Psalms - Chapter 2

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

1 Why are the nations so violently moved, and why are the thoughts of the people so foolish?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

2 The kings of the earth have taken their place, and the rulers are fixed in their purpose, against the Lord, and against the king of his selection, saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

3 Let their chains be broken, and their cords taken from off us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.

4 Then he whose seat is in the heavens will be laughing: the Lord will make sport of them.

5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

5 Then will his angry words come to their ears, and by his wrath they will be troubled:

6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

6 But I have put my king on my holy hill of Zion.

7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

7 I will make clear the Lord's decision: he has said to me, You are my son, this day have I given you being.

8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

8 Make your request to me, and I will give you the nations for your heritage, and the farthest limits of the earth will be under your hand.

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

9 They will be ruled by you with a rod of iron; they will be broken like a potter's vessel.

10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

10 So now be wise, you kings: take his teaching, you judges of the earth.

11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

11 Give worship to the Lord with fear, kissing his feet and giving him honour,

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

12 For fear that he may be angry, causing destruction to come on you, because he is quickly moved to wrath. Happy are all those who put their faith in him.