Psalms 45:5
Psalms 45:5 in Multiple Translations
Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet.
Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
Thine arrows are sharp; The peoples fall under thee; They are in the heart of the king’s enemies.
Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's haters; because of them the peoples are falling under you.
Your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of your enemies; the nations fall under you.
Thine arrowes are sharpe to pearce the heart of the Kings enemies: therefore the people shall fall vnder thee.
Thine arrows [are] sharp, — Peoples fall under Thee — In the heart of the enemies of the king.
Your arrows are sharp. The nations fall under you, with arrows in the heart of the king’s enemies.
Thy arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; by which the people fall under thee.
The stream of the river maketh the city of God joyful: the most High hath sanctified his own tabernacle.
Your arrows are sharp, and they pierce the hearts of your enemies. Soldiers of many nations will fall dead at your feet.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 45:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 45:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/הֲדָ֬רְ/ךָ֨
צְלַ֬ח
רְכַ֗ב
עַֽל
דְּבַר
אֱ֭מֶת
וְ/עַנְוָה
צֶ֑דֶק
וְ/תוֹרְ/ךָ֖
נוֹרָא֣וֹת
יְמִינֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/הֲדָ֬רְ/ךָ֨
hâdâr
H1926
glory
Conj | N-ms | Suff
צְלַ֬ח
tsâlach
H6743
to rush
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
רְכַ֗ב
râkab
H7392
to ride
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
אֱ֭מֶת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
וְ/עַנְוָה
ʻanvâh
H6037
gentleness
Conj | N-fs
צֶ֑דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms
וְ/תוֹרְ/ךָ֖
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
נוֹרָא֣וֹת
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Niphal
יְמִינֶֽ/ךָ
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 45:5
וַ/הֲדָ֬רְ/ךָ֨
hâdâr
H1926
"glory"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means glory, beauty, or majesty, and is used to describe God's splendor and excellence. It appears in descriptions of God's power and glory in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) ornament, splendour, honour 1a) ornament 1b) splendour, majesty 1c) honour, glory
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory, goodly, honour, majesty. See also: Leviticus 23:40; Psalms 145:5; Psalms 8:6.
צְלַ֬ח
tsâlach
H6743
"to rush"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
רְכַ֗ב
râkab
H7392
"to ride"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֱ֭מֶת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
וְ/עַנְוָה
ʻanvâh
H6037
"gentleness"
Conj | N-fs
This word means gentleness or meekness, describing a humble attitude, as seen in the KJV translations of gentleness and meekness.
Definition: 1) humility, meekness 1a) humility, meekness 1b) condescension
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: gentleness, meekness. See also: Psalms 18:36; Psalms 45:5.
צֶ֑דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
וְ/תוֹרְ/ךָ֖
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
נוֹרָא֣וֹת
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
יְמִינֶֽ/ךָ
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs | Suff
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 45:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 45:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 45:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 45:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 45:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 45:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 45:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 45:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 45:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 45:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 45:5
- Sermons on Psalms 45:5
Context — My Heart Is Stirred by a Noble Theme
3Strap your sword at your side, O mighty warrior; appear in your majesty and splendor.
4In your splendor ride forth in victory on behalf of truth and humility and justice; may your right hand show your awesome deeds.
5Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet.
6Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. 7You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 21:12 | For You will put them to flight when Your bow is trained upon them. |
| 2 | Numbers 24:8 | God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows. |
| 3 | Psalms 38:2 | For Your arrows have pierced me deeply, and Your hand has pressed down on me. |
| 4 | Zechariah 9:13–14 | For I will bend Judah as My bow and fit it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against the sons of Greece. I will make you like the sword of a mighty man. Then the LORD will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord GOD will sound the ram’s horn and advance in the whirlwinds of the south. |
| 5 | Psalms 22:27 | All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him. |
| 6 | Romans 15:18–19 | I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. |
| 7 | Acts 6:7 | So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. |
| 8 | Psalms 66:3–4 | Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You. All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You; they sing praise to Your name.” Selah |
| 9 | Acts 4:4 | But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. |
| 10 | Luke 19:42–44 | and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God. ” |
Psalms 45:5 Summary
This verse is saying that the king, who is likely a reference to Jesus Christ, has the power to defeat His enemies and bring them under His authority. The image of arrows piercing the hearts of the king's foes is a metaphor for the way God defeats His enemies, as seen in Exodus 15:6. The fact that the nations fall beneath the king's feet is a symbol of His sovereignty over all things, as seen in Psalms 2:8 and Romans 11:36. This means that, as believers, we can trust in the power and authority of our King, Jesus Christ, and surrender our hearts and will to Him, knowing that He will ultimately defeat all His enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the king's foes to have their hearts pierced by arrows?
This is a metaphor for the king's power to defeat his enemies, as seen in Psalms 45:5, and is reminiscent of the way God defeated His enemies in Exodus 15:6 and Isaiah 63:1-3.
Who is the king being referred to in this verse?
The king in Psalms 45:5 is likely a reference to Jesus Christ, as seen in Revelation 19:11-16, where He is described as a warrior king who defeats His enemies.
What is the significance of the nations falling beneath the king's feet?
This is a symbol of the king's authority and power over all nations, as seen in Psalms 2:8 and Romans 11:36, where God's sovereignty over all things is proclaimed.
How does this verse relate to our lives as believers?
As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that our King, Jesus Christ, is all-powerful and will ultimately defeat all His enemies, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 and Psalms 110:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to trust in the power and authority of my King, Jesus Christ, in my daily life?
- How can I apply the principle of God's sovereignty over all nations to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can surrender my heart and will to the King, allowing Him to rule and reign in my life?
- How does the image of the king's foes having their hearts pierced by arrows challenge or comfort me in my own spiritual journey?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 45:5
Thine arrows [are] sharp in the heart of the king's enemies,.... Meaning either the Jews, who were the implacable enemies of Christ, and who would not have him to reign over them; in the midst of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 45:5
Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee. Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 45:5
Thine arrows; the same thing for substance with the sword, , both noting the instruments by which he conquers his enemies; which is no other than his word, which is sharp and powerful, and pierceth the hearts of men, ; which also first wounds sinners, and then heals them; and which is for the fall as well as for the rising of many, , and for judgment as well as for mercy, ; to some a savour of death, and to others a savour of life, ; and therefore is fitly compared to arrows; which title is sometimes given to words, as , and frequently to God’ s plagues or judgments, 64:7, such as the word becomes to ungodly men by their own fault. And these metaphorical weapons are oft ascribed to Christ, who hath a bow, , and weapons of warfare, , and whose mouth God is said to make a sword and an arrow, . Of the king’ s enemies, i.e. of thine enemies; the third person being put for the second, as is usual in prophetical writings; which here may seem to have some emphasis, as describing the persons against whom he shot his arrows, and the reason why he did so, because they were the enemies of his kingdom, and would not have him to reign over them, . The people fall under thee; either as slain by thine arrows; or as prostrate at thy feet, after the manner of conquered persons, 20:8. According to this and many other translations the words are transplaced, which in the Hebrew lie thus, Thine arrows are sharp, whereby the people do fall under thee, in the heart (i. e. in the midst, which is oft called the heart, as . And so it may be here; for the army, as such, hath no heart, properly so called. And so this is fitly alleged, as a proof of the sharpness and force of his arrows, that they not only wound those who march in the front, but even those who are in the midst of the army, where they may seem secure, and out of-their reach) of the king’ s enemies. But the middle words may be, and are by many, included within a parenthesis, and so they may agree with our translation thus, Thine arrows are sharp (for the people fall under thee, which is an evidence of their sharpness) in the heart (or, against the heart; or, piercing into the heart; which is an easy and usual ellipsis) of the king’ s enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 45:5
Psalms 45:5 Thine arrows [are] sharp in the heart of the king’ s enemies; [whereby] the people fall under thee.Ver. 5. Thine arrows are sharp, &c.] Peter’ s converts were pricked at heart; and Stephen’ s hearers were cut to the heart, Acts 2:37; Acts 7:54. Christ can fetch in his rebels afar off; he hath arrows as well as a sword, to wound them; that men may either bend or break, yield or become his footstool; one way or other he will surely have the better of them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 45:5
(5) Thine arrows.—Our version has transposed the clauses of this verse. The original is more vivid. “Thine arrows are sharpened— The people under Thee fall— Against the heart of the king’s enemies.” The poet actually sees the battle raging before him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 45:5
Verse 5. Thine arrows are sharp] The arrows here may mean the convictions produced in the hearts of men by the preaching of the Gospel. The King is God himself; his enemies are sinners of all sorts. The people, the Jews, thousands of whom were pricked in their hearts under the preaching of Peter and others. All fall before Christ; those who received the word rose again by repentance and faith; those who did not, fell down-all down!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 45:5
5. As the text stands it must be rendered; Thine arrows are sharp; Peoples fall under thee: (They are) in the heart of the king’s enemies. The poet depicts the battle with rapid vigorous strokes of his pen. The king’s arrows are sharpened (Isaiah 5:28), ready for fatal effect; his enemies fall at their discharge; he rides on over their prostrate corpses; each shaft has found its mark in the heart of a foe. But the construction is abrupt, and possibly there is some error in the text.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 45:5
Thine arrows are sharp in the heart ... - literally, “Thine arrows are sharp - the people under thee shall fall - in the heart of the enemies of the king.” The process of “thought” in the verse seems to be this: First.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 45:5
5. The people fall—There is no withstanding the power of the war-king. His enemies submit and return to duty, or perish. See Psalms 2, , 110
Sermons on Psalms 45:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Healing Broken Hearts by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of Jesus to set people free from the bondage of sin. He highlights that sin often starts with a curious thought and can lead to de |
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Psalm 45 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the beauty and majesty of Christ as the spiritual Bridegroom, emphasizing the believer's fervent commendation of Jesus and the eloquence in expressing due pra |
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Exposition on Psalm 39 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine delves into the Psalms, exploring the significance of being a sojourner with God and a stranger in this world, longing for the eternal home. He reflects on the challe |
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(1 Peter - Part 16): christ...foreordained, Manifest by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker expresses a deep sense of urgency and awareness of the approaching judgment of God. He emphasizes that the earth is growing old and that a mere blink of |
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(Biographies) Adoniram Judson by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding the deposit of the gospel with fences. He warns against the consequences of not protecting the truth of the gospel |
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God's Neibourhood by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our minds, hearts, and affections on eternal things where God dwells. They highlight the contrast between the value |
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Jesus Our Sovereign Savior by Steven J. Lawson | This sermon delves into Revelation chapter 5, focusing on the unveiling of Christ as the sovereign Savior. It emphasizes the unique authority and power of the Lord Jesus Christ to |