Psalms 45

1 For the Leader; upon Shoshannim; a Psalm of the sons of Korah. Maschil. A Song of loves. My heart overfloweth with a goodly matter; I say: 'My work is concerning a king'; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

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 fairer than the children of men; grace is poured upon thy lips; therefore God hath 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 mighty one, thy glory and thy majesty.

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

4 And in thy majesty prosper, ride on, in behalf of truth and meekness and righteousness; and let thy right hand teach thee tremendous things.

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

5 Thine arrows are sharp — the peoples fall under thee — they sink into the heart of the king's enemies.

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

6 Thy throne given of God is for ever and ever; a sceptre of equity is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

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 righteousness, and hated wickedness; 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 aloes, and cassia are all thy garments; out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made thee glad.

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

9 Kings' daughters are among thy favourites; at thy right hand doth stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

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 consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own 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 So shall the king desire thy beauty; for he is thy lord; and do homage unto him.

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

12 And, O daughter of Tyre, the richest of the people shall entreat thy favour with a gift.'

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

13 All glorious is the king's daughter within the palace; her raiment is of chequer work inwrought with gold.

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

14 She shall be led unto the king on richly woven stuff; the virgins her companions in her train being brought unto thee.

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

15 They shall be led with gladness and rejoicing; they shall enter into the king's palace.

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

16 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy sons, whom thou shalt make princes in all the land.

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

17 I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations; therefore shall the peoples praise thee for ever and ever.

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