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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 2:1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/2-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/19_Psa_002_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 2:1 - The Triumphant Messiah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/2-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/2-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/1-6.htm" title="Psalm 1:6">◄</a> Psalm 2:1 <a href="/psalms/2-2.htm" title="Psalm 2:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why are the nations restless And the peoples plotting in vain?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Why are the nations in an uproar, And the peoples devising a vain thing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Why do the nations rage And the peoples meditate on a vain thing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Why are the nations in an uproar [in turmoil against God], And why do the people devise a vain <i>and</i> hopeless plot?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why do the nations rebel and the peoples plot in vain? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Why do the nations plot, and why do their people make useless plans? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage, and the peoples imagine a vain thing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Why do the nations gather together? Why do their people devise useless plots?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Why do the nations plan rebellion? Why do people make their useless plots? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Why are the nations in an uproar, and their people involved in a vain plot?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Why do the nations rebel? Why are the countries devising plots that will fail? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Why have nations assembled tumultuously? And peoples meditate vanity?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Why have nations tumultuously assembled? And do peoples meditate vanity?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore did the nations rage, and the peoples will meditate emptiness?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Why have the Gentiles been seething, and why have the people been pondering nonsense?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Why do the nations protest and the peoples conspire in vain? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />WHY do the Gentiles rage and the peoples imagine vain things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot futility?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Why are the nations in an uproar? And why do the peoples mutter in vain?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore did the heathen rage, and the nations imagine vain things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/2-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=50" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/2.htm">The Triumphant Messiah</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: ḡō·w·yim (N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">do the nations</a> <a href="/hebrew/7283.htm" title="7283: rā·ḡə·šū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To be in tumult or commotion. A primitive root; to be tumultuous.">rage</a> <a href="/hebrew/3816.htm" title="3816: ū·lə·’um·mîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- People. Or l owm; from an unused root meaning to gather; a community.">and the peoples</a> <a href="/hebrew/1897.htm" title="1897: yeh·gū- (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To moan, growl, utter, speak, muse. A primitive root; to murmur; by implication, to ponder.">plot</a> <a href="/hebrew/7385.htm" title="7385: rîq (N-ms) -- Emptiness, a worthless thing, in vain. From ruwq; emptiness; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain.">in vain?</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Acts 4:25-26</a></span><br />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? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-33.htm">Acts 13:33</a></span><br />He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/11-18.htm">Revelation 11:18</a></span><br />The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great—and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-19.htm">Revelation 19:19</a></span><br />Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-1.htm">Matthew 27:1</a></span><br />When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12-15</a></span><br />From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-11.htm">Luke 23:11-12</a></span><br />And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate. / That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/15-1.htm">Mark 15:1</a></span><br />Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-36.htm">John 18:36</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-7.htm">Acts 17:7</a></span><br />and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-9.htm">Isaiah 8:9-10</a></span><br />Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! / Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-24.htm">Isaiah 14:24-27</a></span><br />The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. / I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” / This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-5.htm">Isaiah 41:5-7</a></span><br />The islands see and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward. / Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!” / The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who wields the hammer cheers him who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “It is good.” He nails it down so it will not be toppled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/50-45.htm">Jeremiah 50:45</a></span><br />Therefore hear the plans that the LORD has drawn up against Babylon and the strategies He has devised against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the little ones of the flock will be dragged away; certainly their pasture will be made desolate because of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/38-10.htm">Ezekiel 38:10-12</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. / You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a quiet people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— / in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-42.htm">Psalm 18:42</a></b></br> Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/46-6.htm">Psalm 46:6</a></b></br> The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/83-4.htm">Psalm 83:4-8</a></b></br> They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from <i>being</i> a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance… </p><p class="hdg">rage.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/22-1.htm">Luke 22:1,2,5,22,23</a></b></br> Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/16-22.htm">Acts 16:22</a></b></br> And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat <i>them</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/17-5.htm">Acts 17:5,6</a></b></br> But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people… </p><p class="hdg">people</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/21-38.htm">Matthew 21:38</a></b></br> But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/11-49.htm">John 11:49,50</a></b></br> And one of them, <i>named</i> Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-33.htm">Acts 5:33</a></b></br> When they heard <i>that</i>, they were cut <i>to the heart</i>, and took counsel to slay them.</p><p class="hdg">imagine.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/20-2.htm">Agitation</a> <a href="/esther/9-18.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-8.htm">Conspire</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-8.htm">Devising</a> <a href="/job/27-12.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-16.htm">Heathen</a> <a href="/job/21-27.htm">Imagine</a> <a href="/psalms/1-2.htm">Meditate</a> <a href="/job/41-23.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/job/27-4.htm">Mutter</a> <a href="/job/36-31.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/job/36-31.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/esther/9-25.htm">Plot</a> <a href="/job/40-11.htm">Rage</a> <a href="/job/23-15.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/acts/24-12.htm">Tumultuous</a> <a href="/daniel/6-15.htm">Tumultuously</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-45.htm">Uproar</a> <a href="/job/41-9.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/job/35-16.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/job/29-17.htm">Violently</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/38-8.htm">Agitation</a> <a href="/psalms/7-7.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Conspire</a> <a href="/psalms/35-4.htm">Devising</a> <a href="/psalms/4-2.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/psalms/2-8.htm">Heathen</a> <a href="/psalms/38-12.htm">Imagine</a> <a href="/psalms/4-4.htm">Meditate</a> <a href="/psalms/2-12.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/psalms/115-8.htm">Mutter</a> <a href="/psalms/2-8.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/psalms/7-7.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/psalms/21-11.htm">Plot</a> <a href="/psalms/7-6.htm">Rage</a> <a href="/psalms/10-4.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/psalms/40-2.htm">Tumultuous</a> <a href="/daniel/6-6.htm">Tumultuously</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Uproar</a> <a href="/psalms/4-2.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/psalms/4-2.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/psalms/78-38.htm">Violently</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">The kingdom of Christ</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/2-10.htm">Kings are exhorted to accept it</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Historically, this can be seen in the numerous empires and kingdoms that have risen and fallen, often in opposition to God's chosen people, Israel. The word "rage" suggests a deep-seated anger and unrest, indicative of humanity's sinful nature and resistance to God's rule. This rebellion is not just a physical battle but a spiritual one, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>, where the struggle is against spiritual forces of evil.<p><b>and the peoples plot in vain?</b><br>The futility of human schemes against God's sovereign plan is highlighted here. Despite the best efforts of nations and peoples to assert their own will, their plans are ultimately in vain when they oppose God's purposes. This is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a>, which states that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. The word "plot" implies a deliberate and calculated effort to overthrow divine authority, reminiscent of the Tower of Babel in <a href="/genesis/11.htm">Genesis 11</a>, where humanity's attempt to reach the heavens was thwarted by God. This also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ, as seen in <a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-16</a>, where Jesus returns to establish His kingdom, rendering all earthly opposition futile.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nations.htm">Nations</a></b><br>Refers to the Gentile nations or peoples who are in opposition to God's rule. In the context of the Psalm, these are the political entities that resist God's authority.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/peoples.htm">Peoples</a></b><br>This term is often used to describe groups of individuals, particularly those who are not part of Israel, who are conspiring against God's anointed.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/rage.htm">Rage</a></b><br>This describes the tumultuous and rebellious attitude of the nations against God. It implies a sense of chaos and disorder.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/plot.htm">Plot</a></b><br>This refers to the scheming or devising of plans against God’s purposes. The original Hebrew word (ragash) suggests a noisy assembly or commotion.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/v/vain.htm">Vain</a></b><br>Indicates the futility of the nations' efforts against God. Their plans are ultimately ineffective and without purpose.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_human_rebellion.htm">The Futility of Human Rebellion</a></b><br>Human efforts to oppose God are ultimately futile. Despite the apparent power and influence of nations, God's sovereign plan will prevail.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>God is in control of all nations and their leaders. Believers can find comfort in knowing that no earthly power can thwart God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_trust_in_god's_plan.htm">The Call to Trust in God's Plan</a></b><br>In the face of global turmoil and opposition, Christians are called to trust in God's ultimate plan and His anointed King, Jesus Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_aligning_with_god's_will.htm">The Importance of Aligning with God's Will</a></b><br>Instead of plotting against God, individuals and nations are encouraged to seek alignment with His will, recognizing the futility of opposing Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer_in_times_of_opposition.htm">The Role of Prayer in Times of Opposition</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to pray for the nations and their leaders, asking God to turn their hearts towards Him and His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'heathen'_mean.htm">What does "heathen" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_doctrine_of_the_mean.htm">What is the plot of Chosen Generation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_blame_invaders,_not_israel,_in_psalm_79.htm">Why does Psalm 79 place sole blame on invading nations without acknowledging Israel's own possible role in its downfall?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_tyre_still_inhabited,_per_ezekiel.htm">How do we explain the claim in Ezekiel 26:19–21 that Tyre would be uninhabitable and submerged under the sea when part of the ancient city remains accessible and occupied?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">Why do the heathen rage?</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">Why did nations band together, </span>or <span class= "ital">muster? </span>The Hebrew occurs only here as a verb, but derivatives occur in Pss. 4:14, <a href="/psalms/64-2.htm" title="Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:">Psalm 64:2</a>: in the first, of a <span class= "ital">festive crowd; </span>in the second, of a <span class= "ital">conspiracy allied with some evil intent. </span>This fixes the meaning here, <span class= "ital">band together, </span>possibly as in Aquila's translation, with added sense of <span class= "ital">tumult. </span>The LXX. have "grown restive," like horses; Vulg., "have raged."<p><span class= "bld">Imagine.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">meditate, </span>or <span class= "ital">plan. </span>Literally, as in <a href="/psalms/1-2.htm" title="But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law does he meditate day and night.">Psalm 1:2</a>, only here in bad sense, <span class= "ital">mutter, </span>referring to the whispered treasons passing to and fro among the nations, "a maze of mutter'd threats and mysteries." In old English "imagine" was used in a bad sense; thus Chaucer, "nothing list him to be <span class= "ital">imaginatif</span>"<span class= "ital"> i.e., suspicious. </span>The verb in this clause, as in the next, is in the present, the change being expressive: Why <span class= "ital">did </span>they plot? what <span class= "ital">do </span>they hope to gain by it?<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Why do the heathen rage?</span> The psalmist writes with a vision before his eyes. He "sees Jehovah upon his throne, and Messiah entering upon his universal dominion. The enemies of both on earth rise up against them with frantic tumult, and vainly strive to east off the fetters of their rule." Hence his sudden outburst. "What ails the heathen (<span class="accented">goim</span>)," he says. "that they rage?" or "make an uproar" (Kay), or "assemble tumultuously" (margin of Authorized Version and Revised,Version)? What are they about? What do they design? <span class="cmt_word">And why do the people</span> - rather, <span class="accented">the</span> <span class="accented">peoples</span>, or "the masses" (Kay) - <span class="cmt_word">imagine</span> (or, meditate) <span class="cmt_word">a vain thing?</span> It must be "a vain thing;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> a purpose which will come to naught, if it is something opposed to the will of Jehovah and Messiah. The vision shows the psalmist Jew and Gentile banded together against the gospel of Christ. Its scope is not exhausted by the exposition of <a href="/acts/4-26.htm">Acts 4:26</a>, but extends to the whole struggle between Christianity on the one hand, and Judaism and paganism on the other. "The peoples" still to this day "imagine a vain thing" - imagine that Christianity will succumb to the assaults made upon it - will fade, die away, and disappear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/2-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֭מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do the nations</span><br /><span class="heb">גוֹיִ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḡō·w·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rage</span><br /><span class="heb">רָגְשׁ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ḡə·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7283.htm">Strong's 7283: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be in tumult or commotion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the peoples</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝לְאֻמִּ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·’um·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3816.htm">Strong's 3816: </a> </span><span class="str2">A community</span><br /><br /><span class="word">plot</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶהְגּוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(yeh·gū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1897.htm">Strong's 1897: </a> </span><span class="str2">To moan, growl, utter, speak, muse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in vain?</span><br /><span class="heb">רִֽיק׃</span> <span class="translit">(rîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7385.htm">Strong's 7385: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, a worthless thing, in vain</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 2:1 Why do the nations rage and (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/1-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 1:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 1:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/2-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 2:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 2:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>