Psalms 45

1 Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, for the sons of Core, for understanding. A canticle for the Beloved. My heart hath uttered a good word I speak my works to the king; My tongue is the pen of a scrivener that writeth swiftly.

For the music director. To the tune “Lilies.” A psalm (maskil) of the sons of Korah. A love song. I am moved to write about this wonderful subject. Let me share what I have written for the king. What I say comes from the pen of a skilled author.

2 Thou art beautiful above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in thy lips; therefore hath God blessed thee for ever.

You are more handsome than anyone else. You always speak graciously, for God has blessed you forever.

3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O thou most mighty.

Strap on your sword, mighty warrior, stride out in glory and majesty!

4 With thy comeliness and thy beauty set out, proceed prosperously, and reign. Because of truth and meekness and justice: and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully.

In your majesty ride out to victory, in the defense of truth, humility, and right, because you are strong and act powerfully.

5 Thy arrows are sharp: under thee shall people fall, into the hearts of the king’s enemies.

Your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of your enemies; the nations fall under you.

6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a sceptre of uprightness.

Your throne comes from God, and lasts forever and ever. The scepter with which you rule is a scepter of fairness.

7 Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

You love what is right and hate what is wrong. That is why God, your God, has placed you above everyone else by anointing you with the oil of joy.

8 Myrrh and stacte and cassia perfume thy garments, from the ivory houses: out of which

Your robes are perfumed with aloes, myrrh, and cassia; music played on stringed instruments in palaces decorated with ivory makes you happy.

9 The daughters of kings have delighted thee in thy glory. The queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing; surrounded with variety.

The daughters of kings are among the noblewomen; the queen stands beside you on your right, wearing jewelry made of gold from Ophir.

10 Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thy ear: and forget thy people and thy father’s house.

Listen to what I have to say, daughter; please pay attention. Don't pine for your people and your family.

11 And the king shall greatly desire thy beauty; for he is the Lord thy God, and him they shall adore.

May the king desire you in your beauty; respect him, for he is your lord.

12 And the daughters of Tyre with gifts, yea, all the rich among the people, shall entreat thy countenance.

The people of Tyre will come with gifts; rich people will look for your favor.

13 All the glory of the king’s daughter is within in golden borders,

Inside her preparation room the princess bride looks wonderful in her golden gown.

14 Clothed round about with varieties. After her shall virgins be brought to the king: her neighbours shall be brought to thee.

Wearing her beautiful clothes she is brought to the king, followed by her bridesmaids.

15 They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: they shall be brought into the temple of the king.

What a happy, joyful procession enters the king's palace!

16 Instead of thy fathers, sons are born to thee: thou shalt make them princes over all the earth.

Your sons will take the place of your fathers; as princes you will make them rulers throughout the land.

17 They shall remember thy name throughout all generations. Therefore shall people praise thee for ever; yea, for ever and ever.

Through my words you will be famous through all generations, and nations will praise you forever and ever.