Psalms 45:13

KJV

The king's daughter [is] all glorious within: her clothing [is] of wrought gold.

KJV (with Strong's)

The king's {H4428} daughter {H1323} is all glorious {H3520} within {H6441}: her clothing {H3830} is of wrought {H4865} gold {H2091}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Inside [the palace], the king's daughter looks splendid, attired in checker-work embroidered with gold.

Berean Standard Bible

All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold.

American Standard Version

The king’s daughter within the palace is all glorious: Her clothing is inwrought with gold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 45:13 vividly portrays the radiant splendor of the king's daughter, a central figure in this royal wedding psalm. The verse declares her "all glorious within," emphasizing an intrinsic, internal beauty and character that is foundational. Simultaneously, it notes her "clothing [is] of wrought gold," signifying her outward magnificence, royal status, and immense value. This verse masterfully blends the essential nature of inner virtue with the complementary display of external honor, offering profound insights into true glory, whether applied to an earthly queen or, more significantly, to the Church as the glorious bride of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 45 is uniquely designated as a "Maskil" (an instructive psalm) and "A Song of Loves," indicating its didactic and celebratory nature. It functions as a royal wedding psalm, addressed first to the king (verses 1-9) and then shifting focus to the queen (verses 10-17). The psalmist's heart overflows with a "good theme" concerning the king, whose majesty and righteous reign are extolled. Verses 6-7 are particularly significant for Christian interpretation, as they are directly quoted in [Hebrews 1:8-9](/hebrews/1-8-9 "Hebrews 1:8-9 - God's Son Superior to Angels"), applying them unequivocally to Christ, thus establishing the psalm's profound messianic undertones. Following the description of the king, the narrative shifts to the bride in verse 9, leading into her elaborate preparation and presentation. Psalms 45:13 specifically details her personal and adorned beauty as she is prepared to enter the king's presence, setting the stage for her joyful procession described in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical occasion for Psalms 45 remains a subject of scholarly debate (with suggestions ranging from Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter to other royal unions), it undeniably reflects the grandeur and customs of ancient Near Eastern royal weddings. Such events were not merely private affairs but significant state occasions, often involving elaborate processions, rich attire, and public celebration to solidify political alliances and display national prosperity. Kings frequently took foreign princesses as wives to forge alliances, and these brides would be adorned in the finest garments and jewels, reflecting the wealth and status of both their own kingdom and their new husband's. The imagery of "wrought gold" speaks to the pinnacle of ancient craftsmanship and luxury, signifying immense value and status in a culture where gold was a primary symbol of wealth, purity, and even divinity.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 45 contributes to several key themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **divine kingship and righteousness**, portraying an ideal king whose throne is eternal and who loves righteousness and hates wickedness. These attributes find their ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, echoing prophecies found in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign"). Secondly, the psalm explores the theme of **beauty and adornment**, making a crucial distinction between inner glory and outward splendor. This concept finds profound theological resonance in the New Testament's emphasis on spiritual transformation over superficial external display, as articulated in [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3-4 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - True Adornment"). Finally, and most profoundly for Christian interpretation, the psalm introduces the **messianic wedding motif**, foreshadowing the ultimate union of Christ with His Church. It portrays the Church as a glorious bride prepared for her King, a theme fully developed in the eschatological vision of [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Wedding Supper of the Lamb").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glorious (Hebrew, _kᵉbûwddâh'_):** From H3520, this term denotes "weightiness, magnificence, wealth." It signifies intrinsic dignity, splendor, and excellence. When applied to the king's daughter, it emphasizes her inherent worth and substantial beauty, which is not superficial but deeply rooted in her being. It suggests a character of integrity, virtue, and spiritual richness that commands respect and admiration.
* **Within (Hebrew, _pᵉnîymâh'_):** From H6441, this adverb literally means "faceward, indoors, inward." Its placement immediately following "glorious" ("all glorious within") powerfully directs the reader's attention away from external show and towards the internal essence of the bride's beauty. This internal glory is presented as foundational and primary, the source from which any outward splendor flows or is complemented, highlighting the preeminence of inner character.
* **Wrought (Hebrew, _mishbᵉtsâh'_):** From H4865, this word refers to "a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem." It implies intricate craftsmanship, meticulous design, and high artistic skill. When applied to gold clothing, it describes garments that are not merely made of gold but are exquisitely fashioned, interwoven with golden threads, or adorned with golden settings, signifying the highest quality and immense value.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king's daughter [is] all glorious within:"** This clause presents the primary aspect of the bride's splendor. The phrase "all glorious" (or "her glory") combined with "within" highlights that her true beauty and worth are not superficial but originate from her inner character, virtue, and spiritual essence. This internal glory is paramount, suggesting a heart and spirit aligned with righteousness and purity, an intrinsic and unblemished dignity that is the source of her radiance.
* **"her clothing [is] of wrought gold."** This second clause complements the first, describing the bride's outward adornment. The "clothing of wrought gold" signifies magnificent, meticulously crafted attire, reflecting her royal status, immense value, and the honor bestowed upon her. This outward splendor is not merely for show but serves as a visible manifestation of her internal glory and her position as the King's beloved. It suggests a garment of the highest quality, symbolizing purity, preciousness, and the lavish provision of the King.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 45:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident in the juxtaposition of "glorious within" and "clothing [is] of wrought gold," creating a complementary relationship between inner character and outer adornment. This is a form of synthetic parallelism, where the second clause expands upon and complements the first, illustrating how outer splendor can serve to reflect and enhance inner glory. **Symbolism** is richly present throughout the verse: the "king's daughter" symbolizes the bride, often interpreted messianically as the Church. "Gold" universally symbolizes purity, divinity, and immense value, emphasizing the preciousness and purified nature of the bride. The phrase "wrought gold" further enhances this, symbolizing intricate care, high quality, and a royal standard of excellence. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a picture of a resplendent bride whose inner radiance shines through, complemented by her magnificent, costly attire, creating a holistic image of beauty, dignity, and worth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 45:13 offers profound theological insights into the nature of true beauty and worth, moving beyond mere external appearance to emphasize the primacy of inner character. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, asserting that genuine glory stems from a transformed heart and spirit. The dual emphasis on internal "glory within" and external "wrought gold" clothing provides a powerful paradigm for understanding how spiritual reality should manifest in outward expression. Theologically, this verse points to the Church as the bride of Christ, whose inner sanctification and righteousness are the true source of her beauty, complemented by the imputed righteousness of Christ and the good works that flow from a life lived in union with Him, which serve as a visible testimony to her King.

* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3-4 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - True Adornment"): "Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
* [Revelation 19:7-8](/revelation/19-7-8 "Revelation 19:7-8 - The Wedding Supper of the Lamb"): "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints."
* [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church"): "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 45:13 provides a timeless blueprint for understanding true beauty and worth, challenging us to prioritize the cultivation of our inner lives. In a world often obsessed with external appearances, this verse reminds us that genuine glory emanates from within—from a heart transformed by God, filled with His Spirit, and adorned with virtues like humility, integrity, and love. Our "glorious within" is cultivated through a deepening relationship with Christ, through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and obedient submission to His commands. While outward expressions of faith and good works are important, they are meant to be an authentic reflection of this inner reality, much like the "wrought gold" clothing complements the inner glory of the king's daughter. As believers, we are called to live lives that honor God not just in visible acts, but primarily in the hidden recesses of our hearts, knowing that our true value and beauty are found in our union with Christ and the righteousness He imparts. Our outward conduct, our "clothing of wrought gold," should therefore be a consistent and authentic expression of the precious, purified spiritual reality within us, testifying to the King who has made us His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I prioritize the cultivation of my "glorious within" over external appearances or achievements in my daily life?**
* **In what ways does my "clothing of wrought gold"—my outward conduct and actions—authentically reflect the inner transformation God is working in me?**
* **What specific virtues or character traits do I need to ask the Holy Spirit to develop in me so that my inner glory might shine more brightly?**

### FAQ

**Is Psalms 45:13 only about an earthly queen, or does it have a deeper meaning?**

Answer: While Psalms 45 was likely composed for a specific earthly royal wedding, its language, themes, and application by New Testament writers transcend the immediate historical context. Christian tradition, supported by the New Testament's direct application of other parts of Psalms 45 to Christ (e.g., [Hebrews 1:8-9](/hebrews/1-8-9 "Hebrews 1:8-9 - God's Son Superior to Angels")), widely interprets this psalm messianically. In this deeper sense, the "king" is Christ, and the "king's daughter" or bride symbolizes the Church. Thus, Psalms 45:13 speaks not only of the beauty of an earthly queen but prefigures the spiritual glory and adornment of the Church, the bride of Christ, both internally (through sanctification and imputed righteousness) and externally (through good works and faithful witness).

**What does "glorious within" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers, "glorious within" speaks to the profound spiritual transformation that occurs through faith in Christ. It refers to the "hidden person of the heart" (as described in [1 Peter 3:4](/1_peter/3-4 "1 Peter 3:4 - True Adornment")), which is renewed and made beautiful by the indwelling Holy Spirit. This inner glory encompasses virtues like humility, integrity, love, purity of motive, and a spirit of worship. It is the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and the righteousness that flows from a life lived in communion with Him. It emphasizes that our true worth and beauty in God's eyes are not based on outward show or human achievements, but on the condition of our heart and our intimate relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 45:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and His relationship with the Church, His beloved bride. The "King" of Psalms 45 is perfectly embodied in Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose throne is forever and ever, as affirmed in [Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Throne"). The "king's daughter," glorious within and clothed in wrought gold, beautifully foreshadows the Church, whom Christ has chosen and redeemed. Her "glory within" symbolizes the Church's spiritual purity and righteousness, not earned by human merit but imputed by Christ through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, making her holy and blameless before God (as seen in [Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciled in Christ")). This inner glory is further cultivated by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, conforming believers to the image of Christ ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to Christ's Image")). Her "clothing of wrought gold" represents the divine righteousness of Christ that covers His people, described in [Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - The Righteous Acts of the Saints") as "fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." This speaks to both the imputed righteousness of Christ and the good works that flow from a Spirit-filled life, which are themselves a gift from God ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")). Ultimately, Psalms 45:13 paints a picture of the glorious Church, presented by Christ to Himself, without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish, prepared for the eternal wedding feast of the Lamb ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Presents the Church as Glorious")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Revelation 19:7

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Revelation 19:8

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Romans 13:14

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

Luke 11:40

[Ye] fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

Romans 3:22

Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: