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 do the nations conspire[a]
    and the peoples plot(A) in vain?
The kings(B) of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed,(C) saying,
“Let us break their chains(D)
    and throw off their shackles.”(E)

The One enthroned(F) in heaven laughs;(G)
    the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger(H)
    and terrifies them in his wrath,(I) saying,
“I have installed my king(J)
    on Zion,(K) my holy mountain.(L)

I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;(M)
    today I have become your father.(N)
Ask me,
    and I will make the nations(O) your inheritance,(P)
    the ends of the earth(Q) your possession.
You will break them with a rod of iron[b];(R)
    you will dash them to pieces(S) like pottery.(T)

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;(U)
    be warned, you rulers(V) of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear(W)
    and celebrate his rule(X) with trembling.(Y)
12 Kiss his son,(Z) or he will be angry
    and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath(AA) can flare up in a moment.
    Blessed(AB) are all who take refuge(AC) in him.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 2:1 Hebrew; Septuagint rage
  2. Psalm 2:9 Or will rule them with an iron scepter (see Septuagint and Syriac)