Psalm 45:2

My Heart Is Stirred by a Noble Theme · Psalm 45:1–17
Read Psalm 45

Translations

Modern
You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.
Traditional
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
Literal
You are beautiful above the sons of man; favor is poured out from your lips; upon thus God has blessed you forever.
Latin
Speciosus forma præ filiis hominum, diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis: propterea benedixit te Deus in æternum.

Original

Hebrew
English
You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.

Notes

This general description of the king’s symbolic status anticipates his enduring legacy (Psalm 45:16). The Lord’s blessing and the charge to reflect God’s attributes are symbolized by his handsome appearance and gracious speech.

This psalm celebrates a royal wedding; it might have been sung on many occasions and not just at one wedding. As God’s representative, the king carried the responsibility of dispensing justice and maintaining order in God’s world (see Psalm 2).

Theme notes and profiles

Royal Psalms

Parallels

1 Kings 3:1–15 2 Chronicles 1:1–13 Psalm 72:1–20

Glossary

David Korahite, Korathite Music Numbers, Book of Poetry, Biblical Psalms, Book of Shoshannim, Shoshannim-Eduth Song of Solomon

Topics

Grace: Christ Spoke With Jesus, the Christ: Perfections of not Classified Under Foregoing Topics Preciousness of Christ: On Account of His: Excellence and Grace Solomon: A |Type| of Christ The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Fulness of his Grace and Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Blessed of God the King Christ: Foretold Women of the Body (Ekklesia) of Christ