Psalm 45:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah; a love song. My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

NIV: For the director of music. To the tune of 'Lilies.' Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song. 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.

NASB: My heart is moved with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

CSB: 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.

NLT: 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.

KJV: {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.

NKJV: {To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.” A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love.} My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

This psalm begins with multiple notes describing its style and nature. A note directed to the "choir director" or "choirmaster" points to the Hebrew word sō'sannim, which might mean "lilies," and here seems to imply a particular tune or musical style. A maskiyl appears to be a reflective, pensive song. The "Sons of Korah" were likely a group heavily involved in musical worship. This is also titled as a "love song," or possibly "a wedding song." The text does not identify an exact wedding.

Scribes were known for careful and accurate work writing and copying manuscripts. The comparison to the work of a scribe means the psalmist thoughtfully prepared his song.

Though it is a marriage song written for some king (Psalm 45:9), its words prophetically explain the ministry of the King of kings: the Lord Jesus Christ. Prophetically, the marriage of Jesus and His bride, the Church, is in view. Ephesians 5:25–27 says, "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."

Psalm 45:1–5 begins the psalmist's joyful song of admiration. He extols his king as handsome, mighty, and victorious. Although a descendant of David is likely the main object of this adoration, the description fits Jesus, the King of kings. The following passage makes this identification clear.

The psalm begins with the exaggeration for effect common to love songs and works celebrating an earthly king. The groom is described as handsome, powerful, and graceful. The psalm also speaks of an eternal throne—this connects to prophecies about the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12–13; Hebrews 1:8–9). The Bible often uses marriage images to explain the relationship between Christ and the church, including songs such as this.

This psalm is often identified as a marriage song, likely ascribing praise to a descendant of David. However, its praise transcends a mortal ruler and his wedding. There are messianic interpretations, noted in the New Testament (Hebrews 1:8–9). These references provide another layer of meaning, as they praise the King of kings, Jesus Christ.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.