Psalm 2

Coronation of the Son

Why(A) do the nations rage(B)
and the peoples plot in vain?(C)
The kings of the earth take their stand,(D)
and the rulers conspire together
against the Lord and his Anointed One:[a](E)
“Let’s tear off their chains
and throw their ropes off of us.”(F)

The one enthroned[b] in heaven laughs;
the Lord ridicules them.(G)
Then he speaks to them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath:(H)
“I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”(I)

I will declare the Lord’s decree.
He said to me, “You are my Son;[c]
today I have become your Father.(J)
Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance
and the ends of the earth your possession.(K)
You will break them with an iron scepter;
you will shatter them like pottery.”(L)

10 So now, kings, be wise;
receive instruction, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with reverential awe
and rejoice with trembling.(M)
12 Pay homage to[d] the Son or he will be angry
and you will perish in your rebellion,[e](N)
for his anger may ignite at any moment.(O)
All who take refuge in him are happy.(P)

Footnotes

  1. 2:2 Or anointed one
  2. 2:4 Lit who sits
  3. 2:7 Or son, also in v. 12
  4. 2:12 Lit Kiss
  5. 2:12 Lit perish in the way

Psalm 2

Why are the nations so angry?
    Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
    the rulers plot together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.
“Let us break their chains,” they cry,
    “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
    The Lord scoffs at them.
Then in anger he rebukes them,
    terrifying them with his fierce fury.
For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne
    in Jerusalem,[a] on my holy mountain.”

The king proclaims the Lord’s decree:
“The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son.[b]
    Today I have become your Father.[c]
Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
    the whole earth as your possession.
You will break[d] them with an iron rod
    and smash them like clay pots.’”

10 Now then, you kings, act wisely!
    Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.
12 Submit to God’s royal son,[e] or he will become angry,
    and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—
for his anger flares up in an instant.
    But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

Footnotes

  1. 2:6 Hebrew on Zion.
  2. 2:7a Or Son; also in 2:12.
  3. 2:7b Or Today I reveal you as my son.
  4. 2:9 Greek version reads rule. Compare Rev 2:27.
  5. 2:12 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.