See in Reader
6.1 KiB
Psalms 2
Psalms 2:1
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-poetry and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parallelism)
Why are the nations in turmoil, and why do the peoples make plots that will fail?
These questions are used to show surprise that the people are doing things that are so wrong and foolish. Alternate translation: "The nations are in turmoil and the peoples are making plots that will fail." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
are the nations in turmoil
This probably means that the nations were making a noisy and angry commotion.
the nations
This represents either the leaders or the people of the nations. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
plots that will fail
These are probably plots against God and his people.
Psalms 2:2
The kings of the earth take their stand together ... the rulers conspire together
These two clauses have similar meanings. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parallelism)
take their stand together ... conspire together
These phrases mean the same thing, implying that the leaders stand together in order to fight against Yahweh and his Messiah. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "gather to fight ... plan together to revolt" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
Psalms 2:3
Let us tear off the shackles ... throw off their chains
The people of other nations speak of Yahweh and the Messiah's rule over them as if it were shackles and chains. Alternate translation: "We should free ourselves from their control; we should not let them rule over us any longer" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
Psalms 2:4
He ... the Lord
These phrases refer to Yahweh. Yahweh is often called "the Lord" but the words for "Yahweh" and "the Lord" are different.
sits in the heavens
Here sitting represents ruling. What he sits on can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "rules in the heavens" or "sits on his throne in heaven" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
the Lord mocks them
"the Lord mocks those people." Why he mocks them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "The Lord mocks them for their foolish plans" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
Psalms 2:5
terrify them in his rage
The abstract noun "rage" can be stated as "furious." Alternate translation: "he will be furious and terrify them" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns)
terrify
greatly frighten
Psalms 2:6
I myself
Yahweh is emphasizing that he, and not someone else, has anointed his king.
anointed my king
"appointed my king to rule"
Psalms 2:7
I will announce a decree of Yahweh. He
The person saying this is the king. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "The king says, 'I will announce a decree of Yahweh.' He" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
He said to me
"Yahweh said to me"
You are my son! This day I have become your father
Among many peoples in that part of the world then, men could decide to legally adopt children, who would become their heirs. Here Yahweh adopts a man and makes him king of Israel. Alternate translation: "I make you my son. This day I have become your father" or "Now you are my son and am your father"
Psalms 2:8
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues speaking to the new king of Israel.
the nations for your inheritance ... the ends of the earth for your possession
These phrases express very similar ideas. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parallelism)
the ends of the earth
"the lands that are very far away"
Psalms 2:9
You will break them with an iron rod; like a jar of a potter, you will smash them to pieces
These phrases express very similar ideas. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parallelism)
You will break them with an iron rod
Defeating the nations is spoken of as breaking them, and his power is spoken of as an iron rod. Alternate translation: "You will defeat them completely by your power" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
you will smash them to pieces
Destroying nations is spoken of as if they could be smashed like a clay jar. Alternate translation: you will completely destroy them like a clay pot" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-simile)
a jar of a potter
A potter is a person who makes clay pots and jars. These are fragile and can be broken easily. Alternate translation: "a clay jar" or "a clay pot" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-unknown)
Psalms 2:10
So now, you kings, be warned; be corrected, you rulers of the earth
These two phrases have similar meanings. Alternate translation: "So now, you kings and rulers of the earth, be warned and corrected" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parallelism)
be warned
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "listen to this warning" or "be wise" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
be corrected
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "listen to this correction" or "take this correction" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
Psalms 2:11
General Information:
This page has intentionally been left blank.
Psalms 2:12
Kiss the son
People would show their king that they were loyal to him by kissing him, perhaps on the feet. Alternate translation: "Show the son that you are truly loyal to him" or "Bow down humbly before his son" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-symaction)
you will die in the way
This may refer to dying right there, before the person has a chance to go away. Alternate translation: "you will die immediately"
when his anger burns for just a moment
The king's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that could burn. Alternate translation: "when he suddenly becomes very angry" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
seek refuge in him
Asking the king for protection is spoken of as seeking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "ask the king to protect them" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)