Psalms 2:1
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:
3 “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
- KJV
- Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
- WEB
- Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?
- ASV
- Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?
- DARBY
- Why are the nations in tumultuous agitation, and [why] do the peoples meditate a vain thing?
- BLB
- Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain?
- ÅB
- Hvorfor raser hedningene,
og hvorfor legger folkeslagene håpløse planer? - OTB
- Hvorfor raser folkeslagene,
Og hvorfor planlegger folkene forgjeves planer? - B1930
- Hvorfor larmer hedningene og grunder folkene på det som fåfengt er?
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Acts 4:25–26
You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
Read in contextRevelation 17:14
They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”
Read in contextPsalms 46:6
Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice.
Read in contextPsalms 21:11
Though they intend You harm, the schemes they devise will not prevail.
Read in contextPsalms 83:4–8
saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.”
Read in contextMatthew 21:38
But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’
Read in contextActs 17:5–6
The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people.
Read in contextLuke 22:22–23
Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him.”
Read in context