Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Psalms, Chapter 2תהלים 2

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Psalms 2 (12 verses in the MT) opens: Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The middle of the chapter continues: I will declare the decree: YHWH has said to me, You my Son; this day have I begotten you. It closes: Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed all they that put their trust in him.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. Psalms 2 comprises 12 verses in MT order. Movement I (vv. 1-4) — Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?. Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against YHWH, and against his anointed, , Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: YHWH shall have them in derision. Movement II (vv. 5-8) — Then shall he speak to them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displ. Then shall he speak to them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: YHWH has said to me, You my Son; this day have I begotten you. Ask of me, and I shall give the heathen your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth your possession. Movement III (vv. 9-12) — You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces l. You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O you kings: be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve YHWH with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed all they that put their trust in. Where English printed Bibles divide verses differently, this annotation follows MT versification throughout.

1

לָ֭מָּה רָגְשׁ֣וּ גוֹיִ֑ם וּ֝לְאֻמִּ֗ים יֶהְגּוּ רִֽיק

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

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'rage'. Opens the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
לָ֭מָּהwhyprep + interrog. · מָה (H4100)Particle or relational elementמָה (H4100) 'why'.
רָגְשׁ֣וּrageQal perf 3cp · רָגַשׁ (H7283)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actרָגַשׁ (H7283) 'rage'.
גוֹיִ֑םnationsN c · גּוֹי (H1471)Construct chain (genitival)גּוֹי (H1471) 'nations'.
וּ֝לְאֻמִּ֗יםpeoplesconj וְ + N com m pl abs · לְאֹם (H3816)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)לְאֹם (H3816) 'peoples'.
יֶהְגּוּbut you shall meditateQal impf 3mp · הָגָה (H1897)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalהָגָה (H1897) 'but you shall meditate'.
רִֽיקin vainN c · רִיק (H7385)Construct chain (genitival)רִיק (H7385) 'in vain'.
2

יִ֥תְיַצְּב֨וּ מַלְכֵי אֶ֗רֶץ וְרוֹזְנִ֥ים נֽוֹסְדוּ יָ֑חַד עַל יְ֝הוָה וְעַל מְשִׁיחֽוֹ

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

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'and he stationed himself'.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
יִ֥תְיַצְּב֨וּand he stationed himselfHithpael impf 3mp · הִתְיַצֵּב (H3320)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalהִתְיַצֵּב (H3320) 'and he stationed himself'.
מַלְכֵיkings ofN c · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'kings of'.
אֶ֗רֶץthe land ofN c · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'the land of'.
וְרוֹזְנִ֥יםO rulersconj וְ + Qal ptc mp · רָזַן (H7336)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorרָזַן (H7336) 'O rulers'.
נֽוֹסְדוּit was foundedN · יָסַד (H3245)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יָסַד (H3245) 'it was founded'.
יָ֑חַדtogetherart · יַחְדָּו (H3162)Particle or relational elementיַחְדָּו (H3162) 'together'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
יְ֝הוָהYHWHN · יְהוָה (H3068)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH'.
וְעַלand onconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'and on'.
מְשִׁיחֽוֹthe anointedAdj · מָשִׁיחַ (H4899)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מָשִׁיחַ (H4899) 'the anointed'.
3

נְֽ֭נַתְּקָה אֶת מֽוֹסְרוֹתֵ֑ימוֹ וְנַשְׁלִ֖יכָה מִמֶּ֣נּוּ עֲבֹתֵֽימוֹ

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

Weqatal / cohortative — sequential or volitionalasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Weqatal / cohortative — sequential or volitional. Lead predicate is 'were lifted'.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
נְֽ֭נַתְּקָהwere liftedPiel cohortative 1cp · נָתַק (H5423)Predicate verb (weqatal / cohortative)→ Weqatal/cohortative: sequential or volitionalנָתַק (H5423) 'were lifted'.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Particle or relational elementאֵת (H853) '(obj)'.
מֽוֹסְרוֹתֵ֑ימוֹbandN c · מוֹסֵר (H4147)Construct chain (genitival)מוֹסֵר (H4147) 'band'.
וְנַשְׁלִ֖יכָהand he threw [it]conj וְ + Hiphil cohortative 1cp · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Predicate verb (weqatal / cohortative)→ Weqatal/cohortative: sequential or volitionalשָׁלַךְ (H7993) 'and he threw [it]'.
מִמֶּ֣נּוּfrom itprep + sfx 1cp · מִן (H4480)Particle or relational elementמִן (H4480) 'from it'.
עֲבֹתֵֽימוֹcords ofN c · עֲבֹת (H5688)Construct chain (genitival)עֲבֹת (H5688) 'cords of'.
4

יוֹשֵׁ֣ב בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם יִשְׂחָ֑ק אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י יִלְעַג לָֽמוֹ

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

Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actorasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actor. Lead predicate is 'dwelling'.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
יוֹשֵׁ֣בdwellingQal ptc ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorיָשַׁב (H3427) 'dwelling'.
בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִםin the heavensprep + art + N com m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'in the heavens'.
יִשְׂחָ֑קandQal impf 3ms · שָׂחַק (H7832)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalשָׂחַק (H7832) 'and'.
אֲ֝דֹנָ֗יmy LordN c · אֲדֹנָי (H136)Construct chain (genitival)אֲדֹנָי (H136) 'my Lord'.
יִלְעַגhave in derisionQal impf 3ms · לָעַג (H3932)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalלָעַג (H3932) 'have in derision'.
לָֽמוֹfor themprep + sfx 3mpParticle or relational elementFunction word: 'for them'.
5

אָ֤ז יְדַבֵּ֣ר אֵלֵ֣ימוֹ בְאַפּ֑וֹ וּֽבַחֲרוֹנ֥וֹ יְבַהֲלֵֽמוֹ

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

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'speaks'.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
אָ֤זthenart · אָז (H227)Particle or relational elementאָז (H227) 'then'.
יְדַבֵּ֣רspeaksPiel impf 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalדִּבֶּר (H1696) 'speaks'.
אֵלֵ֣ימוֹtoprep + sfx 3mp · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בְאַפּ֑וֹin his angerprep + N com m sg constr + sfx 3ms · אַף (H639)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אַף (H639) 'in his anger'.
וּֽבַחֲרוֹנ֥וֹthe burning ofconj וְ + prep + N com m sg constr + sfx 3ms · חָרוֹן (H2740)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חָרוֹן (H2740) 'the burning of'.
יְבַהֲלֵֽמוֹwere dismayedPiel impf 3ms + sfx 3mp · בָּהַל (H926)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalבָּהַל (H926) 'were dismayed'.
6

וַ֭אֲנִי נָסַ֣כְתִּי מַלְכִּ֑י עַל צִ֝יּ֗וֹן הַר קָדְשִֽׁי

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

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'and he poured'.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַ֭אֲנִיand Iconj וְ + pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֲנִי (H589) 'and I'.
נָסַ֣כְתִּיand he pouredQal perf 1cs · נָסַךְ (H5258)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actנָסַךְ (H5258) 'and he poured'.
מַלְכִּ֑יkings ofN c · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'kings of'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
צִ֝יּ֗וֹןZionN · צִיּוֹן (H6726)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)צִיּוֹן (H6726) 'Zion'.
הַרMountN c · הַר (H2022)Construct chain (genitival)הַר (H2022) 'Mount'.
קָדְשִֽׁיmy holy [name]N c · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Construct chain (genitival)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'my holy [name]'.
7

אֲסַפְּרָ֗ה אֶֽ֫ל חֹ֥ק יְֽהוָ֗ה אָמַ֘ר אֵלַ֥י בְּנִ֥י אַ֑תָּה אֲ֝נִ֗י הַיּ֥וֹם יְלִדְתִּֽיךָ

I will declare the decree: YHWH has said to me, You my Son; this day have I begotten you.

Weqatal / cohortative — sequential or volitionalwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Weqatal / cohortative — sequential or volitional. Lead predicate is 'and he recounted'. Speech formula or quoted address.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
אֲסַפְּרָ֗הand he recountedPiel cohortative 1cs · סָפַר (H5608)Predicate verb (weqatal / cohortative)→ Weqatal/cohortative: sequential or volitionalסָפַר (H5608) 'and he recounted'.
אֶֽ֫לtoprep · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to'.
חֹ֥קa due ofN c · חֹק (H2706)Construct chain (genitival)חֹק (H2706) 'a due of'.
יְֽהוָ֗הYHWHN · יְהוָה (H3068)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH'.
אָמַ֘רhe saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actאָמַר (H559) 'he said'.
אֵלַ֥יto meprep + sfx 1cs · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to me'.
בְּנִ֥יthe sons ofN c · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'the sons of'.
אַ֑תָּהyoupron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אַתָּה (H859) 'you'.
אֲ֝נִ֗יIpron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֲנִי (H589) 'I'.
הַיּ֥וֹםtodayart + N com m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יוֹם (H3117) 'today'.
יְלִדְתִּֽיךָand he fatheredQal perf 1cs + sfx 2ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actיָלַד (H3205) 'and he fathered'.
8

שְׁאַ֤ל מִמֶּ֗נִּי וְאֶתְּנָ֣ה ג֭וֹיִם נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ וַ֝אֲחֻזָּתְךָ֗ אַפְסֵי אָֽרֶץ

Ask of me, and I shall give the heathen your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth your possession.

Imperative — volitional addressasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Imperative — volitional address. Lead predicate is 'ask'.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
שְׁאַ֤לaskQal impv 2ms · שָׁאַל (H7592)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeשָׁאַל (H7592) 'ask'.
מִמֶּ֗נִּיfrom meprep + sfx 1cs · מִן (H4480)Particle or relational elementמִן (H4480) 'from me'.
וְאֶתְּנָ֣הand I will giveconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (weqatal / cohortative)→ Weqatal/cohortative: sequential or volitionalנָתַן (H5414) 'and I will give'.
ג֭וֹיִםnationsN c · גּוֹי (H1471)Construct chain (genitival)גּוֹי (H1471) 'nations'.
נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָyour inheritance,N c · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Construct chain (genitival)נַחֲלָה (H5159) 'your inheritance,'.
וַ֝אֲחֻזָּתְךָ֗as a possessionconj וְ + N com f sg constr + sfx 2ms · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֲחֻזָּה (H272) 'as a possession'.
אַפְסֵיthe ends ofN c · אֶפֶס (H657)Construct chain (genitival)אֶפֶס (H657) 'the ends of'.
אָֽרֶץthe land ofN c · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'the land of'.
9

תְּ֭רֹעֵם בְּשֵׁ֣בֶט בַּרְזֶ֑ל כִּכְלִ֖י יוֹצֵ֣ר תְּנַפְּצֵֽם

You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'and it was displeasing'.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
תְּ֭רֹעֵםand it was displeasingQal impf 2ms + sfx 3mp · רָעַע (H7489)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalרָעַע (H7489) 'and it was displeasing'.
בְּשֵׁ֣בֶטwith a rodprep + N com m sg constr · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'with a rod'.
בַּרְזֶ֑לironN c · בַּרְזֶל (H1270)Construct chain (genitival)בַּרְזֶל (H1270) 'iron'.
כִּכְלִ֖יits vesselsprep + N com m sg constr · כְּלִי (H3627)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כְּלִי (H3627) 'its vessels'.
יוֹצֵ֣רformedN c · יָצַר (H3335)Construct chain (genitival)יָצַר (H3335) 'formed'.
תְּנַפְּצֵֽםwas spread abroadPiel impf 2ms + sfx 3mp · נָפַץ (H5310)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalנָפַץ (H5310) 'was spread abroad'.
10

וְ֭עַתָּה מְלָכִ֣ים הַשְׂכִּ֑ילוּ הִ֝וָּסְר֗וּ שֹׁ֣פְטֵי אָֽרֶץ

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

Imperative — volitional addresswə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Imperative — volitional address. Lead predicate is 'you may prosper'.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וְ֭עַתָּהand nowconj וְ + art · עַתָּה (H6258)Particle or relational elementעַתָּה (H6258) 'and now'.
מְלָכִ֣יםkingsN c · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'kings'.
הַשְׂכִּ֑ילוּyou may prosperHiphil impv 2mp · שָׂכַל (H7919)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeשָׂכַל (H7919) 'you may prosper'.
הִ֝וָּסְר֗וּand they disciplineN · יָסַר (H3256)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יָסַר (H3256) 'and they discipline'.
שֹׁ֣פְטֵיthe judges ofQal ptc mp · שָׁפַט (H8199)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorשָׁפַט (H8199) 'the judges of'.
אָֽרֶץthe land ofN c · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'the land of'.
11

עִבְד֣וּ אֶת יְהוָ֣ה בְּיִרְאָ֑ה וְ֝גִ֗ילוּ בִּרְעָדָֽה

Serve YHWH with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Imperative — volitional addressasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Imperative — volitional address. Lead predicate is 'served'.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
עִבְד֣וּservedQal impv 2mp · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeעָבַד (H5647) 'served'.
אֶת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Particle or relational elementאֵת (H853) '(obj)'.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHN · יְהוָה (H3068)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH'.
בְּיִרְאָ֑הfear ofprep + N com f sg abs · יִרְאָה (H3374)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יִרְאָה (H3374) 'fear of'.
וְ֝גִ֗ילוּandconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · גִּיל (H1523)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeגִּיל (H1523) 'and'.
בִּרְעָדָֽהtrembling;prep + N com f sg abs · רַעַד (H7461)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רַעַד (H7461) 'trembling;'.
12

נַשְּׁקוּ בַ֡ר פֶּן יֶאֱנַ֤ף וְתֹ֬אבְדוּ דֶ֗רֶךְ כִּֽי יִבְעַ֣ר כִּמְעַ֣ט אַפּ֑וֹ אַ֝שְׁרֵ֗י כָּל ח֥וֹסֵי בֽוֹ

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

Imperative — volitional addresswə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Imperative — volitional address. Lead predicate is 'and he kissed'. Closes the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
נַשְּׁקוּand he kissedPiel impv 2mp · נָשַׁק (H5401)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeנָשַׁק (H5401) 'and he kissed'.
בַ֡רsonN c · בַּר (H1248)Construct chain (genitival)בַּר (H1248) 'son'.
פֶּןlestconj וְ · פֶּן (H6435)Particle or relational elementפֶּן (H6435) 'lest'.
יֶאֱנַ֤ףand was angryQal impf 3ms · אָנַף (H599)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalאָנַף (H599) 'and was angry'.
וְתֹ֬אבְדוּyour perishingconj וְ + Qal impf 2mp · אָבַד (H6)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalאָבַד (H6) 'your perishing'.
דֶ֗רֶךְthe way ofN c · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Construct chain (genitival)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'the way of'.
כִּֽיforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
יִבְעַ֣רlets graze/lets looseQal impf 3ms · בָּעַר (H1197)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalבָּעַר (H1197) 'lets graze/lets loose'.
כִּמְעַ֣טalmostprep + N com m sg abs · מְעַט (H4592)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מְעַט (H4592) 'almost'.
אַפּ֑וֹhis angerN c · אַף (H639)Construct chain (genitival)אַף (H639) 'his anger'.
אַ֝שְׁרֵ֗יhappy are youN c · אֶשֶׁר (H835)Construct chain (genitival)אֶשֶׁר (H835) 'happy are you'.
כָּלallN c · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'.
ח֥וֹסֵיin which they took refugeQal ptc mp · חָסָה (H2620)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorחָסָה (H2620) 'in which they took refuge'.
בֽוֹin itprep + sfx 3msParticle or relational elementFunction word: 'in it'.