And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

PSALMS 45:12KJV
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Psalms 45:12 (KJV)

What does Psalms 45:12 mean?

Psalms 45:12 describes how the daughter of Tyre, representing a wealthy and influential foreign nation, will come with a gift, and even the rich people will seek the favor of the one being honored in this psalm. The verse shows respect and honor being given from powerful outsiders.

The setting of Psalms 45 is a royal wedding song, likely celebrating the marriage of a king from Israel. The "daughter of Tyre" refers to the people of Tyre, a prosperous trading city, bringing tribute. The verse highlights how even the most prominent and wealthy nations recognize the importance and dignity of the king and his bride, seeking goodwill and relationship with them.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 45:12

  • "daughter" (בַּת, bat): This word often means a female child, but here it can represent the people or city itself, showing Tyre as a personified figure bringing honor.
  • "Tyre" (צֹר, tsor): Tyre was a famous, wealthy port city. Mentioning Tyre emphasizes the international recognition and respect being shown.
  • "gift" (מִנְחָה, minchah): This word means a present or offering, often one given to show respect or seek favor, not just a casual gift.
  • "intreat" (חָלָה, chalah): This word can mean to seek or ask earnestly, suggesting the rich are not just giving gifts but actively seeking favor or goodwill.
  • "favour" (פָּנִים, panim): Literally "face," it often means presence or approval, so the rich are seeking to be welcomed or accepted.

Why Psalms 45:12 matters

  • Psalms 45:12 shows that the honor given to the king and his bride extends beyond their own people, reaching even powerful foreign nations.
  • The verse highlights the theme of respect and tribute, suggesting the king’s influence and reputation are recognized internationally.
  • Understanding the cultural practice of bringing gifts to seek favor helps clarify that this is about more than politeness; it is about forming alliances and showing submission or respect.

Where else these words appear

“rich” Hebrew H6223 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 30:15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
  • Proverbs 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
  • Proverbs 28:6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

“Tyre” Hebrew H6865 · used in 39 verses

  • Joshua 19:29 And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:
  • Isaiah 23:1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.
  • Ezekiel 27:2 Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;

“intreat” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
  • Isaiah 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.