Psalms 45:14
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
לִרְקָמוֹת֮
in raiment of needlework
H7553
לִרְקָמוֹת֮
in raiment of needlework
Strong's:
H7553
Word #:
1 of 8
variegation of color; specifically, embroidery
תּוּבַ֪ל
She shall be brought
H2986
תּוּבַ֪ל
She shall be brought
Strong's:
H2986
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp)
בְּתוּל֣וֹת
the virgins
H1330
בְּתוּל֣וֹת
the virgins
Strong's:
H1330
Word #:
4 of 8
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
אַ֭חֲרֶיהָ
that follow
H310
אַ֭חֲרֶיהָ
that follow
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:2For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.Exodus 28:39And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.Song of Solomon 8:13Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.Song of Solomon 6:8There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.Song of Solomon 2:7I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.Song of Solomon 6:13Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies.Song of Solomon 6:1Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.Judges 5:30Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?
Historical Context
Royal wedding processions were major public events, displaying wealth, honor, and the establishment of political alliances. The virgins following represent the bride's purity and the honor of her household.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the bridal procession imagery teach about the church's ultimate presentation to Christ?
- Who are the 'companions' that share in the bride's honor?
Analysis & Commentary
The bride is 'brought unto the king in raiment of needlework' with 'virgins her companions' following her. The processional image captures the joy and honor of being presented to the king. The companions share in her joy, anticipating the church's presentation to Christ without spot or wrinkle.