Psalm 2:4

Translations

Modern

The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.

Traditional

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

Literal

The One sitting in the heavens laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.

Latin

Qui habitat in cælis irridebit eos, et Dominus subsannabit eos.

Original

Hebrew

English

The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.

Notes

Psalms 2:4

enthroned in heaven: The Lord's position in the universe is so secure that he laughs at humans who claim they can oppose his power and authority (see Psalms 3 7:13; 59:8).

Psalms 2:4–6

The Lord sees the human threat as unimportant. He offered a solution long before they rebelled. He will stop their unrest by appointing a human leader, a descendant of David, to rule the nations.

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 Royal Psalms The Old Realm and the New The World

Related verses

Psalm 37:13
…but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.
Psalm 59:8
But You, O LORD, laugh at them; You scoff at all the nations.
Proverbs 1:26
…in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you,
Isaiah 40:22
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
Psalm 11:4
The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.
Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.
Psalm 115:3
Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.
Psalm 53:5
There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you. You put them to shame, for God has despised them.
Psalm 68:33
…to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old; behold, His mighty voice resounds.
Isaiah 66:1
This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?
2 Kings 19:21
This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.

Parallels

Acts 4:23–31

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

David Day of the Lord God, Names of Laughter Messiah Music Poetry, Biblical Psalms, Book of

Topics

Anthropomorphisms: Miscellaneous Acts and States of Mind Attributed to Laughing Derision: The Wicked Held In, by God God: Power of Godlessness: General Scriptures Concerning Heaven: God's Dwelling Place Humor and Laughter Jesus, the Christ: Messiah: Messianic Psalms Laughing Persecution of Jesus Wicked (People): Punishment of

Psalm 2:4

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