Psalms 2

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

Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?

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

The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his Anointed, saying,

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

“Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.”

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

He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.

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

Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath:

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

“Yet I have set 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.

I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father.

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

Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.

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

You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

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

Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

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

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

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.

Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.