Psalms 2

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

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

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

2The 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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8Make 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

12Kiss 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.

12For 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.