King James Version

What Does Psalms 45:13 Mean?

Psalms 45:13 in the King James Version says “The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.

Psalms 45:13 · KJV


Context

11

So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.

12

And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour. favour: Heb. face

13

The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.

14

She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

15

With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The king's daughter is 'all glorious within,' her clothing 'of wrought gold.' Internal glory precedes external adornment. The 'wrought gold' clothing represents costly beauty, but the emphasis on being 'glorious within' suggests moral and spiritual beauty as the foundation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Royal women in ancient courts wore elaborate, expensive garments. But this verse's emphasis on inner glory reflects Hebrew values that prioritized character over appearance (cf. Proverbs 31:30).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the verse emphasize that the bride is glorious 'within' before describing her clothing?
  2. How does the church become 'glorious within' before adorned externally?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כָּל1 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כְּבוּדָּ֣ה2 of 8

is all glorious

H3520

weightiness, i.e., magnificence, wealth

בַת3 of 8

daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

מֶ֣לֶךְ4 of 8

The king's

H4428

a king

פְּנִ֑ימָה5 of 8

within

H6441

faceward, i.e., indoors

מִֽמִּשְׁבְּצ֖וֹת6 of 8

is of wrought

H4865

a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem

זָהָ֣ב7 of 8

gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

לְבוּשָֽׁהּ׃8 of 8

her clothing

H3830

a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 45:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 45:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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