All thy garments [smell] of myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
All thy garments {H899} smell of myrrh {H4753}, and aloes {H174}, and cassia {H7102}, out of the ivory {H8127} palaces {H1964}, whereby {H4482} they have made thee glad {H8055}{H8765)}.
Your robes are all fragrant with myrrh, aloes and cassia; from ivory palaces stringed instruments bring you joy.
All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad.
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia; Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made thee glad.
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Song Of Solomon 1:3
Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name [is as] ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. -
John 19:39
And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound [weight]. -
Song Of Solomon 4:6
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. -
2 Corinthians 2:14
Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. -
2 Corinthians 2:16
To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things? -
Matthew 2:11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. -
Psalms 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore.
Psalms 45:8 presents a vivid image of royal splendor and divine anointing, describing the king's garments imbued with precious fragrances and emanating from opulent surroundings. This verse is part of a "Maskil," an instructive or contemplative psalm, often considered a royal wedding song that also carries profound messianic significance.
Context of Psalms 45:8
Psalm 45 is unique among the Psalms, a "Song of Loves" celebrating the marriage of a king. While it initially describes an earthly monarch, its language, particularly in verses like Psalm 45:6 ("Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever"), has led generations of interpreters to understand it as a prophetic portrayal of Jesus Christ, the divine King, and His relationship with His bride, the Church. Verse 8 contributes to the glorious depiction of this King, emphasizing His majesty and the delightful atmosphere surrounding Him.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The specific aromatic spices mentioned are significant:
The "ivory palaces" (hekalim shen) denote extreme luxury and wealth. Ivory was a prized and expensive material, imported from distant lands, symbolizing the peak of royal opulence and grandeur.
Practical Application
For believers, this verse can inspire several reflections: