Psalms 45:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רָ֘חַ֤שׁ
H7370
is inditing
to gush
#2
לִבִּ֨י׀
H3820
My heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#3
דָּ֘בָ֤ר
H1697
matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
ט֗וֹב
H2896
a good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#5
אֹמֵ֣ר
H559
I speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אָ֭נִי
H589
i
#7
מַעֲשַׂ֣י
H4639
of the things which I have made
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#8
לְמֶ֑לֶךְ
H4428
touching the king
a king
#9
לְ֝שׁוֹנִ֗י
H3956
my tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#10
עֵ֤ט׀
H5842
is the pen
a stylus or marking stick
#11
סוֹפֵ֬ר
H5608
writer
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#12
מָהִֽיר׃
H4106
of a ready
quick; hence, skilful

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection