Psalms 45:14 — Word Study
WLCלִרְקָמוֹת֮ תּוּבַ֪ל לַ֫מֶּ֥לֶךְ בְּתוּל֣וֹת אַ֭חֲרֶיהָ רֵעוֹתֶ֑יהָ מ֖וּבָא֣וֹת לָֽךְ׃
BSAto the kingmelek [ruler, monarch]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| לִרְקָמוֹת֮ | to embroidered robes | Preposition, noun common feminine plural absolute |
| תּוּבַ֪ל | she is brought | Verb, Hophal, imperfect third person feminine singular |
| לַ֫מֶּ֥לֶךְ | to the king | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| בְּתוּל֣וֹת | virgins | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
| אַ֭חֲרֶיהָ | behind her | Suffix |
| רֵעוֹתֶ֑יהָ | [female] companions her | Noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
| מ֖וּבָא֣וֹת | [are] being brought | Verb, Hophal, participle (passive) feminine plural |
| לָֽךְ׃ | to you | Preposition, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you. |
| KJV | She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. |
| ASV | She shall be led unto the king in broidered work: The virgins her companions that follow her Shall be brought unto thee. |
| YLT | In divers colours she is brought to the king, Virgins — after her — her companions, Are brought to thee. |
| WEB | She shall be led to the king in embroidered work. The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you. |
| BBE | She will come before the king in robes of needlework; the virgins in her train will come before you. |
Where they part company is לִרְקָמוֹת — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause presents the action of leading the bride, with supporting phrases that describe her companions and the destination.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbבַּת
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 45:14
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Royal Wedding Celebrationgenerated
Psalms 45:14 is part of a poetic celebration of a royal wedding, where the bride is depicted in all her splendor as she approaches the king. The surrounding verses describe the beauty of the princess and the joy of the occasion, emphasizing the grandeur of the royal court and the significance of the marriage.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Song of Solomon 1:4 | |
| 2 | John 17:24 | Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 11:2 | I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. |
| 4 | Exodus 28:39 | You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash. |
| 5 | Judges 5:30 | ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil— a girl or two for each warrior, a plunder of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments for the neck of the looter?’ |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — לִרְקָמוֹת, lir.ka.mOtgenerated
The word לִרְקָמוֹת (lir.ka.mOt) refers to 'embroidered robes' and is derived from the root that signifies intricate needlework. This emphasizes the detailed craftsmanship and vibrant colors of the garments worn by the bride, highlighting her beauty and the care taken in her adornment.
This word appears in contexts that celebrate artistry and beauty, such as the garments of the priests in the tabernacle, suggesting a connection between the sacred and the royal. The parsing indicates it is a noun in the plural form, which points to multiple garments or a rich tapestry of colors.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, the verse is read in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the phrase colorful garments.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is תּוּבַ֪ל, she is brought, which governs the structure of the sentence. It is followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the destination, לַ֫מֶּ֥לֶךְ (to the king), and two noun phrases describing the subject and her companions.
The sentence structure emphasizes the action of leading the bride to the king, with additional details about her companions and the beauty of her garments, creating a vivid image of the royal procession.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word לִרְקָמוֹת is rendered as πᾶσα (pasa), which translates to 'all' or 'every'. This choice broadens the description, suggesting not only the garments but the entirety of the royal spectacle.
The choice of θυγατρὸς (thygatros) for תּוּבַ֪ל indicates a focus on the familial aspect of the bride, highlighting her identity as a daughter in the royal lineage.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 45:14 describes a beautiful bride dressed in colorful embroidered garments as she is led to the king, accompanied by her virgin companions. This verse captures the elegance and joy of a royal wedding procession.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The embroidered garments symbolize beauty, artistry, and the significance of the royal occasion, reflecting the care and craftsmanship involved in the celebration.
The virgin companions represent purity and support for the bride, emphasizing the communal aspect of the celebration and the honor of the occasion.
This verse reflects the grandeur and ceremonial aspects of royal weddings in ancient Israel, highlighting the importance of lineage, beauty, and the celebration of marriage.
The verse illustrates the role of women as key participants in royal events, showcasing their beauty and importance in the social and ceremonial life of the kingdom.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What aspects of beauty do you think are important in your own life or community?
- How do you celebrate significant events, and what role do you see for yourself in those celebrations?
- In what ways can you support and uplift those around you, similar to the companions of the bride?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of craftsmanship and artistry in your culture?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early interpretations of this verse, such as those by Augustine of Hippo, explore the beauty and significance of the royal bride, emphasizing the spiritual dimensions of her adornment.
"With fringes of gold, clothed with various colours" [Psalms 45:14]. Her beauty is from within; yet in the "fringes of gold" is the diversity of languages: the beauty of doctrine.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 45 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 45:14 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleShe shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needlework,.... Not in her sins, and trader the sense and guilt of them; as souls are brought to Christ, at first conversion, under the drawings of
Read John Gill on Psalms 45 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryShe shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needlework.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 45 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHe alludes to the custom of conducting the bride to the bridegroom’ s house. Her companions, i.e. her bridemaidens attending upon her, called her honourable women, , See Poole "", and here virgins, because of their spiritual purity and chastity, .
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 45 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 45:14 She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.Ver. 14. She shall be brought] she shall be presented to Christ a glorious Church, not having spot, wrinkle, or any such thing, Ephesians 5:27 Revelation 21:2.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 45 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(14) In raiment of needlework.—This is now more generally understood of rich tapestry carpets spread for the procession. (Comp. Æsch. Agam. 908-910.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 45 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 14. She shall be brought unto the king] When an Asiatic princess is brought to her spouse, she is inclosed in a palakee, and no part of her person is visible. She is attended by her principal friends and companions, who follow the palakee, and the ceremony is accompanied with great rejoicing; and thus they enter into the palace of the king. This part of this parabolical Psalm may refer to the glories of a future state. The Christian Church shall be brought to the KING eternal in the great day, adorned with the graces of the Divine Spirit; and thus shall all the redeemed of the Lord enter into the king's palace - into the everlasting joy of their Lord.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 45 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges14. In raiment of embroidery shall she be conducted to the king, in solemn and stately procession, accompanied by a train of attendants such as befits a king’s daughter. Cp. Esther 2:9. For mention of embroidery cp. Exodus 28:39; Judges 5:30; &c. Other but less probable renderings are, on tapestry or carpets of divers colours, or, into tapestry-curtained chambers.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 45 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleShe shall be brought unto the king - She shall be conducted to the king in the marriage procession, and be presented to him, clad in this magnificent raiment.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 45 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you.
She shall be led to the king in embroidered work. The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you.
In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you.
In embroidered robes she is escorted to the king. Her attendants, the maidens of honor who follow her, are led before you.
Tyndale line
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
She shall be led unto the king in broidered work: The virgins her companions that follow her Shall be brought unto thee.
She shall be led unto the king in broidered work: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
She shall be brought to the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought to thee.
She shalbe brought vnto the King in raiment of needle worke: the virgins that follow after her, and her companions shall be brought vnto thee.
Strictly literal
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of embroidery; the virgins behind her, her companions, shall be brought in unto thee:
In divers colours she is brought to the king, Virgins — after her — her companions, Are brought to thee.
In various colors she is brought to the King; Afterward, virgins, her companions, || Are brought to You.
(45:15) In embroidered clothes will she be brought unto the king: virgins that follow her, her companions, are brought unto thee.
She will be led to the king in embroidered dress; the virgins, her companions who follow her, will be brought to you.
Simplified
Wearing her beautiful clothes she is brought to the king, followed by her bridesmaids.
She will come before the king in robes of needlework; the virgins in her train will come before you.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Psalms 45:14 reads, 'In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you.' The Septuagint has a word-by-word correspondence with 6 of the 8 words matching, but it presents the text with different word order and articles, indicating some variation in phrasing. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional variants for this verse, so they agree with the Masoretic Text in this instance.
לִרְקָמוֹת֮ תּוּבַ֪ל לַ֫מֶּ֥לֶךְ בְּתוּל֣וֹת אַ֭חֲרֶיהָ רֵעוֹתֶ֑יהָ מ֖וּבָא֣וֹת לָֽךְ׃
6 of the 8 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 45:14
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
רִקְמָה (riqmah) refers to embroidery or variegated fabric, emphasizing colorful needlework. It is derived from the root word for 'variegation of color' and is associated with decorative textiles. The term appears in contexts related to richly designed garments.
רִקְמָה n.f. variegated stuff
base
H7553 רִקְמָה
7553 riqmah rik-maw'
from 7551; variegation of color; specifically,
embroidery:--broidered (work), divers colours, (raiment of)
needlework (on both sides).
see HEBREW for 07551
רִקְמָה (riq.mah) — embroidery.
variegated stuff, embroidered
HR/Ncfpa — Preposition · noun common feminine plural absoluteHR/Ncfpa
See GARMENTS.
יָבַל (yabal) is a Hebrew verb meaning to conduct or carry along. It encompasses various actions such as leading, bearing offerings, and being led to the grave. The word has both Hiphil and Hophal forms, indicating active and passive meanings, respectively. There is an Aramaic equivalent, יְבַל (ye.val), also meaning 'to bring'.
[יָבַל] vb. Hiph. conduct, bear along
Hiph.
bear along offerings
carry away
Hoph.
be borne along
be borne to the grave
be led, conducted
base
H2986 יָבַל Hiph. conduct, bear along . . bear along offerings
. carry away
. . be borne along
. be borne to the grave
. be led, conducted
2986 yabal yaw-bal'
a primitive root; properly, to flow; causatively, to bring
(especially with pomp):--bring (forth), carry, lead (forth).
יָבַל (ya.val) — to conduct.
1) to bring, lead, carry, conduct, bear along
1a) (Hiphil)
1a1) to bear along, bring
1a2) to carry away, lead away
1a3) to lead, conduct
1b) (Hophal)
1b1) to be borne along
1b2) to be borne (to the grave)
1b3) to be brought, be led, be conducted
Aramaic equivalent: ye.val (יְבַל "to bring" H2987)
HVHi3fs — Verb · Hophal · imperfect third person feminine singularHVHi3fs
The Hebrew word מֶ֫לֶךְ (*melek*) means 'king.' It is derived from a root that suggests royalty. The term appears in various contexts, including references to specific kings and locations, such as the 'King's Highway' in Numbers 20:17 and the 'King's Valley' in Genesis 14:17. The lexicons note its Aramaic equivalent and mention its use in the context of individuals like Hammelech in Jeremiah.
מֶ֫לֶךְ 2513 n.m. king
base
H4428 מֶ֫לֶךְ king
4428 melek meh'-lek
from 4427; a king:--king, royal.
see HEBREW for 04427
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — king.
1) king
Aramaic equivalent: me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4430)
הַמֶּלֶךְ (me.lekh) — `the king`.
'the king' or a name, Hammelech in KJV of Jer.36.26; 38.6- a man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;
father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";
§ A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;
father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
King's (Highway) (Num.20.17)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
Another name of she.lach (שֶׁ֫לַח "Shelah" H7975A)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — Milcom.
Another name of mo.lekh (מֹ֫לֶךְ "Molech" H4432)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
King
Is in Scripture very generally used to denote one invested with authority, whether extensive or limited. There were thirty-one kings in Canaan (Josh. 12:9, 24), whom Joshua subdued. Adonibezek subdued seventy kings (Judg. 1:7). In the New Testament the Roman emperor is spoken of as a king (1 Pet. 2:13, 17); and Herod Antipas, who was only a tetrarch, is also called a king (Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:22).
This title is applied to God (1 Tim. 1:17), and to Christ, the Son of God (1 Tim. 6:15, 16;
"a chief ruler, one invested with supreme authority over a nation, tribe or country." --Webster. In the Bible the word does not necessarily imply great power or great extent of country. Many persons are called kings whom we should rather call chiefs or leaders. The word is applied in the Bible to God as the sovereign and ruler of the universe, and to Christ the Son of God as the head and governor of the Church. The Hebrews were ruled by a king during a period of about 500 years previous to the destruction of Jerusalem, B.C. 586. The immediate occasion of the substitution of a regal form of government for that of judges seems to have been the siege of Jabesh-gilead by Nahash king of the Ammonites. (1 Samuel 11:1; 12:12) The conviction seems to have forced itself on the Israelites that they could not resist their formidable neighbor…
בְּתוּלָה (bthuwlah) means 'virgin' and is derived from a passive participle of an unused root that suggests separation. It can also refer to a bride and, in a figurative sense, to a city or state. The term appears in contexts related to purity and marital status.
בְּתוּלָה 60 n.f. virgin
base
H1330 בְּתוּלָה virgin
1330 bthuwlah beth-oo-law'
feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to
separate; a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by
continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or
state:--maid, virgin.
בְּתוּלָה (be.tu.lah) — virgin.
virgin
HNcfpa — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.
אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part
adv.
of place, behind
of time, afterwards
prep.
of place, behind, after
of time, after
conj. after that.
H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind
. of time, afterwards
. prep. . of place, behind, after
. of time, after
. conj. after that.
H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.
310 'achar akh-ar'
from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an
adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after
(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),
behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,
posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),
when, with.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחַר (a.char) — after.
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
1a) as an adverb
1a1) behind (of place)
1a2) afterwards (of time)
1b) as a preposition
1b1) behind, after (of place)
1b2) after (of time)
1b3) besides
1c) as a conjunction
1c) after that
1d) as a substantive
1d1) hinder part
1e) with other prepositions
1e1) from behind
1e2) from following after
אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.
backwards (of a man that turns backwards)
HAcmpc/Sp3fs — SuffixHAcmpc/Sp3fs
רֵעָה (re`ah) is a feminine noun meaning 'companion' or 'female associate.' It refers to a companion or attendant, particularly of maidens. The word is derived from רֵעַ (re`), which is related to the concept of companionship.
[רֵעָה] n.f. companion, attendant
base
H7464 רֵעָה
7464 re`ah ray'-aw
feminine of 7453; a female associate:--companion, fellow.
see HEBREW for 07453
רֵעָה (re.ah) — companion.
female companion, companion, attendant (of maidens)
HNcfpc/Sp3fs — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHNcfpc/Sp3fs
בּוֹא (bo) is a Hebrew verb meaning to come or go in, with a wide range of applications including entering, arriving, and bringing in. It can refer to both physical movement and abstract concepts like events coming to pass. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal (to come), Hiphil (to cause to come), and Hophal (to be brought). There is no significant disagreement among lexicons regarding its meanings.
בּוֹא 2569 vb. come in, come, go in, go
Qal
come in
come (approach, arrive)
go, i.e. walk, associate with
go from speaker, but with limit of motion given
Hiph.
cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)
cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)
Hoph.
be brought in (of pers. and things)
be brought
be introduced, put
base
H935 בּוֹא come in, come, go in, go .. come in
. come (approach, arrive)
. go, i.e. walk, associate with
. go from speaker, but with limit of motion given
. . cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)
. cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)
. . be brought in (of pers. and things)
. be brought
. be introduced, put
935 bow' bo
a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of
applications):--abide, apply, attain, X be, befall, +
besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, X
certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out,
upon, to pass), depart, X doubtless again, + eat, + employ,
(cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be
fallen, fetch, + follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war),
grant, + have, X indeed, (in-)vade, lead, lift (up), mention,
pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, X (well) stricken
(in age), X surely, take (in), way.
בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): come.
: come/go_in
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to enter, come in
1a2) to come
1a2a) to come with
1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
1a2c) to come to pass
1a3) to attain to
1a4) to be enumerated
1a5) to go
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to lead in
1b2) to carry in
1b3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon
1b4) to bring to pass
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be brought, brought in
1c2) to be introduced, be put
לְב֥וֹא (bo) — Lebo-(Hamath).
This name means to go in, enter
Combined with cha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574)
בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): towards.
: towards/entrance
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to enter, come in
1a2) to come
1a2a) to come with
1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
1a2c) to come to pass
1a3) to attain to
1a4) to be enumerated
HVHsfpa — Verb · Hophal · participle (passive) feminine pluralHVHsfpa
ךְ (kh) — you.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person feminine singular
HR/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp2ms