It is famously attributed to King Louis XIV of France, although there is no direct evidence that he ever actually said it. It is a statement of absolute power, implying that the king is above the law and that his will is the law.
This phrase highlights the concept of divine right of kings, which was a prevalent belief in Europe during the 17th century. It meant that monarchs held absolute power by the grace of God and were not subject to the will of the people.
While Louis XIV may not have said this exact phrase, it encapsulates the core principle of his reign and the belief in his absolute power.