Psalms 45:9

Authorized King James Version

Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּנ֣וֹת
daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#2
מְ֭לָכִים
Kings
a king
#3
בְּיִקְּרוֹתֶ֑יךָ
were among thy honourable women
valuable (objectively or subjectively)
#4
נִצְּבָ֥ה
did stand
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#5
שֵׁגַ֥ל
the queen
a queen (from cohabitation)
#6
לִֽ֝ימִינְךָ֗
upon 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
#7
בְּכֶ֣תֶם
in gold
properly, something carved out, i.e., ore; hence, gold (pure as originally mined)
#8
אוֹפִֽיר׃
of Ophir
ophir, the name of a son of joktan, and of a gold region in the east

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection