Psalms 45:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 45:17 mean?

Psalms 45:17 ends with the speaker’s promise to keep the king’s name alive for future generations. The verse expects that people will respond by praising the king long after the wedding celebration described in the psalm.

“I will make” places the promise in the speaker’s mouth. The words “therefore shall the people praise thee” connect that act of remembrance with the praise that follows. After verse 16 looks ahead to the king’s sons, verse 17 looks ahead to his lasting reputation.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 45:17

• “remembered” — זָכַר (zakhar): This word means to remember or bring something to mind. Here its form carries the sense of causing the king’s name to be remembered, an active effort rather than a passing thought.
• “praise” — יָדָה (yadah): This word can express giving thanks or praise. In this verse, the KJV presents the people’s response as praise directed toward the king.

Why Psalms 45:17 matters

• The king’s name stands for more than a label. In the promise that his “name” will be remembered, his name represents his reputation among those who come after him.
• The verse’s speaker and the people have distinct roles. The speaker says, “I will make thy name to be remembered,” while “the people” are the ones who will praise the king.
• The final words give the song an expansive ending. “For ever and ever” expresses praise reaching into an unending future, beyond the king’s own lifetime.