Psalm 2

"My king on Zion"

Purpose: To call the rebellious kings of the earth to submit to YHWH and his king.

Content: Serve YHWH and submit to his king!

Message: YHWH's anointed king will rule the world.

Author: Anonymous

Overview

Translation

Click 'Expand' to the right to see our Close-but-Clear translation of Psalm 2.

Expand

1. Why are nations in an uproar,

and [why] do peoples plot emptiness?

2. [Why] do earthly kings take a stand

and [why] have rulers conspired together

against YHWH and against his anointed one?

3. "Let's tear off their bonds

and throw their ropes away from us!"

4. The one enthroned in the heavens laughs.

The Lord mocks them.

5. Then he speaks to them in his anger

and terrifies them in his wrath.

6. "But I have poured out my king

on Zion, my holy mountain."

7. I will tell about the decree;

YHWH said to me, "You are my son.

I hereby father you today.

8. Ask me, and I will make nations your inheritance

and the ends of the earth your property.

9. You will crush them with an iron scepter.

You will smash them like clay pottery."

10. And now, kings, wise up!

Accept discipline, earthly rulers!

11. Serve YHWH with fear

and rejoice with trembling!

12. Kiss the son, or else he will become angry and you will perish in your way,

for his anger quickly ignites.

Happy are all who take refuge in him!

The Close-but-clear translation (CBC) exists to provide a window into the Hebrew text according to how we understand its syntax and word-to-phrase-level semantics. It is not intended to be used as a stand-alone translation or base text, but as a supplement to Layer-by-Layer materials to help users make full use of these resources.

For links to other translations of Psalm 2, click here.

Verse-by-Verse

Click the link to view all of Psalm 2 Verse-by-Verse, or click on an individual verse below.

• v. 1
• v. 2
• v. 3
• v. 4
• v. 5
• v. 6
• v. 7
• v. 8
• v. 9
• v. 10
• v. 11
• v. 12

Layer-by-Layer

Psalm Overview

• Grammar
• Semantics
• Story behind the Psalm
• Discourse
• Poetics

Exegetical Issues

The Meaning of נָסַכְתִּי in Ps 2:6

The Meaning of גִילוּ בִּרְעָדָה in Ps 2:11

The Text and Meaning of Ps 2:12a

Guardian: Ryan Sikes