The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 45
In brief
Psalm 45 is a song composed for a royal wedding, attributed to the sons of Korah. The author compares himself to a skilled writer celebrating a king who is brave, handsome, just and loved by God, then he addresses the bride. The New Testament applies it to Christ (Hebrews 1:8-9), the eternal King whose bride is the Church.
The chapter in 3 parts
1My heart overflows with a noble theme. I recite my verses for the king. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.
2You are the most excellent of the sons of men. Grace has anointed your lips, therefore God has blessed you forever.
3Strap your sword on your thigh, mighty one: your splendor and your majesty.
4In your majesty ride on victoriously on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness. Let your right hand display awesome deeds.
5Your arrows are sharp. The nations fall under you, with arrows in the heart of the king’s enemies.
6Your throne, God, is forever and ever. A scepter of equity is the scepter of your kingdom.
7You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
8All your garments smell like myrrh, aloes, and cassia. Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made you glad.
9Kings’ daughters are among your honorable women. At your right hand the queen stands in gold of Ophir.
10Listen, daughter, consider, and turn your ear. Forget your own people, and also your father’s house.
11So the king will desire your beauty, honor him, for he is your lord.
12The daughter of Tyre comes with a gift. The rich among the people entreat your favor.
13The princess inside is all glorious. Her clothing is interwoven with gold.
14She shall be led to the king in embroidered work. The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you.
15With gladness and rejoicing they shall be led. They shall enter into the king’s palace.
16Your sons will take the place of your fathers. You shall make them princes in all the earth.
17I will make your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever.
Key verses
My heart overflows with a noble theme. I recite my verses for the king. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.
The author begins by saying that his heart overflows and that his tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer. It is the expression of a praise that aims to be carefully made.
Your throne, God, is forever and ever. A scepter of equity is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
The king is called God, his throne is everlasting and his scepter is a scepter of equity. The letter to the Hebrews (1:8-9) applies these verses to Jesus Christ.
Listen, daughter, consider, and turn your ear. Forget your own people, and also your father’s house. So the king will desire your beauty, honor him, for he is your lord.
The queen is invited to forget her father's house and give herself to her king. Christian tradition hears in it the call of the Church to be devoted to Christ.
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Frequently asked questions about Psalm 45
What does Psalm 45 mean?
Psalm 45 is a royal wedding song that praises a king for his beauty, his justice and his victory, then addresses his bride. Historically, it celebrates a king of Israel. The New Testament authors also see in it an announcement of Christ, the eternal King whose bride is the Church.
Who wrote Psalm 45?
The title links it to the sons of Korah, Levite singers. The king it speaks of is not named, and commentators have proposed Solomon or another king of Judah or Israel. The psalm was kept in the collection because its theme went beyond the wedding of a single day.
How can I meditate on Psalm 45?
Read verses 1 to 9 thinking of Jesus and note his qualities: truth, gentleness, justice. Then read verses 10 and 11 as a personal invitation to give him first place. Finally, you can put your own praise into words, like the skillful writer of verse 1.
Articles quoting Psalm 45
World English Bible translation — public domain.