Psalms 45:2

Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Thou art fairer {H3302}{H8795)} than the children {H1121} of men {H120}: grace {H2580} is poured {H3332}{H8717)} into thy lips {H8193}: therefore God {H430} hath blessed {H1288}{H8765)} thee for ever {H5769}.

You are the most handsome of men; gracious speech flows from your lips. For God has blessed you forever.

You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever.

Thou art fairer than the children of men; Grace is poured into thy lips: Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Commentary

Psalm 45:2 is a verse from a royal psalm, traditionally understood as an epithalamium or wedding song for an Israelite king. However, its language describing unparalleled beauty, gracious speech, and eternal divine blessing has led to a strong and long-standing interpretation viewing it as a Messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ.

Context

Psalm 45 is unique, addressed "to the chief Musician upon Shoshannim," likely a musical instruction. It celebrates the king's splendor, his righteous rule, his military might, and his marriage to a foreign princess. This specific verse initiates the description of the king's excellence, highlighting his physical appearance and his words, setting the stage for the subsequent praise.

Key Themes

  • Unparalleled Excellence: The phrase "fairer than the children of men" emphasizes the exceptional beauty, dignity, and superiority of the subject being described, distinguishing him above all others.
  • Gracious Communication: "Grace is poured into thy lips" points to the captivating, favorable, and wise nature of his speech. His words carry favor and blessing.
  • Divine Blessing: The conclusion, "therefore God hath blessed thee for ever," links his inherent excellence and graciousness directly to an eternal blessing bestowed by God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "fairer" (ื™ึธืคึฐื™ึธืคึดื™ืชึธ - yafehyaphita) is an intensive form, suggesting "most beautiful" or "exceedingly fair." It denotes exceptional physical beauty but also carries connotations of excellence and perfection in character. "Grace is poured into thy lips" uses the word ื—ึตืŸ (chen), meaning favor, grace, or charm. The imagery of grace being "poured" (ื”ื•ึผืฆึทืง - hutzak) suggests an abundant, natural outflow of favor and pleasantness in his speech.

Reflection and Application

While celebrating an earthly king, the superlative language of Psalm 45:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is truly "fairer" in His perfect holiness, character, and glory than any human. Grace was indeed poured into His lips; His words brought life, truth, comfort, and salvation. Because of who He is and what He accomplished, God has blessed Him with eternal glory and reign. For believers, this verse reminds us of the surpassing worth and beauty of Christ and encourages us to let our own speech be seasoned with grace (see Colossians 4:6), reflecting the character of the One who is eternally blessed.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 4:22

    And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?

  • Song Of Solomon 5:10

    My beloved [is] white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.

  • Song Of Solomon 5:16

    His mouth [is] most sweet: yea, he [is] altogether lovely. This [is] my beloved, and this [is] my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

  • John 7:46

    The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

  • Hebrews 7:26

    For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

  • Psalms 21:6

    For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:3

    ยถ As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so [is] my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit [was] sweet to my taste.
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