoughts will be shattered by the onslaught of sin; hence it is written, 'The thoughts of the righteous are just' (Proverbs 12:5).

Basil also points out that for some martyrs, the tormentors shattered their legs and continually pierced their hands and heads; yet, who could argue that those who died as martyrs were not more righteous than all others? Cyril expounds on this, indicating that when referring to bones, it does not signify the physical body but rather the strength or resolve of the soul in performing good deeds. Thus, in those who indulge in sin and desire, it may appear as though the bones of their souls are broken; conversely, the Lord preserves the bones of the saints, ensuring that none will experience brokenness. Furthermore, Athanasius interprets bones as the faculties of the soul, encompassing truth, patience, piety, and all virtues.

The bones of the righteous are deemed incorruptible and safeguarded, indicating that regardless of their earthly fate, there will come a time when they will be revealed in their entirety and splendor. Despite the destruction of their bones and limbs to dust, consumed by beasts, submerged in the sea, or burned in fire, the Lord preserves them all within the depth of His Providence, ensuring none are completely lost. All will rise on the day of resurrection, restored and glorified. With certain qualifications, one can interpret this verse literally, recognizing that there were holy righteous individuals whom God kept wholly intact, allowing no part to be broken. The holy Prophet generalizes what applies to the few, as it is within the Lord’s power to do the same for all without contravening His just laws. The scriptures and the lives of the saints, particularly those of the martyrs, present numerous examples. God did not allow the youths in the furnace to be burned; many martyrs were unharmed by ferocious beasts, and others, though lifeless, had their bodies preserved against consumption. Some saints were not drowned, iron did not maim but was itself shattered, and other miraculous accounts echo this sentiment, exemplified by the words, “the Lord preserve all their bones.” An even more significant thought relates to the incorruption of holy relics. We witness how the bodies of saints, especially their bones, remain untouched by decay’s destructive force in this temporal world. In Russia, entire bodies remain impervious, and in the East, many bones show no signs of corruption, convincing observers of the miracle. Instances of incorruptible bones among the righteous can also be found in the Old Testament. Might these experiences be what the holy Prophet refers to in this verse? It is also valid to acknowledge interpretations that view these words figuratively, moving to the ethical disposition and inner structure of the righteous. In this light, this verse continues the notion from the preceding passage, which states that the Lord delivers the righteous from all tribulations by strengthening them to remain steadfast in their integrity amidst trials. Here, the same idea is presented through the imagery of unbroken bones. No matter the severity of the trial, the inner resilience of the righteous remains intact. They do not give in to cowardice, grumbling, or faltering in faith and trust. St. Basil the Great articulates this thought: “Shall we pause at the mere assertion that the bones, the supports of the flesh, will not be broken in the righteous?” How then can we reconcile the sufferings endured by martyrs, who suffered broken limbs and pierced bodies? Nevertheless, who would dispute that these martyrs were among the most righteous? Perhaps we should comprehend this in relation to the inner self. When we speak of man, we mean the soul and mind, with the faculties of the soul often paralleling body parts. For instance, “the eyes of the wise are in his head” (cf. Ecclesiastes 2:14) signifies wisdom and discernment. Thus, in the innermost being, we can envision something akin to bones that maintain the connection and structure among the soul's faculties. God preserves the bones of the righteous, signifying the preservation of their inner harmony despite external tribulations. This enables them to offer praise to the Lord from the depths of their being, echoing the sentiment found in another Psalm: “All my bones,” that is, all the faculties of my soul, “shall say, Lord, who is like unto Thee?” (cf. Ps. 34:10). Blessed Augustine echoes this notion by asserting that “the Lord will keep all their bones” should not be taken in a carnal sense; the bones represent the steadfastness of the faithful. Just as bones provide strength to the body, so unshakeable faith fortifies the Christian heart. Patience in faith serves as the inner bones, representing that which cannot be shattered. In Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the unbroken bones occurred literally; God preserved the bones of His Son, ensuring none were broken, as commanded regarding the lamb that prefigured Him (see Exodus 12:46). This promise, however, is spiritually fulfilled for the righteous. When we observe a saint undergoing severe torments, resulting in broken bones, we should not conclude that they lack righteousness. The Lord pledged to safeguard the bones of the righteous, affirming that none shall be broken. If we seek assurance that other bones are meant—those signifying the strength of faith, patience, and steadfastness amid suffering—let us reflect on Our Lord’s own trials. As He hung crucified between two robbers, one mocked Him while the other placed his faith in Him, facing the fate of condemnation for the former and justification for the latter, to whom the Lord proclaimed, “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Despite this, the soldiers broke the bones of the unrepentant thief while preserving the Lord’s bones. How does this reconcile with the assertion that “the Lord shall keep all their bones, not one of them shall be broken”? Surely, the Lord preserved the bones of the faithful thief; his faith remained unbroken despite the physical suffering his body endured.