Psalm 2:1

Translations

Modern

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?

Traditional

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

Literal

Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain?

Latin

Quare fremuerunt gentes, et populi meditati sunt inania?

Original

Hebrew

English

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?

Notes

Psalms 2:1

plot: The Hebrew verb translated as "meditates" in Psalm 1:2 suggests opposing the Lord through speech (Isaiah 59:13) or thought (Psalm 38:12; Proverbs 24:2).

Psalms 2:1–3

Their useless paths lead to death (Psalm 1:4, 6), but sinful human beings join together to oppose the true God and his Messiah.

Psalms 2:1–12

This royal psalm describes the Lord choosing a king descended from David. It celebrates the mission of all the kings in David's family line. It also introduces the hope of an ideal ruler. This ruler will accomplish the Lord's goal of bringing all nations into submission (Psalm 2:11) or to destruction (2:9). The New Testament identifies Jesus as this descendant (see Acts 13:33; 1 Corinthians 15:25–27; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5; Revelation 19:15).

Psalms 1:1–2:12

The first two psalms serve as an introduction to the whole book of Psalms (called the Psalter). Psalm 1 presents the Lord's guidance in wisdom, while Psalm 2 shows God's rule over a rebellious and sinful world. Together, these psalms invite people to abandon foolishness, which leads to destruction. These psalms invite people to follow God's path instead, which leads to wisdom and salvation. The New Testament confirms that God will govern the nations through Jesus Christ, his chosen representative (Hebrews 1:5; Revelation 12:5; 19:15).

Theme notes and profiles

David God's Rule and Power Over All Nations Questions and Doubt Royal Psalms The Climax of Scripture The Old Realm and the New The World

Related verses

Acts 4:25–26
You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
Revelation 17:14
They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”
Psalm 46:6
Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice.
Psalm 21:11
Though they intend You harm, the schemes they devise will not prevail.
Psalm 83:4–8
…saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.”
Acts 17:5–6
The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people.
Matthew 21:38
But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’
Luke 22:22–23
Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him.”
Isaiah 8:9
Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered!
Psalm 18:42
I ground them as dust in the face of the wind; I trampled them like mud in the streets.
Acts 5:33
When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death.
Luke 18:32
He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.

Psalm 2:1

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