Psalms 45:7 - You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Psalms 45:7" mean?
Psalm 45:7, "You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows," speaks about a king (likely a messianic figure, and often understood to refer to Jesus Christ) who is characterized by a profound commitment to justice and aversion to evil. Let's break down the meaning:
"You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness": This establishes the king's moral character. "Righteousness" (Hebrew: tzedek) means moral uprightness, justice, fairness, and doing what is right according to God's standards. "Wickedness" (Hebrew: resha) represents evil, injustice, and actions contrary to God's will. This king isn't just passively good; he actively loves what is right and actively despises what is wrong. It reflects a deep commitment that governs his actions and character.
"Therefore God, your God, has anointed you": This is the consequence of the king's righteous character. "Anointed" (Hebrew: mashach) signifies being chosen, consecrated, and set apart for a specific purpose. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a ritual act symbolizing God's selection and empowerment of kings, priests, and prophets. The phrase "God, your God" can indicate a close and covenantal relationship between God and the king, but it also suggests a distinction in authority – God is the ultimate authority.
"with the oil of gladness above your fellows": This describes the nature and extent of the anointing. "Oil of gladness" (Hebrew: shemen sason) symbolizes joy, celebration, and blessing. Being anointed with this oil signifies that the king is filled with divine joy and favor. The phrase "above your fellows" implies that this king's joy and blessedness surpass those of other kings or members of the royal court; he is elevated and distinguished in a unique way.
In summary, the verse is saying:
Because this king has shown unwavering devotion to justice and aversion to evil, God has chosen and consecrated him for a special role and filled him with an abundance of joy and blessing, surpassing that of his peers.
Different Interpretations:
Historical Context: Some scholars believe this psalm was originally written to celebrate a human king's wedding. However, the language used is hyperbolic and points to something more significant.
Messianic Interpretation: Many Christians understand this verse as a prophecy about Jesus Christ, the Messiah. They believe Jesus perfectly embodies righteousness and hatred of wickedness, and therefore God anointed him with the Holy Spirit (symbolized by the oil of gladness) above all others. In this interpretation, "fellows" could refer to other people, other kings, or even other members of the Trinity, meaning the unique honor bestowed upon Christ within the Godhead.
General Principle: Some theologians see a broader principle at play: those who pursue righteousness and reject evil will be blessed and favored by God. This verse serves as an encouragement and reminder that living a life aligned with God's will leads to joy and fulfillment.
Ultimately, the meaning of Psalm 45:7 is rich and multifaceted, depending on one's theological perspective. But the core message remains clear: righteousness is rewarded with divine favor, joy, and anointing.
Psalms 45:7 - You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
What does "Psalms 45:7" mean?
Psalm 45:7, "You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows," speaks about a king (likely a messianic figure, and often understood to refer to Jesus Christ) who is characterized by a profound commitment to justice and aversion to evil. Let's break down the meaning:
"You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness": This establishes the king's moral character. "Righteousness" (Hebrew: tzedek) means moral uprightness, justice, fairness, and doing what is right according to God's standards. "Wickedness" (Hebrew: resha) represents evil, injustice, and actions contrary to God's will. This king isn't just passively good; he actively loves what is right and actively despises what is wrong. It reflects a deep commitment that governs his actions and character.
"Therefore God, your God, has anointed you": This is the consequence of the king's righteous character. "Anointed" (Hebrew: mashach) signifies being chosen, consecrated, and set apart for a specific purpose. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a ritual act symbolizing God's selection and empowerment of kings, priests, and prophets. The phrase "God, your God" can indicate a close and covenantal relationship between God and the king, but it also suggests a distinction in authority – God is the ultimate authority.
"with the oil of gladness above your fellows": This describes the nature and extent of the anointing. "Oil of gladness" (Hebrew: shemen sason) symbolizes joy, celebration, and blessing. Being anointed with this oil signifies that the king is filled with divine joy and favor. The phrase "above your fellows" implies that this king's joy and blessedness surpass those of other kings or members of the royal court; he is elevated and distinguished in a unique way.
In summary, the verse is saying:
Because this king has shown unwavering devotion to justice and aversion to evil, God has chosen and consecrated him for a special role and filled him with an abundance of joy and blessing, surpassing that of his peers.
Different Interpretations:
Historical Context: Some scholars believe this psalm was originally written to celebrate a human king's wedding. However, the language used is hyperbolic and points to something more significant.
Messianic Interpretation: Many Christians understand this verse as a prophecy about Jesus Christ, the Messiah. They believe Jesus perfectly embodies righteousness and hatred of wickedness, and therefore God anointed him with the Holy Spirit (symbolized by the oil of gladness) above all others. In this interpretation, "fellows" could refer to other people, other kings, or even other members of the Trinity, meaning the unique honor bestowed upon Christ within the Godhead.
General Principle: Some theologians see a broader principle at play: those who pursue righteousness and reject evil will be blessed and favored by God. This verse serves as an encouragement and reminder that living a life aligned with God's will leads to joy and fulfillment.
Ultimately, the meaning of Psalm 45:7 is rich and multifaceted, depending on one's theological perspective. But the core message remains clear: righteousness is rewarded with divine favor, joy, and anointing.