What does Psalm 45:11 mean?

Scripture often uses marriage terminology to parallel the relationship between Christ and His church (John 3:29; Revelation 21:9; 22:17). This psalm was initially meant for the wedding of a king (Psalm 45:1, 9). However, it also provides prophecies explaining the ministry of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Psalm 45:6–7; Hebrews 1:8–9). The psalmist tells the king's bride that the king desires her beauty.

The King of kings, the Lord Jesus, looks upon His bride, the Church, as beautiful. By saving Christians, He has removed the ugliness of sin and made them beautiful. Isaiah 61:3 promises that the Lord gives His people "a beautiful headdress instead of ashes." Ephesians 5:25–27 explains that Christ gave Himself for the Church to separate her from the world and bring her to Himself. When Jesus comes in the air to take His bride, the Church, to Heaven, she will be "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:27). Today, Christians struggle against sin, but they will be free from sin when Jesus claims His bride (1 John 1:8—2:6; 3:2). Jude 1:24–25 praises God for this reality: "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."

Further, the bride is told that she should recognize her husband-king as her lord (1 Peter 3:6; Ephesians 5:21–24, 33). In other words, she should honor him with full devotion (Luke 16:13; Hebrews 12:28; Isaiah 8:13; Revelation 4:11).