Psalms 45:1-9

For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song.

1 ^[a][b]My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

2 You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.

3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.

4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.

5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.

6 Your throne, O God,^[c] will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.

9 Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.

Psalms 45:1 in Other Translations

1 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

1 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

1 Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.

1 My heart bursts its banks, spilling beauty and goodness. I pour it out in a poem to the king, shaping the river into words:

1 My heart is moved by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

Psalms 45:1-9 In-Context

1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

2 You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.

3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.

4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.

5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.

6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.

9 Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.

10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house.

11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.

12 The city of Tyre will come with a gift,people of wealth will seek your favor.

13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold.

Cross References

• 1. Luke 4:22
• 2. Psalms 21:6
• 3. S Deuteronomy 32:41; Psalms 149:6; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16
• 4. S 2 Samuel 1:19; Isaiah 9:6
• 5. S Job 40:10; S Psalms 21:5
• 6. Revelation 6:2
• 7. Zephaniah 2:3
• 8. Psalms 21:8
• 9. S Deuteronomy 4:34; Psalms 65:5; Psalms 66:3
• 10. S Deuteronomy 32:23
• 11. S Numbers 24:8
• 12. Psalms 9:13; Psalms 92:9
• 13. S Genesis 21:33; Lamentations 5:19; Psalms 93:2; Psalms 98:9
• 14. Psalms 33:5
• 15. S Psalms 11:5
• 16. Psalms 2:2; Isaiah 45:1; Isaiah 61:1; Zechariah 4:14
• 17. S Psalms 23:5; Psalms 21:6; Hebrews 1:8-9*
• 18. Proverbs 27:9; Song of Songs 1:3; Song of Songs 4:10
• 19. S Genesis 37:25
• 20. S Numbers 24:6; John 19:39
• 21. S Exodus 30:24
• 22. S 1 Kings 22:39
• 23. Psalms 144:9; Psalms 150:4; Isaiah 38:20
• 24. Song of Songs 6:8
• 25. 1 Kings 2:19
• 26. Isaiah 62:5
• 27. S Genesis 10:29

Footnotes

• [a]. In Hebrew texts 45:1-17 is numbered 45:2-18.
• [b]. Title: Probably a literary or musical term
• [c]. Here the king is addressed as God’s representative.