Psalms 45:2

Context

45:2 You are the most handsome of all men!¹

You speak in an impressive and fitting manner!²

For this reason³ God grants you continual blessings.⁴

Luke 4:22

Context
4:22 All⁵ were speaking well of him, and were amazed at the gracious words coming out of his mouth. They⁶ said, “Isn’t this⁷ Joseph’s son?”

[45:2] ¹tn Heb “you are handsome from the sons of man.” The preposition “from” is used in a comparative (“more than”) sense. The peculiar verb form יָפְיָפִיתָ (yafyafita) is probably the result of dittography of yod-pe (יפ) and should be emended to יָפִיתָ (yafita). See GKC 152 §55.e.

[45:2] ²tn Heb “favor is poured out on your lips.” “Lips” probably stands by metonymy for the king’s speech. Some interpret the Hebrew term חֵן (khen) as referring here to “gracious (i.e., kind and polite) speech”, but the word probably refers more generally to “attractive” speech that is impressively articulated and fitting for the occasion. For other instances of the term being used of speech, see Prov 22:11 and Eccl 10:12.

[45:2] ³tn Or “this demonstrates.” The construction עַל־כֵּן (’al-ken, “therefore”) usually indicates what logically follows from a preceding statement. However, here it may infer the cause from the effect, indicating the underlying basis or reason for what precedes (see BDB 487 s.v. I כֵּן 3.f; C. A. Briggs and E. G. Briggs, Psalms [ICC], 1:386).

[45:2] ⁴tn Or “blesses you forever.” Here “bless” means to “endue with the power and skill to rule effectively,” as the following verses indicate.

[4:22] ⁵tn Grk “And all.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

[4:22] ⁶tn Grk “And they.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

[4:22] ⁷sn The form of the question assumes a positive reply. It really amounts to an objection, as Jesus’ response in the next verses shows. Jesus spoke smoothly and impressively. He made a wonderful declaration, but could a local carpenter’s son make such an offer? That was their real question.