Psalm 2/Diagrams
v. 1
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| לָ֭מָּה רָגְשׁ֣וּ גוֹיִ֑ם | 1a | Why are nations in an uproar, |
| וּ֝לְאֻמִּ֗ים יֶהְגּוּ־רִֽיק׃ | 1b | and [why] do peoples plot emptiness? |
Macula
לָ֭מָּה רָגְשׁ֣וּ גוֹיִ֑ם וּ֝לְאֻמִּ֗ים יֶהְגּוּ־רִֽיק׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 1]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
noun: גוֹיִם nations
Predicate
verb: רָגְשׁוּ are in an uproar
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
noun: לְאֻמִּים peoples
Predicate
verb: יֶהְגּוּ mutter >> plot
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why <status="elided">
Adverbial
noun: רִיק in vain <status="alternative">
Object
noun: רִיק emptiness
DiscourseUnit [v. 1]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
noun: גוֹיִם nations
Predicate
verb: רָגְשׁוּ are in an uproar
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
noun: לְאֻמִּים peoples
Predicate
verb: יֶהְגּוּ mutter >> plot
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why <status="elided">
Adverbial
noun: רִיק in vain <status="alternative">
Object
noun: רִיק emptiness
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-1-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 1
The interrogative "'why" (לָמָּה) is elided in the second clause. Cf. NLT: "Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?"[1] At least semantically, it is probably implied in the clauses of v. 2 as well.[2]
Note for v. 1
The noun רִיק could either be the direct object of the verb[3] or a nominal adverb.[4] Both interpretations are grammatically possible. For the direct object interpretation, cf. Ps 4:3 (תֶּאֱהָב֣וּן רִ֑יק). See also the numerous examples of הגה taking a similar abstract noun as its object: Isa 59:3 (עַוְלָה); Ps 37:30 (חָכְמָה); Ps 38:13 (וּמִרְמֹות); Prov 8:7 (אֱמֶת); Job 27:4 (רְמִיָּה). For the nominal adverb interpretation, cf. Ps 73:13—אַךְ־רִ֭יק זִכִּ֣יתִי לְבָבִ֑י (also Isa 30:7; cf. the frequently occurring phrase לְרִיק/לָרִיק, Lev 26:16, 20; Isa 49:4; 65:23; Job 39:16). Given the fact that the verb הגה typically takes an object (either a bare noun phrase or a beth prepositional phrase), the direct object interpretation is more likely. If the poet wanted to clearly indicate an adverbial reading, we might have expected לריק.
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 1
The first verb of the psalm (רָגַשׁ) occurs only here in the Hebrew Bible, and so its meaning is unclear. There are two main options:
- "assemble" (NJPS) >> "conspire" (NIV, NRSV; cf. CEV, GNT). So SDBH: "action by which a relatively large number of people form a group in order to pursue a common goal together."[5]
- "rage" (KJV, ESV, CSB); also "are... angry" (NLT), "in turmoil" (REB), "in an uproar" (NASB)
The meaning "assemble" is based on an Aramaic cognate (רגשׁ aphel stem) that means "to gather together urgently."[6] But the Aramaic verb only has this meaning in the aphel (= hiphil) stem. In the basic stem (= qal), the Aramaic verb means "to rage, be upset."[7] The word רגשׁ (hithpael, niphal, and qal) occurs with this sense in some later Hebrew texts:
- "against me the assembly of the wicked rages (תתרגש), and they roar (ויהמו) like stormy seas when their waves crash (בהרגש)" (1QHa col. 10, line 14. DJD vol. 40, p. 132, 142).
- "when the waves and the breakers of the waters surge up (ויתרגשו) on high with their noisy roar (המון)" (1QHa col. 11, line 16-17. DJD vol. 40, p. 155).
- "Lo, heaven and the highest heaven, the abyss and the earth, tremble (σαλευθήσονται = ירגשו?) at his visitation!" (Sirach 16:18, NRSV; cf. Ben Sira Ms A 16:18. which reads כרגשו—"when he rages")
Interestingly, in the first two of these passages, the "raging" wicked are likened to the tumultuous sea, an image which we find elsewhere in the Psalter (see esp. Ps 46). This would be a fitting image for the nations in Ps 2 as well.
Note that verbs for anger also occurs in the last verse of Ps 2 (יאנף...יבער אפו), thus forming an inclusio. The use of an Aramaic word at the beginning of the psalm might be a deliberate rhetorical device: the psalm deals with events of international significance, so it makes use of the international language of Aramaic. (Note other Aramaisms in vv. 9, 12. Compare also the use of Aramaic in Dan 2-7 where the content also concerns international politics).
Note for v. 1
לְאֻמִּים is used especially in poetic texts.[8]
Note for v. 1
The verb הָגָה ("mutter" [SDBH]) has "the metonymic nuance 'devise, plan, plot' (see Ps 38:12; Prov 24:2)" (NET). In this context, the verb contributes further to the picture in the previous line of the nations as a noisy crowd, agitated like a tumultuous sea. Elsewhere, הגה can refer to a noisy inarticulate sound (cf. TDOT). E.g., "We all growl (נֶהֱמֶה) like bears; we moan mournfully (הָגֹה נֶהְגֶּה) like doves" (Isa 59:11, NIV). In Job 37:2, the noun הֶגֶה refers to "rumbling" of thunder (ESV, NIV, NET). Thus, with the verbs רגשׁ and הגה, Ps 2:1 gives an image of the nations like a gathering storm (cf. Ps 46).
Note for v. 1
"The noun רִיק (“emptiness”) may characterize their behavior as 'worthless, morally bankrupt' but more likely refers to the outcome of their plots (i.e., failure). As the rest of the psalm emphasizes, their rebellion will fail."[9]
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for v. 1
The verbal conjugations in vv 1-2 form a chiasm:
qatal (v. 1a), yiqtol (v. 1b), yiqtol (v. 2a), qatal (v. 2b).
The meaningful difference between the two forms in this context is difficult to determine, however.[10] Most translations smooth out the differences by translating all of the verbs using the same tense. Most English translations, for example, use a series of four present-tense verbs. The Septuagint uses four past tense (aorist) verbs "Why did the nations grow insolent and peoples contemplate... stood... gathered" (NETS). Others have tried to determine some meaningful difference between the forms in these verses. According to Niccacci, the alternation of qatal-yiqtol in these verses, in addition to creating the chiasm, "is likely intended to add depth of field to the presentation of the event."[11] He argues that the first clause of each verse presents foreground information, and the second clause of each verse presents background information—all within a past-tense time frame. He thus translates these verses as follows: "Why did the nations conspire, while the peoples were plotting in vain? <Why> were the kings of the earth setting themselves, while the rulers took counsel together...".[12] Another way to express a meaningful difference between the qatals and yiqtols is to understand the yiqtols as modals: "Why are nations in an uproar, and [why] would peoples plot emptiness?" This interpretation would allow us explain the difference between the verbal forms in a way that respects the semantic contribution of each form (qatal as typically past/perfective/realis; yiqtol as typically future/imperfective/irrealis) and works well in the context (see esp. the initial interrogative pronoun לָמָּה; cf. 1 Sam 19:5, 17, 28; Jer 40:15; BDB: "with an impf., often deprecating, or introducing rhetorically, the reason why something should, or should not, be done, why should …?" Finally, another interpretation of the yiqtol's would be to understand them as expressing the ongoing nature of the events: "[why] do peoples plot emptiness...?" (The first qatal verb רָגְשׁוּ is understood as semantically stative and is thus translated with the present tense; cf. HALOT: "to be restless;" Gesenius 2013, 1220: "unruhig sein").
Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
v. 2
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| יִ֥תְיַצְּב֨וּ ׀ מַלְכֵי־אֶ֗רֶץ | 2a | [Why] do earthly kings take a stand |
| וְרוֹזְנִ֥ים נֽוֹסְדוּ־יָ֑חַד | 2b | and [why] have rulers conspired together |
| עַל־יְ֝הוָה וְעַל־מְשִׁיחֽוֹ׃ | 2c | against YHWH and against his anointed one? |
Macula
יִ֥תְיַצְּב֨וּ ׀ מַלְכֵי־אֶ֗רֶץ וְרוֹזְנִ֥ים נֽוֹסְדוּ־יָ֑חַד עַל־יְ֝הוָה וְעַל־מְשִׁיחֽוֹ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 2]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="earthly kings">
noun: מַלְכֵי kings
noun: אֶרֶץ earth
Predicate
verb: יִתְיַצְּבוּ take a stand
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why <status="elided">
Adverbial <status="elided">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל against
Object
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל against
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his anointed one">
noun: מְשִׁיח anointed one
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
noun: רוֹזְנִים rulers
Predicate
verb: נוֹסְדוּ have gathered >> have conspired
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why <status="elided">
Adverbial
adverb: יָחַד together
Adverbial
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל against
Object
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל against
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his anointed one">
noun: מְשִׁיח anointed
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Fragment <status="alternative">
particle: סֶלָה Selah <status="emendation">
DiscourseUnit [v. 2]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="earthly kings">
noun: מַלְכֵי kings
noun: אֶרֶץ earth
Predicate
verb: יִתְיַצְּבוּ take a stand
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why <status="elided">
Adverbial <status="elided">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל against
Object
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל against
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his anointed one">
noun: מְשִׁיח anointed one
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
noun: רוֹזְנִים rulers
Predicate
verb: נוֹסְדוּ have gathered >> have conspired
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why <status="elided">
Adverbial
adverb: יָחַד together
Adverbial
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל against
Object
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל against
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his anointed one">
noun: מְשִׁיח anointed
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Fragment <status="alternative">
particle: סֶלָה Selah <status="emendation">
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-2-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 2
The prepositional phrases "against YHWH and against his anointed" (v. 2c) probably modify both of the preceding clauses (v. 2ab). Implicitly, it modifies the clauses in v. 1 as well.
Note for v. 2
The Septuagint includes "Selah" (Greek: διάψαλμα) at the end of v. 2.
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 2
The verb "stand" (יִתְיַצְּבוּ) can mean to "take one’s stand (firmly)" (HALOT) and, by metaphorical extension, "to resist" (HALOT; see e.g., Deut 7:2; Josh 1:5; Job 41:2; 1 Chron 20:6).
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 2
"kings of earth >> earthly kings," i.e., "earthly kings in contrast to the heavenly king (v. 4)."[13]
Note for v. 2
The same expression הִוָּסֵד יחד על occurs in Ps 31:14: "For I hear many whispering, 'Terror on every side!' They conspire against me (בְּהִוָּסְדָם יַחַד עָלַי) and plot to take my life" (Ps 31:14, NIV). In this passage, as in Ps 2, the verb probably means "get together" >> "conspire" (cf. HALOT; so REB and NASB ["conspire"]; LXX: "gather" [συνήχθησαν]). According to HALOT and Gesenius 2013, 471, this verb probably derives from the root יסד II (a by-form of סוד; cf. the nοun סוֹד which can refer both to a "group, gathering" of people and, by metaphorical extension, to a "plot" or "scheme" known only by that group [see SDBH]).
Note for v. 2
The preposition in the phrase "against (עַל) YHWH and against (עַל) his anointed one" is used in "the oppositional sense."[14] The repetition of the preposition עַל in v. 2c draws attention to the conflict.
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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v. 3
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| נְֽ֭נַתְּקָה אֶת־מֽוֹסְרוֹתֵ֑ימוֹ | 3a | "Let's tear off their bonds |
| וְנַשְׁלִ֖יכָה מִמֶּ֣נּוּ עֲבֹתֵֽימוֹ׃ | 3b | and throw their ropes away from us!" |
Macula
נְֽ֭נַתְּקָה אֶת־מֽוֹסְרוֹתֵ֑ימוֹ וְנַשְׁלִ֖יכָה מִמֶּ֣נּוּ עֲבֹתֵֽימוֹ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 3]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: נְנַתְּקָה let's tear off
Object
particle: אֶת
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="their bonds">
noun: מוֹסְרוֹתֵי bonds
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: נַשְׁלִיכָה let's throw
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִמֶּ away from
Object
suffix-pronoun: נּוּ us
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="their ropes">
noun: עֲבֹתֵי ropes
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
DiscourseUnit [v. 3]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: נְנַתְּקָה let's tear off
Object
particle: אֶת
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="their bonds">
noun: מוֹסְרוֹתֵי bonds
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: נַשְׁלִיכָה let's throw
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִמֶּ away from
Object
suffix-pronoun: נּוּ us
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="their ropes">
noun: עֲבֹתֵי ropes
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-3-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for v. 3
"In first-person plural [cohortatives], the speakers usually seek to instigate or encourage each other to some action."[15]
Textual Notes
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v. 4
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| יוֹשֵׁ֣ב בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם יִשְׂחָ֑ק | 4a | The one enthroned in the heavens laughs. |
| אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י יִלְעַג־לָֽמוֹ׃ | 4b | The Lord mocks them. |
Macula
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם יִשְׂחָ֑ק אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י יִלְעַג־לָֽמוֹ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 4]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Nominal
Clause
Predicate
verb-participle: יוֹשֵׁב one who sits >> one enthroned
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַּ in
Object
article: ה the <status="elided">
noun: שָּׁמַיִם heavens
Predicate
verb: יִשְׂחָק laughs
Adverbial <status="elided">
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ at
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: אֲדֹנָי the Lord
Subject <status="alternative">
noun: יְהוָה YHWH <status="alternative emendation">
Predicate
verb: יִלְעַג mocks
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="them">
Preposition
preposition: לָ at
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
DiscourseUnit [v. 4]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Nominal
Clause
Predicate
verb-participle: יוֹשֵׁב one who sits >> one enthroned
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַּ in
Object
article: ה the <status="elided">
noun: שָּׁמַיִם heavens
Predicate
verb: יִשְׂחָק laughs
Adverbial <status="elided">
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ at
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: אֲדֹנָי the Lord
Subject <status="alternative">
noun: יְהוָה YHWH <status="alternative emendation">
Predicate
verb: יִלְעַג mocks
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="them">
Preposition
preposition: לָ at
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-4-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 4
The prepositional phrase "them" (לָמוֹ) appears to modify not only the verb in the b-line (ילעג), but the verb in the a-line as well (ישׂחק).[16] For other instances of שׂחק ל, see Pss 37:13; 59:9.
Note for v. 4
In v. 4b, many manuscripts read יהוה instead of אֲדֹנָי.[17] But אדני, which is attested in our earliest Hebrew manuscript (11Q7), is almost certainly the earlier reading. Scribes are more likely to have changed אדני (which is far less common) to יהוה (which is far more common) rather than the other way around. Furthermore, אדני, which highlights YHWH's superiority, fits the context very well (see esp. the similar context for אדני in Ps 37:13a—אֲדֹנָ֥י יִשְׂחַק־ל֑וֹ). Note also that the earthly kings are called to become YHWH's "servants" in v. 11, i.e., to submit to his lordship and serve him as master.
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 4
The verb ישׁב (lit.: "sit") can refer figuratively to "reigning" (i.e., sitting on a throne). It appears a number of times in the phrase ישׁב על כסא (Exod 11:5; 12:29; Deut 17:18; 1 Sam 1:9; 4:13; 1 Kgs 1:13, 17, 20) and can have a similar meaning even when the prepositional phrase (על כסא) is omitted (e.g., Isa 40:22; Zech 9:6). The verb probably has this meaning in this context, where YHWH "the one who reigns in heaven" is contrasted with the "kings of earth" (v. 2). So SDBH: "action by which humans or deities assume a position of leadership, as if sitting on an actual throne." Cf. NIV: "The One enthroned in heaven" (cf. NLT, CSB, CEV, GNT).
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 4
The lamed preposition in the phrase "laugh [at them (למו)]... mock them (למו)" indicates the entity negatively affected by the action,[18] the object of scorn and mockery (cf. Ps 22:8—יַלְעִגוּ לִי; Ps 37:13—יִשְׂחַק לוֹ).
Verbal Notes
Note for v. 4
The yiqtol verbs in vv. 4-5 narrate a sequence of events: first YHWH laughs/mocks (v. 4) and "then" (אָז) he speaks to them (v. 5a) so that they are terrified (v. 5b). This sequentiality is strengthened by the presence of אָז (v. 5a) (on this function of אָז see e.g., BHRG §40.6.2). The use of yiqtol (vs qatal and wayyiqtol) has the effect of making it more like a performance; it makes it feel as though the events are happening right before the speaker's eyes (e.g., think of a sports commentator saying, "he shoots, he scores!").[19]
Textual Notes
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v. 5
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| אָ֤ז יְדַבֵּ֣ר אֵלֵ֣ימוֹ בְאַפּ֑וֹ | 5a | Then he speaks to them in his anger |
| וּֽבַחֲרוֹנ֥וֹ יְבַהֲלֵֽמוֹ׃ | 5b | and terrifies them in his wrath. |
Macula
אָ֤ז יְדַבֵּ֣ר אֵלֵ֣ימוֹ בְאַפּ֑וֹ וּֽבַחֲרוֹנ֥וֹ יְבַהֲלֵֽמוֹ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 5]
Fragment
particle: אָז then
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: יְדַבֵּר he speaks
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֵלֵי to
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ in
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his anger">
noun: אַפּ anger
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: יְבַהֲלֵ terrifies
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַ in
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his wrath">
noun: חֲרוֹנ wrath
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
DiscourseUnit [v. 5]
Fragment
particle: אָז then
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: יְדַבֵּר he speaks
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֵלֵי to
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ in
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his anger">
noun: אַפּ anger
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: יְבַהֲלֵ terrifies
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַ in
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his wrath">
noun: חֲרוֹנ wrath
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-5-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 5
The bet prepositions in the phrases "in his anger" and "in his wrath" indicate the mode of the actions.[20]
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 5
In regard to בַחֲרוֹנוֹ, it seems that "Since the object of this rage is almost always Israel (except Hab 3:8; Ps 18:8), and since the source of provocation often is 'transgression of the covenant' (Josh 7:1; 23:16; Judg 2:20) or 'pursuit of other gods' (Deut 6:14–15; 11:16–17; 31:16–17), ḥrh and ḥārôn seem to have a specialized use designating the legitimate rage of a suzerain against a disobedient vassal.'"[21]
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
v. 6
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| וַ֭אֲנִי נָסַ֣כְתִּי מַלְכִּ֑י | 6a | "But I have poured out my king |
| עַל־צִ֝יּ֗וֹן הַר־קָדְשִֽׁי׃ | 6b | on Zion, my holy mountain." |
Macula
וַ֭אֲנִי נָסַ֣כְתִּי מַלְכִּ֑י עַל־צִ֝יּ֗וֹן הַר־קָדְשִֽׁי׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 6]
Fragment
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ but
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: אֲנִי I
Predicate
verb: נָסַכְתִּי have poured out
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my king">
noun: מַלְכִּ king
suffix-pronoun: י me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל on
Object
Apposition
noun: צִיּוֹן Zion
ConstructChain <gloss="my holy mountain">
noun: הַר mountain
ConstructChain
noun: קָדְשִׁ holiness
suffix-pronoun: י me
DiscourseUnit [v. 6]
Fragment
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ but
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: אֲנִי I
Predicate
verb: נָסַכְתִּי have poured out
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my king">
noun: מַלְכִּ king
suffix-pronoun: י me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל on
Object
Apposition
noun: צִיּוֹן Zion
ConstructChain <gloss="my holy mountain">
noun: הַר mountain
ConstructChain
noun: קָדְשִׁ holiness
suffix-pronoun: י me
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-6-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 6
The waw at the beginning of v. 6 functions at the discourse level "to signal text level disjunction or transition."[22] Specifically, in this case, it connects and contrasts YHWH's response to the nations' speech in v. 3. "The function of this type of speech-initial וְ is to mark a dispreferred response."[23]
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 6
Poured out. In Biblical Hebrew, the verb נסך almost always means to “pour out.” In the qal stem, it can refer to the pouring out of libations (Ex. 30:9 [patient: נֵסֶךְ]; Isa. 30:1 [patient: מַסֵּכָה]; Hos. 9:4 [patient: יַיִן]) or to the casting of metal (Isa. 40:19 [patient: פֶּסֶל]; 44:10 [patient: פֶּסֶל]).[24] Since ancient times, translators have struggled with this concept; what would it mean for YHWH to "pour out" his king on mount Zion? As noted above, the verb נסך may refer to the act of pouring out liquid metal into a mold in order to fashion an image/idol (e.g. Isa. 40:19; 44:10). In the Ancient Near East, the king was said to be a living "image" of God, since he resembled God's character and functioned as his earthly representative. Thus, in Psalm 2:6, YHWH declares to the rebellious nations that he has forged his king as his image. For more information, see the Exegetical Issue The Meaning of נָסַכְתִּי in Psalm2:6.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 6
"My king" indicates "the king who is mine, whom I made to be king" (Malbim: מלך שלי שהמלכתיו).
Note for v. 6
"On my mountain of holiness" >> "on my holy mountain" indicates the mountain that is devoted to me as holy (cf. Joel 4:17; Obad 16; Pss 3:5; 15:1; 43:3; 48:2; 99:9; Dan 9:16; etc.).
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
v. 7
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| אֲסַפְּרָ֗ה אֶֽ֫ל חֹ֥ק | 7a | I will tell about the decree; |
| יְֽהוָ֗ה אָמַ֘ר אֵלַ֥י בְּנִ֥י אַ֑תָּה | 7b | YHWH said to me, "You are my son. |
| אֲ֝נִ֗י הַיּ֥וֹם יְלִדְתִּֽיךָ׃ | 7c | I hereby father you today. |
Macula
אֲסַפְּרָ֗ה אֶֽ֫ל חֹ֥ק יְֽהוָ֗ה אָמַ֘ר אֵלַ֥י בְּנִ֥י אַ֑תָּה אֲ֝נִ֗י הַיּ֥וֹם יְלִדְתִּֽיךָ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 7]
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: אֲסַפְּרָה I will tell
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֶל about
Object
noun: חֹק decree
Object
ConstructChain <status="alternative">
noun: חֹק decree
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: אָמַר said
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֵלַ to
Object
suffix-pronoun: י me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
ConstructChain <gloss="my son">
noun: בְּנִ son
suffix-pronoun: י me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: אֲנִי I
Predicate
verb: יְלִדְתִּי hereby father
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial <gloss="today">
article: הַ the
noun: יּוֹם day
DiscourseUnit [v. 7]
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: אֲסַפְּרָה I will tell
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֶל about
Object
noun: חֹק decree
Object
ConstructChain <status="alternative">
noun: חֹק decree
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: אָמַר said
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֵלַ to
Object
suffix-pronoun: י me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
ConstructChain <gloss="my son">
noun: בְּנִ son
suffix-pronoun: י me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: אֲנִי I
Predicate
verb: יְלִדְתִּי hereby father
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial <gloss="today">
article: הַ the
noun: יּוֹם day
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-7-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 7
Depending on how one divides the lines in v. 7ab, "YHWH" may be either the final noun of a construct chain ("...decree of YHWH. He said..." so Targum: קימא דייי; see also the layout in the Aleppo Codex) or the subject of the following clause ("...decree. YHWH said..." so MT accents [ole we-yored]; Aquila[?]: κύριος; Peshitta), or, if "YHWH" is read twice, both the final noun of a construct chain and the subject of the next clause ("...decree of YHWH. YHWH said..." so LXX; Jerome [iuxta Hebr.]). Most of the modern translations consulted group "YHWH" with v. 7a.
- "I will proclaim the LORD’s decree: He said to me" (NIV, cf. NRSV, NLT, CSB, CEV, GNT, REB, NET, LUT, HFA, NGÜ, ELB, EÜ, GNB, ZÜR)
- "I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me" (ESV, cf. NJPS)
A decision is difficult. In the absence of any compelling evidence one way or another, we have defaulted to following the reading tradition of the Masoretes.
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 7
The word "decree" (חֹק) here refers to a "god-given" "prescription" or "rule" (HALOT), though "the emphasis is on the right and privilege that it brings about, rather than upon the call for its observance and obedience."[25] Specifically, in this context, "the ḥōq of Yahweh to the king appears to be the [covenantal] promise of sonship pronounced at the king’s enthronement,"[26] the “personal covenant document, renewing God’s covenant commitment to the dynasty of David.”[27] On the close relationship between "covenant" and "decree," see e.g., Ps 105:9-11 (ESV):
- "He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying, 'To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance.'"
- As in Ps 105, so here in Ps 2: the covenant with David is "confirmed as a statue (חֹק)" to one of David's descendants.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 7
The preposition אֶל modifying the verb of speaking ספּר indicates the topic of the discourse: "tell of the decree" (ESV, NJPS) or "tell about the decree" (cf. Gen 20:2—"And Abraham said of (אֶל) Sarah his wife, 'She is my sister'" [ESV]; cf. Isa 29:22; Ezek 21:33; Job 42:8. Similarly, with verbs of speaking, the preposition עַל can indicate "the focus of attention" (i.e., "about," "concerning").[28]
Verbal Notes
Note for v. 7
The he suffix on אֲסַפְּרָה, traditionally identified as the marker for the cohortative, is more likely a morpheme that expresses "an increasingly conventionalized reflexive-benefactive sense."[29] Interestingly, the he suffix appears in three places in this psalm, each time in the speech of a different speaker (vv. 3, 7, 8).
Note for v. 7
Modern English translations agree that the qatal verb יְלִדְתִּֽיךָ refers to an event which, from the perspective of the speaker (YHWH), is past and has continuing relevance in the present: "I have fathered you today." But the qatal could instead be a performative: "I hereby bring you forth / become your father."[30] With performative qatal, "the fact of uttering a given proposition with the verb in the qatal triggers a new state in the speaker’s reality."[31] The meaning would be similar to what we find in 2 Kgs 9:3—"Thus says the LORD, I anoint you (מְשַׁחְתִּיךָֽ) king over Israel" (ESV, cf. NIV, NLT). The adverbial "today," which is often used with qatal verbs to indicate a performative speech act, supports this interpretation (cf. Deut 8:19; 30:18; Jer 40:4).
Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
v. 8
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| שְׁאַ֤ל מִמֶּ֗נִּי וְאֶתְּנָ֣ה ג֭וֹיִם נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ | 8a | Ask me, and I will make nations your inheritance |
| וַ֝אֲחֻזָּתְךָ֗ אַפְסֵי־אָֽרֶץ׃ | 8b | and the ends of the earth your property. |
Macula
שְׁאַ֤ל מִמֶּ֗נִּי וְאֶתְּנָ֣ה ג֭וֹיִם נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ וַ֝אֲחֻזָּתְךָ֗ אַפְסֵי־אָֽרֶץ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 8]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: שְׁאַל ask
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִמֶּ of
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִּי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: אֶתְּנָה I will make
Object
noun: גוֹיִם nations
Complement
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="your inheritance">
noun: נַחֲלָתֶ inheritance
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: אֶתְּנָה I will make <status="elided">
Object
Nominal
ConstructChain
noun: אַפְסֵי ends
noun: אָרֶץ earth
Complement
ConstructChain <gloss="your property">
noun: אֲחֻזָּתְ property
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
DiscourseUnit [v. 8]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: שְׁאַל ask
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִמֶּ of
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִּי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: אֶתְּנָה I will make
Object
noun: גוֹיִם nations
Complement
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="your inheritance">
noun: נַחֲלָתֶ inheritance
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: אֶתְּנָה I will make <status="elided">
Object
Nominal
ConstructChain
noun: אַפְסֵי ends
noun: אָרֶץ earth
Complement
ConstructChain <gloss="your property">
noun: אֲחֻזָּתְ property
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-8-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 8
The phrase "the ends of the earth" (part-divided whole) often refers to people (e.g., Pss 22:28; 67:8; 98:3) but here with the word אֲחֻזָּה ("property" or, more specifically, "landed property" [HALOT]) it probably refers to land (cf. Ps 72:8).
Verbal Notes
Note for v. 8
The weyiqtol form indicates result in the context: "Ask me, and (as a result) I will make...".[32] On the he suffix, see note on v. 6.
Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
v. 9
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| תְּ֭רֹעֵם בְּשֵׁ֣בֶט בַּרְזֶ֑ל | 9a | You will crush them with an iron scepter. |
| כִּכְלִ֖י יוֹצֵ֣ר תְּנַפְּצֵֽם׃ | 9b | You will smash them like clay pottery." |
Macula
תְּ֭רֹעֵם בְּשֵׁ֣בֶט בַּרְזֶ֑ל כִּכְלִ֖י יוֹצֵ֣ר תְּנַפְּצֵֽם׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 9]
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּרֹעֵ you will crush
verb: תִּרְעֵ you will shepherd <status="alternative revocalization">
Object
suffix-pronoun: ם them
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ with
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="an iron scepter">
noun: שֵׁבֶט scepter
noun: בַּרְזֶל iron
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּנַפְּצֵ you will smash
Object
suffix-pronoun: ם them
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: כִּ like
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="clay pottery">
noun: כְלִי vessel
verb-participle: יוֹצֵר potter
DiscourseUnit [v. 9]
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּרֹעֵ you will crush
verb: תִּרְעֵ you will shepherd <status="alternative revocalization">
Object
suffix-pronoun: ם them
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ with
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="an iron scepter">
noun: שֵׁבֶט scepter
noun: בַּרְזֶל iron
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּנַפְּצֵ you will smash
Object
suffix-pronoun: ם them
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: כִּ like
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="clay pottery">
noun: כְלִי vessel
verb-participle: יוֹצֵר potter
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-9-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 9
In v. 9a, the Septuagint says "you will shepherd them” (ποιμανεῖς αὐτούς). This reading, quoted in the Greek text of the NT in Rev. 2:27, 12:5, and 19:15, assumes a different vocalization of the consonantal Hebrew text (תִּרְעֵם) and understands the verb as רָעָה ("to shepherd") rather than רָעַע ("to break"). But the presence of the verb נפץ ("to smash") in the parallel line strongly favors the MT vocalization. Goldingay proposes a deliberate rhetorical ambiguity here, namely, that this line "lays alternative possibilities before the nations—either firm shepherding or devastating destruction."[33]
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 9
"Scepter of iron" >> "an iron scepter" (CSB), indicates a scepter made of iron.
Note for v. 9
"Vessels of a potter" >> "clay pottery" (cf. NIV, NLT, GNT).
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
v. 10
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| וְ֭עַתָּה מְלָכִ֣ים הַשְׂכִּ֑ילוּ | 10a | And now, kings, wise up! |
| הִ֝וָּסְר֗וּ שֹׁ֣פְטֵי אָֽרֶץ׃ | 10b | Accept discipline, earthly rulers! |
Macula
וְ֭עַתָּה מְלָכִ֣ים הַשְׂכִּ֑ילוּ הִ֝וָּסְר֗וּ שֹׁ֣פְטֵי אָֽרֶץ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 10]
Fragment
particle: וְעַתָּה and now
Fragment
Vocative
noun: מְלָכִים kings
Clause
Predicate
verb: הַשְׂכִּילוּ wise up
Fragment
Vocative
ConstructChain <gloss="earthly rulers">
noun: שֹׁפְטֵי rulers
noun: אָרֶץ earth
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: הִוָּסְרוּ accept discipline
DiscourseUnit [v. 10]
Fragment
particle: וְעַתָּה and now
Fragment
Vocative
noun: מְלָכִים kings
Clause
Predicate
verb: הַשְׂכִּילוּ wise up
Fragment
Vocative
ConstructChain <gloss="earthly rulers">
noun: שֹׁפְטֵי rulers
noun: אָרֶץ earth
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: הִוָּסְרוּ accept discipline
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-10-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 10
The verb הִוָּסְרוּ has been translated variously as "be warned" (NIV, ESV, NLT, NRSV), "be instructed" (KJV), "submit to correction" (NET), "learn this lesson" (GNT), and accept discipline" (NJPS). According to SDBH, the word means "literally: to be disciplined; hence: = action by which humans bring themselves to a position of submission before God, as a result of his disciplinary actions." This definition works well for all of the occurrences of this word (see Lev 26:18; Jer 6:8; 31:18; Prov 29:19). Cf. LXX: "be instructed" (παιδεύθητε).
Phrase-Level
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
v. 11
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| עִבְד֣וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֣ה בְּיִרְאָ֑ה | 11a | Serve YHWH with fear |
| וְ֝גִ֗ילוּ בִּרְעָדָֽה׃ | 11b | and rejoice with trembling! |
Macula
עִבְד֣וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֣ה בְּיִרְאָ֑ה וְ֝גִ֗ילוּ בִּרְעָדָֽה׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v.11]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: עִבְדוּ serve
Object
particle: אֶת
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ with
Object
noun: יִרְאָה fear
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: גִילוּ rejoice
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בִּ with
Object
noun: רְעָדָה trembling
DiscourseUnit [v.11]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: עִבְדוּ serve
Object
particle: אֶת
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ with
Object
noun: יִרְאָה fear
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: גִילוּ rejoice
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בִּ with
Object
noun: רְעָדָה trembling
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-11-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 11
To "serve" YHWH in this context is to submit to his authority, his lordship (cf. the word אדני in v. 4), and to embrace his "decree" (vv. 7-9). So SDBH: "action by which humans, either as individuals or as groups, assume a position of subservience towards a deity, perform the required rituals, and live in accordance with the requirements of that deity."
Lexical Notes
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Phrase-Level
Note for v. 11
The bet prepositions in the phrases "with fear" and "with trembling" indicate the mode of the actions.[34]
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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v. 12
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| נַשְּׁקוּ־בַ֡ר פֶּן־יֶאֱנַ֤ף ׀ | 12a | Kiss the son, or else he will become angry |
| וְתֹ֬אבְדוּ דֶ֗רֶךְ | 12b | and you will perish in your way, |
| כִּֽי־יִבְעַ֣ר כִּמְעַ֣ט אַפּ֑וֹ | 12c | for his anger quickly ignites. |
| אַ֝שְׁרֵ֗י כָּל־ח֥וֹסֵי בֽוֹ׃ | 12d | Happy are all who take refuge in him! |
Macula
נַשְּׁקוּ־בַ֡ר פֶּן־יֶאֱנַ֤ף ׀ וְתֹ֬אבְדוּ דֶ֗רֶךְ כִּֽי־יִבְעַ֣ר כִּמְעַ֣ט אַפּ֑וֹ אַ֝שְׁרֵ֗י כָּל־ח֥וֹסֵי בֽוֹ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 12]
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: נַשְּׁקוּ kiss
Adverbial <status="alternative">
Nominal
adjective: בַר pure <status="alternative">
Adverbial <status="alternative">
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ <status="alternative emendation">
Object
ConstructChain
noun: רַגְלָי feet <status="alternative emendation">
suffix-pronoun: ו him <status="alternative emendation">
Object
noun: בַר son
Nominal
adjective: בַר pure <status="alternative">
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: פֶּן or else
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: יֶאֱנַף he will become angry
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: תֹאבְדוּ you will perish
Adverbial <gloss="in your way">
noun: דֶרֶךְ way
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי for
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his anger">
noun: אַפּ anger
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: יִבְעַר ignites
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="quickly">
Preposition
preposition: כִּ as
Object
noun: מְעַט little
Fragment
ConstructChain <gloss="Happy are all who take refuge in him">
Nominal
noun: אַשְׁרֵי happiness
ConstructChain
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all
Nominal
Clause
Predicate
verb-participle: חוֹסֵי those who take refuge
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: ב in
Object
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
DiscourseUnit [v. 12]
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: נַשְּׁקוּ kiss
Adverbial <status="alternative">
Nominal
adjective: בַר pure <status="alternative">
Adverbial <status="alternative">
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ <status="alternative emendation">
Object
ConstructChain
noun: רַגְלָי feet <status="alternative emendation">
suffix-pronoun: ו him <status="alternative emendation">
Object
noun: בַר son
Nominal
adjective: בַר pure <status="alternative">
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: פֶּן or else
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: יֶאֱנַף he will become angry
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: תֹאבְדוּ you will perish
Adverbial <gloss="in your way">
noun: דֶרֶךְ way
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי for
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his anger">
noun: אַפּ anger
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: יִבְעַר ignites
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="quickly">
Preposition
preposition: כִּ as
Object
noun: מְעַט little
Fragment
ConstructChain <gloss="Happy are all who take refuge in him">
Nominal
noun: אַשְׁרֵי happiness
ConstructChain
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all
Nominal
Clause
Predicate
verb-participle: חוֹסֵי those who take refuge
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: ב in
Object
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=2|DiagramID=v-12-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 12
The word בַר is interpreted by some as an adjective ("kiss the pure one") and by others as an adverb ("kiss purely>>sincerely"). The adverbial interpretation is unlikely since "בַּר occurs nowhere else as an adverb" and "the stem נשקו, moreover, never appears in classical Hebrew without an object."[35] The adjectival interpretation ("pure one") is possible, but it is less likely than the interpretation of the word as a noun meaning (in Aramaic) "son." See The Text and Meaning of Psalm 2:12a.
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 12
For the verb "kiss," see the Venn diagram. The use of the piel (instead of the usual qal) probably implies repeated kissing (event-internal plurality).[36]
Note for v. 12
Interestingly, the verb translated "become angry" in v. 12 is "almost exclusively used with God as the subject."[37] Psalm 2:12 is the only exception. The human king, as YHWH's image and son (vv. 6-7) has divine characteristics (cf. Pss 110, 111-112).
Note for v. 12
On the word "ignite" cf. Ps 79:5—תִּבְעַ֥ר כְּמֹו־אֵ֝֗שׁ קִנְאָתֶֽךָ. According to BDB, the verb means, "specifically begin to burn, be kindled." Hence, "ignite" (so CSB, NET).
Note for v. 12
On "happiness," see notes on Psalm 1:1.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 12
The adverbial accusative "way" (דֶּרֶךְ) could be "in the way"[38] or "from the way."[39] The expression is probably synonymous with "the way of wicked people will come to an end."[40] Both expressions are figures of speech for death and destruction: "a person comes to an end on his way/life" = "a person's way/life comes to an end" = "a person dies." Thus, GNT: "you will suddenly die."
Note for v. 12
The adverbial phrase כִּמְעַט is translated variously as "but a little" (KJV; cf. NJPS: "in the mere flash of his anger;" so DCH : "and you die along the way when his anger hardly blazes, i.e. at the very onset of his anger"), "easily" (cf. ELB, ZÜR [leicht]; so Jenni 1994, #94; SDBH), "quickly" (ESV, NRSV, GNT, NET, HFA, NGÜ, GNB, LXX trans. NETS [ἐν τάχει]; cf. NIV, NLT), "soon" (NASB; cf. CSB, LUT; cf. Rashi: כי ברגע מועט יבער אפוב עליכם פתאום). Thus we have the following three options (the second and third of the above translations resulting in the same meaning):
- "when his wrath has only just been ignited" ( = his anger is extremely powerful)
- "for/when his anger quickly/easily ignites" (= it does not take much for him to get angry, so tread lightly!)
- "for his anger will soon ignite" (= the time of his wrath is immanent, so hurry and submit to him!)
The second of these options ("quickly/easily") seems the most likely, given the context and the use of the phrase elsewhere (e.g., Ps 81:15—"How quickly I would then subdue their enemies!" [NIV, cf. NLT]; Job 32:22—"otherwise, my Maker would remove me in an instant."[41] In spoken English, we might paraphrase: "'cause his anger ignites like that (snap fingers)." The clause is explaining why it is that they will perish in the way if they refuse to submit to the son; it is because his anger ignites quickly/easily. The clause is reminiscent of YHWHs' warning to Moses in Exod 33:3—"But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way (פֶּן אֲכֶלְךָ בַּדָּרֶךְ)" (Exod 33:3).
Verbal Notes
Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
Appendix
Files
Diagrams
Notes
- Grammar.v. 1.155802
- Grammar.v. 1.69605
- Grammar.v. 11.872084
- Grammar.v. 12.703061
- Grammar.v. 2.226056
- Grammar.v. 2.713038
- Grammar.v. 4.449169
- Grammar.v. 4.723594
- Grammar.v. 5.788683
- Grammar.v. 6.881641
- Grammar.v. 7.127241
- Grammar.v. 9.456997
- Lexical.v. 1.341964
- Lexical.v. 1.49020
- Lexical.v. 1.577261
- Lexical.v. 1.683660
- Lexical.v. 10.503326
- Lexical.v. 12.56793
- Lexical.v. 12.672524
- Lexical.v. 12.729038
- Lexical.v. 12.807384
- Lexical.v. 2.83713
- Lexical.v. 4.84218
- Lexical.v. 6.788656
- Lexical.v. 7.57421
- Phrasal.v. 10.361078
- Phrasal.v. 11.315508
- Phrasal.v. 12.741136
- Phrasal.v. 12.93951
- Phrasal.v. 2.239906
- Phrasal.v. 2.543238
- Phrasal.v. 2.854188
- Phrasal.v. 4.407276
- Phrasal.v. 5.254805
- Phrasal.v. 6.343093
- Phrasal.v. 6.795212
- Phrasal.v. 7.439504
- Phrasal.v. 8.914680
- Phrasal.v. 9.595110
- Phrasal.v. 9.680635
- Verbal.v. 1.77857
- Verbal.v. 12.786753
- Verbal.v. 3.590856
- Verbal.v. 4.810689
- Verbal.v. 7.272950
- Verbal.v. 7.379233
- Verbal.v. 8.789834
Approvals
Current Grammar status is Approved for version 1.1. Current Lexical status is Approved for version 1.0.
References
- ↑ So NET, GNT; Tsumura 2023, 68.
- ↑ So Craigie 1983, 62-3.
- ↑ Cf. LXX trans. NETS: "vain things;" so Radak [ריק הוא כל דבריהם]; Hupfeld 1855, 21.
- ↑ Cf. ESV, NIV: "in vain;" so HALOT, DCH; Baethgen 1904, 5; Aquila: κενῶς.
- ↑ SDBH; cf. Rashi: למה רגשו ונתקבצו גוים; Ibn Ezra: התחברו.
- ↑ CAL; see Dan 6:7, 12, 16; cf. the noun רֶגֶשׁ [="assembly"] in Ps 55:15.
- ↑ See CAL; see esp. the use of the word in the Proverbs of Ahiqar: "[Then Esarhaddon, King of Assyria] will be abundantly (= very) agitated [ירגש] (when) words he hears..." TAD C1.1.29), and this is the more likely meaning of the word in Ps 2:1 (so HALOT; Gesenius 2013, 1220; cf. Aquila: ἐθoρύβησαν "make an uproar;" Jerome iuxta Hebr.: turbabuntur "be disturbed, agitated."
- ↑ BDB.
- ↑ NET notes.
- ↑ See Tatu 2006 for a history of how scholars have understood the significance of alternating qatal-yiqtol in Hebrew and Ugaritic poetry.
- ↑ Niccacci 2006, 259.
- ↑ Niccacci 2006, 259.
- ↑ Baethgen 1904, 5; cf. Ibn Ezra; cf. the same phrase in Pss 76:13; 89:28; 138:4; 148:11.
- ↑ Mena 2012, §5.4.6; cf. 2 Chr 26:18—"and they stood against [עַל] Uzziah".
- ↑ IBHS §34.5.1.
- ↑ Cf. Delitzsch 1996, 55; Tsumura 2023, 22-23, 65-66.
- ↑ sSe Kennicott 1776, 308.
- ↑ Cf. Jenni 2000, #5521.
- ↑ Cf. Robar 2022, 4-5, 12-13.
- ↑ (see BHRG §39.6(4); Jenni 1992, #423, #445.
- ↑ Herion 1992.
- ↑ Bandstra 1995, 52.
- ↑ BHRG §40.23.4.3; see e.g., 1 Kgs 2:21-22.
- ↑ BDB.
- ↑ Victor 1966, 361.
- ↑ TDOT
- ↑ Craigie 1983, 67; cf. Jones 1965, 336-44.
- ↑ Mena 2012, §5.4.11; e.g., 1 Chr 17:17—וַתְּדַבֵּ֥ר עַל־בֵּֽית־עַבְדְּךָ֖.
- ↑ Cook 2024, 216; cf. Gentry 1998.
- ↑ Cf. BHRG §19.2.3; Andrason 2012, §3.
- ↑ Andrason 2012, 1; see e.g., Deut 8:19; 30:18.
- ↑ Cf. Robar 2015, §2.4.
- ↑ 2006, 101.
- ↑ (see BHRG §39.6(4); Jenni 1992, #423, #445.
- ↑ Prince 1900, 2; cf. NIDOTTE.
- ↑ cf. Penney 2023; TDOT "piel, 'to kiss long and much'".
- ↑ SDBH, see e.g., 1 Kgs 8:46; Isa 12:1; Pss 60:3; 79:5; 85:6; Ezra 9:14; 2 Chron 6:36.
- ↑ ESV; cf. CSB: "in your rebellion;" REB: "in middle course;" NLT: "in the midst of all your activities;" so R. Sforno: כ׳דרך׳ שהוא עושה כאשר ׳יבער כמעט אפו׳.
- ↑ KJV; cf. LXX trans. NETS: "and you will perish from [ἐξ] the righteous way."
- ↑ Ps 1:6; so Radak, Rashi.
- ↑ CSB; so LXX: ἐν τάχει; Jenni 1994, #94; BDB.