Psalm 45:2 praises the royal figure for surpassing others in beauty and for the grace poured upon his lips. As a royal wedding psalm, it initially celebrates an Israelite or Davidic king, but its elevated language later receives a distinctly messianic application in the New Testament.

Luke 4:22 records Jesus' hearers marveling at the "gracious words" coming from His mouth, while John 1:17 contrasts the giving of the Law through Moses with grace and truth coming through Jesus Christ. Neither passage directly quotes Psalm 45:2, so the connection is thematic. Nevertheless, the gracious speech attributed to the ideal king finds an appropriate culmination in Jesus, whose words reveal God's grace with unique authority.