Psalms 45:4

Authorized King James Version

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And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

Original Language Analysis

וַהֲדָ֬רְךָ֙׀ And in thy majesty H1926
וַהֲדָ֬רְךָ֙׀ And in thy majesty
Strong's: H1926
Word #: 1 of 11
magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor
צְלַ֬ח prosperously H6743
צְלַ֬ח prosperously
Strong's: H6743
Word #: 2 of 11
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
רְכַ֗ב ride H7392
רְכַ֗ב ride
Strong's: H7392
Word #: 3 of 11
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
עַֽל H5921
עַֽל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 4 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דְּבַר because H1697
דְּבַר because
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 5 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֱ֭מֶת of truth H571
אֱ֭מֶת of truth
Strong's: H571
Word #: 6 of 11
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
וְעַנְוָה and meekness H6037
וְעַנְוָה and meekness
Strong's: H6037
Word #: 7 of 11
mildness (royal); also (concretely) oppressed
צֶ֑דֶק and righteousness H6664
צֶ֑דֶק and righteousness
Strong's: H6664
Word #: 8 of 11
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
וְתוֹרְךָ֖ shall teach H3384
וְתוֹרְךָ֖ shall teach
Strong's: H3384
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
נוֹרָא֣וֹת thee terrible things H3372
נוֹרָא֣וֹת thee terrible things
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 10 of 11
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
יְמִינֶֽךָ׃ and thy right hand H3225
יְמִינֶֽךָ׃ and thy right hand
Strong's: H3225
Word #: 11 of 11
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

Analysis & Commentary

The king rides prosperously 'because of truth and meekness and righteousness.' These virtues--truth, meekness, and righteousness--characterize the ideal ruler. His 'right hand shall teach thee terrible things,' indicating that justice, not mere power, guides his warfare. The king fights for moral causes, not mere conquest.

Historical Context

This verse distinguishes Israel's ideal king from typical ancient Near Eastern despots who fought for expansion and plunder. The Davidic king was to embody covenant virtues and execute justice.

Questions for Reflection