Psalm 45 12

Psalm 45:12 kjv

And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

Psalm 45:12 nkjv

And the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; The rich among the people will seek your favor.

Psalm 45:12 niv

The city of Tyre will come with a gift, people of wealth will seek your favor.

Psalm 45:12 esv

The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people.

Psalm 45:12 nlt

The princess of Tyre will shower you with gifts.
The wealthy will beg your favor.

Psalm 45 verses

Psalm 45 12 Meaning

Psalm 45:12 describes wealthy and influential individuals, particularly the inhabitants of the prosperous city of Tyre, coming to honor and seek the favor of the royal bride. In its immediate context, it speaks to the wide recognition and prestige of the queen of Israel. Prophetically, and in its deepest sense, this verse signifies the voluntary submission and adoration of Gentile nations, including those of great material wealth, who are drawn to the Messiah's "bride"—the Church. They seek her favor, presenting their resources and homage, reflecting the universal impact and glory of God's kingdom and the gathering of all peoples to Christ.

Psalm 45 12 Context

Psalm 45 is titled a "Maskil" (instructive poem) and "Song of Love," composed for the director of music. It is primarily a royal wedding psalm, celebrating the marriage of a king—likely a Davidic monarch—to his queen, perhaps a foreign princess. The psalm uses highly poetic and laudatory language, praising the king's valor, righteousness, and eternal reign, and the queen's beauty and honor. While historically referring to a specific monarch, Jewish and Christian traditions universally interpret it as having profound messianic significance, pointing to Christ (the king) and the Church (His bride). Verse 12 follows descriptions of the king's majesty and the bride's honor, indicating that her status and the kingdom's influence are so great that even powerful foreign entities seek alliance and favor. Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state known for its immense wealth, maritime trade, and paganism, is specifically mentioned as an emblem of Gentile prosperity and power.

Psalm 45 12 Word analysis

• And the daughter of Tyre: (wə·vat-ṣōr, וַתִּכְלֶה בַת־צֹ֑ר).
  • Bat-Tsōr (בַּת־צֹר): "Daughter of Tyre." Bat means "daughter" but idiomatically refers to the people or inhabitants of a place (e.g., "daughter of Zion").
  • Tsōr (צֹ֑ר): "Tyre." A famous ancient Phoenician port city on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its immense wealth derived from its international trade, particularly in purple dye. Its inclusion is highly significant, representing the wealthy, pagan, commercial nations outside Israel. Its willingness to send tribute marks a universal acknowledgment of the king's (and thus, God's) supreme authority and the queen's prestige. This challenges the usual biblical narrative of Tyre's opposition to God's people (e.g., Amos 1:9).
• shall be there with a gift: (bə·min·ḥāh, בְּמִנְחָ֑ה).
  • Minḥāh (מִנְחָה): "Gift," "offering," "tribute." This term is often used for grain offerings to the Lord (Lev 2:1), but also for tribute paid to a ruler (Gen 32:13, 1 Kgs 10:25) or a peace offering between individuals (Gen 32:20). It signifies respect, submission, and a desire to secure favor or establish a relationship. The people of Tyre don't come empty-handed; their offering underscores the seriousness of their request and the honor they ascribe.
• the rich among the people: (ʿă·šî·rê ʿām, וַעֲשִׁירֵי עָם).
  • ʿAśîrê (עֲשִׁירֵי): "The rich" (plural of ʿāšîr). Denotes great wealth and prominence.
  • ʿĀm (עָם): "People," "nation," "populace." Refers broadly to nations or distinct communities.
  • This phrase generalizes the point, extending beyond Tyre to other wealthy and influential individuals or groups from various nations. It emphasizes that those with significant earthly resources and power will be drawn to and honor the queen.
• shall entreat your favor: (yə·ḥal·lū fā·nā·yiḵ, יְחַלּוּ פָנַיִךְ).
  • Yə·ḥal·lū (יְחַלּוּ): From the verb ḥālāh (חלה), in the Piel stem it means "to appease," "to implore," "to soften the face/favor," "to seek favor earnestly." It implies a posture of earnest supplication, humility, and seeking conciliation. It's not a casual request but a desperate plea for good will, often involving the bringing of gifts or making reparations.
  • Fā·nā·yiḵ (פָנַיִךְ): "Your face" (referring to the queen). In biblical idiom, "face" (pānim) often represents the presence, attention, or favor of a person (Ps 24:6, Ps 27:8). To "entreat the face" is to seek an audience, gain good will, or win someone's acceptance and blessing. This indicates a turning toward the queen with an attitude of reverence and a desire for acceptance.
• Phrase Analysis:
  • "And the daughter of Tyre... shall be there with a gift, the rich among the people": This group represents the external, powerful, and wealthy nations of the world, often characterized by self-reliance and worldly success, who are now drawn to the presence of God's chosen queen (and prophetically, the Church). Their coming with a gift symbolizes a voluntary submission and recognition of her (and the King's) preeminence.
  • "shall entreat your favor": This phrase highlights the nature of their interaction—not by conquest, but by peaceful, earnest supplication. It implies a desire to be accepted, blessed, and potentially integrated into the sphere of the queen's (and the King's) influence. This transformation from potential rivals or outsiders to seekers of favor is highly significant in the prophetic context, pointing to Gentile inclusion into the people of God.

Psalm 45 12 Bonus section

The specific mention of Tyre carries an additional layer of meaning. Tyre, a symbol of immense commercial power and material wealth, often stood in stark contrast to God's covenant people (e.g., Eze 26-28 regarding its pride and judgment). However, in this prophetic context, its inclusion in those bringing gifts signifies that not only will people from all nations come, but even those identified with worldly prosperity—often perceived as spiritually antithetical—will humble themselves before God's anointed and His community. This underlines the complete spiritual transformation and subjection of earthly power to the divine King, demonstrating that no aspect of creation or human endeavor is beyond God's reclaiming for His glory. This is a subtle polemic against the ultimate supremacy of worldly empires, wealth, and human might, declaring that ultimately, they too will acknowledge the one true King.

Psalm 45 12 Commentary

Psalm 45:12, situated in a psalm celebrating a royal wedding, prophetically describes the magnetic allure of the Messiah's kingdom. While literally portraying the honor given to a Davidic queen, its deeper, messianic application is profound. The "daughter of Tyre" and "the rich among the people" symbolize the conversion and inclusion of the Gentiles, specifically the wealthy and influential. This is a dramatic reversal; historically, Tyre was a foreign, pagan nation. Here, its representatives willingly bring gifts and earnestly seek the favor of the queen, who represents the Church, the pure bride of Christ. This foresees a future age, beginning with Christ's first coming and culminating in His glorious return, where worldly treasures and power will not oppose, but will humbly serve and worship the True King and His people. It signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the nations coming to Jerusalem, not for war, but for worship, bringing their glory into the Lord's house, acknowledging the supremacy and attractiveness of God's spiritual kingdom. It is a powerful affirmation of the global reach of the Gospel and the Church's destiny as a spiritual magnet drawing all peoples.

• Practical usage: Believers today are part of this spiritual "bride." Our lives, dedicated to Christ, reflect a beauty that draws others. The spiritual "gifts" and "favor" sought can represent people desiring salvation, guidance, and peace found in Christ's Church, presenting their lives as living sacrifices. It encourages faithful living, as our walk contributes to the "beauty" that draws others.