Psalms 45:4

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַהֲדָ֬רְךָ֙׀

H1926

And in thy majesty

magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor

צְלַ֬ח

H6743

prosperously

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

רְכַ֗ב

H7392

ride

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עַֽל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דְּבַר

H1697

because

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֱ֭מֶת

H571

of truth

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

וְעַנְוָה

H6037

and meekness

mildness (royal); also (concretely) oppressed

צֶ֑דֶק

H6664

and righteousness

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

וְתוֹרְךָ֖

H3384

shall teach

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

#10

נוֹרָא֣וֹת

H3372

thee terrible things

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#11

יְמִינֶֽךָ׃

H3225

and thy right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 45 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?