King James Version

What Does Psalms 45:3 Mean?

“Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.”

Context

To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. 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. Maschil: or, of instruction is inditing: Heb. boileth, or, bubbleth up

Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.

And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. ride: Heb. prosper thou, ride thou

Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Gird thy sword . . . O most mighty.**—Or, perhaps, *Gird on thy sword in hero guise; *or, *Gird on thy hero’s sword. *The object of the poet’s praise is as heroic in war as he is beautiful in person. **With thy glory and thy majesty.**—This adverbial use of the accusatives may be right, but it seems better to take them in apposition with sword. His weapon was the monarch’s glory and pride. Some commentators see here a reference to the custom of girding on the sword said to be still observed at the elevation to the throne of a Persian or Ottoman prince. But the next verse shows that we have rather an ideal picture of the royal bridegroom’s prowess in war.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 45:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.