All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

PSALMS 45:8KJV
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Psalms 45:8 (KJV)

What does Psalms 45:8 mean?

Psalms 45:8 describes someone whose clothing is richly scented with expensive spices—myrrh, aloes, and cassia—and who comes from luxurious ivory palaces, bringing them joy. The verse paints a picture of splendor, delight, and royal celebration.

This psalm is a song written for a royal wedding, likely by a court poet addressing the king. The verse uses the imagery of fragrant garments and lavish surroundings to highlight the king’s majesty and the joyful atmosphere of his palace. The details emphasize wealth, beauty, and the honor given to the king in this special setting.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 45:8

  • garments (בֶּגֶד, beged): This word refers to clothing or robes, here suggesting the fine, ceremonial attire of a king.
  • myrrh (מֹר, mor), aloes (אֲהָלוֹת, ahalot), cassia (קְצִיעָה, qetsi'ah): These are valuable spices and perfumes. Their mention shows the luxury and specialness of the occasion, as such scents were used only for the most important people and events.
  • ivory (שֵׁן, shen) palaces (הֵיכָל, heikal): “Ivory palaces” refers to buildings decorated with ivory, a symbol of extreme wealth and royal splendor.
  • glad (שָׂמַח, samach): This word means to rejoice or be made glad, underlining the happiness and celebration in the scene.

Why Psalms 45:8 matters

  • The verse clears up that the focus is not just on material wealth, but on the honor and joy surrounding the king, using perfume and palace imagery to express this.
  • The mention of specific spices and ivory palaces connects the verse to ancient royal customs, helping readers picture the historical setting of a king’s wedding or celebration.
  • This verse helps set the tone for the whole psalm, which celebrates the king’s greatness and the joy of his reign, making the following verses about the queen and the royal family more vivid and meaningful.

Where else these words appear

“whereby” Hebrew H4482 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

“aloes” Hebrew H174 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 24:6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.
  • Proverbs 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
  • Song of Solomon 4:14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

“myrrh” Hebrew H4753 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 30:23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
  • Song of Solomon 1:13 A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.
  • Song of Solomon 4:14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

“ivory” Hebrew H8127 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 49:12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
  • Job 16:9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.
  • Song of Solomon 5:14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.