Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

PSALMS 45:9KJV
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Psalms 45:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 45:9 mean?

Psalms 45:9 describes a royal scene where the daughters of kings are among the honored women, and the queen stands at the king’s right hand, dressed in gold from Ophir. The verse highlights the splendor and honor surrounding the king, emphasizing the queen’s special place beside him.

This verse is part of a psalm that celebrates a royal wedding, likely written for a king of Israel. The speaker is a poet addressing the king, painting a picture of his majesty and the dignity of his court. The mention of gold from Ophir, a place famous for its fine gold, underlines the wealth and prestige of the occasion.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 45:9

  • "Queen" (שֵׁגָל, shegal): This word is used for the queen or royal consort, emphasizing her official and honored status at the king’s side.
  • "Gold" (כֶּתֶם, kethem): This term refers to refined, precious gold, and its pairing with "Ophir" (אוֹפִיר, Ophir) points to the highest quality, suggesting both beauty and great value.
  • "Right hand" (יָמִין, yamin): In ancient settings, standing at the right hand was a position of favor and authority, showing the queen’s importance.

Why Psalms 45:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the queen is not just present but occupies a place of honor and closeness to the king, which would be significant in a royal context.
  • The reference to gold from Ophir connects the scene to legendary wealth and splendor, showing the high status of the king and queen.
  • Understanding the royal wedding setting helps make sense of the imagery in the wider psalm, which uses courtly language to express themes of honor, beauty, and celebration.

Where else these words appear

“queen” Hebrew H7694 · used in 2 verses

  • Nehemiah 2:6 And the king said unto me,(the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

“gold” Hebrew H3800 · used in 9 verses

  • Job 28:16 It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
  • Job 31:24 If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
  • Isaiah 13:12 I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.

“Ophir” Hebrew H211 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 10:29 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
  • 1 Kings 22:48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:10 And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.

“women” Hebrew H3368 · used in 36 verses

  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:6 And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.
  • Proverbs 6:26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.