Psalm 2
The full text of Psalm 2 in the Trinity Bible Version — clear modern English, translated from the original Hebrew. Free to read.
1 Why do the nations rage,
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand,
and the rulers conspire together
against the LORD and against his anointed:
3 "Let us tear off their bonds
and fling their cords from us!"
4 The one enthroned in the heavens laughs;
the Lord mocks them.
5 Then he speaks to them in his anger,
and in his fury he terrifies them:
6 "I myself have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain."
7 I will recount the decree of the LORD.
He said to me: "You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will give the nations as your inheritance,
and the ends of the earth as your possession.
9 You will shatter them with an iron rod;
like a potter's vessel you will dash them to pieces."
10 So now, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the son, lest he grow angry
and you perish on the way,
for his fury ignites in a moment.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
Translation notes (6)
- Psalm 2:2a The Hebrew word 'mashiach' means "anointed one," referring to the Davidic king.
- Psalm 2:7a The Hebrew word choq means "decree" or "royal edict," referring to the divine adoption formula used at an enthronement.
- Psalm 2:7b This can also be translated as "brought you forth," which uses adoption language rather than referring to a biological or essential generation.
- Psalm 2:9a MT tero'em 'you will shatter'; LXX reads tir'em 'you will shepherd' (cf. Rev 2:27)
- Psalm 2:12a The Hebrew phrase nashqu-bar means "kiss the son," where bar is an Aramaic word for "son." Some scholars suggest emending this to "kiss purely" or "kiss his feet."
- Psalm 2:12b This can also be translated as "Do homage in purity"; the meaning of the Aramaic word bar is debated and may also mean "chosen one."
About this translation
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