Psalms 45:3
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.
Original Language Analysis
חַרְבְּךָ֣
thy sword
H2719
חַרְבְּךָ֣
thy sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
2 of 7
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יָרֵ֣ךְ
upon thy thigh
H3409
יָרֵ֣ךְ
upon thy thigh
Strong's:
H3409
Word #:
4 of 7
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
Cross References
Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Revelation 1:16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.Revelation 19:15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.Isaiah 49:2And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;Psalms 21:5His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.Psalms 96:6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings were expected to be warriors. This royal psalm celebrates an actual king, probably at his wedding, while containing language that ultimately finds fulfillment only in the Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the warrior imagery apply to Christ's mission and return?
- What does it mean that divine titles are applied to the human king?
Analysis & Commentary
The king is told to 'Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty.' The 'sword' represents royal authority to execute justice, while 'most mighty' (gibbor) is a divine title applied to the Davidic king. 'Thy glory and thy majesty' describe the splendor appropriate to God's anointed, anticipating Christ's return in power and glory.