The writer isn't just quoting Psalm 45; he's highlighting that God Himself addresses the Son as "God" when declaring His eternal throne. This isn't just about a king's rule, but about the Son's inherent divinity being the foundation of His everlasting kingdom.
But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author of Hebrews is arguing for the superiority of Jesus over angels, citing Old Testament passages that speak of God's Son. After quoting Psalm 104:7, the author turns to Psalm 45:6-7, which describes an earthly king but is now being applied to Jesus. This psalm, originally likely a royal wedding song for a king like Solomon, is presented here as pointing to the divine and eternal reign of Christ.
This verse directly calls the Son 'God' and speaks of His royal reign. What does this astonishing title reveal about Jesus?
The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 45:6-7, which is a poetic address to a king. Astonishingly, this king is called 'God' in the text: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever." This isn't just flattery; it's a profound statement about the Son's identity.
A Title Reserved for the Divine
In the Old Testament, the title 'God' (Elohim) was overwhelmingly reserved for the one true God. While it could occasionally be used for judges or even angelic beings in specific contexts, addressing an earthly king directly as 'God' was extraordinary. The context here makes it clear: this king's throne is eternal, and his reign is characterized by righteousness. This elevates him far beyond any human monarch.
The Son's Divine Kingship
The New Testament authors, like the author of Hebrews, saw in this ancient psalm a clear picture of Jesus Christ. He is the King whose reign is not temporary but eternal, established forever. His authority isn't based on power alone, but on perfect justice and righteousness.
What does it mean for a king's reign to be characterized by a 'scepter of uprightness'? This points to the very nature of His rule.
The verse continues, calling the scepter of the Son's kingdom 'a scepter of righteousness' or 'uprightness.' This is more than just a symbol of power; it speaks to the and of His rule.
Ask a follow-up
Justice as the Standard
A scepter was a symbol of royal authority and power. But for the Son, this authority is intrinsically linked to righteousness. His kingdom isn't governed by caprice, favoritism, or arbitrary decisions. Instead, it is built upon and administered with perfect justice and moral uprightness.
An Enduring Principle
This connection between eternal kingship and righteousness isn't accidental. It signifies that the Son's reign is morally perfect and will endure because it aligns with God's unchanging character. His commands, His judgments, and His very nature are inherently righteous, making His kingdom stable and trustworthy forever.
Understand the original words
thronos · Greek Noun
The official seat of a king or judge, symbolizing authority, sovereignty, power, and judicial rule. Biblically, it refers to God's eternal dominion and Christ's messianic rule.
rhabdos · Greek Noun
A staff or rod held by a monarch, serving as a symbol of royal authority, power, and the right to rule or govern.
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
Conformity to God's standards, His law, and His character. It is the state of being right in the sight of God and acting in accordance with His moral will.
anomia · Greek Noun
Moral evil, lawlessness, or rebellion against God’s character and commands. It represents the active rejection of what is good, holy, and just.
chriō · Greek Verb
To smear or rub with oil as a ritual act of consecration, signifying being set apart for a specific divine purpose or holy office (such as prophet, priest, or king).
This verse draws from Psalm 45, a royal wedding song possibly about Solomon. The author of Hebrews uses this psalm, particularly the Septuagint translation's address to the king as 'God,' to powerfully argue that Jesus, the Messiah, is far superior to angels.
c. 1000 BC
Solomon's Reign and Marriage
King Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, marries Pharaoh's daughter, a politically significant alliance. Some scholars believe Psalm 45 was originally composed as a royal wedding song for this occasion.
c. 1000 BC - 7th Century BC
Use in Jewish Temple Services
Psalm 45, or at least parts of it, were used in Jewish temple worship. This suggests an understanding that the psalm held a deeper, possibly Messianic, meaning beyond its original context.
c. 1st Century BC
Septuagint Translation
The Hebrew Bible is translated into Greek (the Septuagint), including Psalm 45. This translation uses specific wording that the author of Hebrews will later quote.
c. AD 30-60
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of God occur. This fulfills prophecies and typologies pointing to a Messianic king.
c. AD 60-70— this verse
Authorship of Hebrews
The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews writes, quoting Psalm 45:6-7 to demonstrate the superior divine status of Jesus Christ compared to angels.
This passage directly echoes the divine appointment and enthronement of a king, just as Psalm 45 is applied to the Son in Hebrews 1, reinforcing the idea of God establishing His chosen ruler.
Psalm 89:3-4This Psalm speaks of God establishing a covenant with David for an everlasting dynasty, highlighting the theme of an eternal kingdom that aligns with the 'forever and ever' nature of the Son's throne.
Isaiah 9:6-7This prophecy describes a future child who will be called 'Mighty God' and 'Prince of Peace,' whose government will be established with justice and righteousness forever, directly correlating with the attributes of the Son's kingdom described in Hebrews 1:8.
Jeremiah 23:5-6This prophetic promise points to a future righteous king 'sprung from David,' who will reign as king and act with wisdom, justice, and uprightness, mirroring the description of the Son's just scepter and eternal kingdom.
wesleyHebrews 1:8: "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom."
1:8 O God - God, in the singular number, is never in scripture used absolutely of any but the supreme God. Thy reign, of which the sceptre is the ensign, is full of justice and equity. Psa 45:6,7.
vincentHebrews 1:8: "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom."
Fifth quotation, Psalm 45:7, Psalm 45:8. A nuptial ode addressed to an Israelitish king. The general sense is that the Messiah's kingdom is eternal and righteously administered.Thy throne, O God (ὁ θρόνος σου ὁ θεὸς)I retain the vocative, although the translation of the Hebrew is doubtful. The following renderings have been proposed: "thy throne (which…
The writer isn't just quoting Psalm 45; he's highlighting that God Himself addresses the Son as "God" when declaring His eternal throne. This isn't just about a king's rule, but about the Son's inherent divinity being the foundation of His everlasting kingdom.
The author of Hebrews is arguing for the superiority of Jesus over angels, citing Old Testament passages that speak of God's Son. After quoting Psalm 104:7, the author turns to Psalm 45:6-7, which describes an earthly king but is now being applied to Jesus. This psalm, originally likely a royal wedding song for a king like Solomon, is presented here as pointing to the divine and eternal reign of Christ.
The author of Hebrews is arguing for the superiority of Jesus over angels, citing Old Testament passages that speak of God's Son. After quoting Psalm 104:7, the author turns to Psalm 45:6-7, which describes an earthly king but is now being applied to Jesus. This psalm, originally likely a royal wedding song for a king like Solomon, is presented here as pointing to the divine and eternal reign of Christ.
"But of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you…" — The writer isn't just quoting Psalm 45; he's highlighting that God Himself addresses the Son as "God" when declaring His eternal throne. This isn't just about a king's rule, but about the Son's inher…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026