TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
Complete Jewish Bible
"I will proclaim the decree: ADONAI said to me, 'You are my son; today I became your father.
Berean Standard Bible
I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.
American Standard Version
I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee.
World English Bible Messianic
I will tell of the decree. The LORD said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father.
Geneva Bible (1599)
I will declare the decree: that is, the Lord hath said vnto me, Thou art my Sonne: this day haue I begotten thee.
Young's Literal Translation
I declare concerning a statute: Jehovah said unto me, `My Son Thou art , I to-day have brought thee forth.
In the KJVVerse 13,953 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 2 verses 7–9
7 ¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
We have heard what the kings of the earth have to say against Christ's kingdom, and have heard it gainsaid by him that sits in heaven; let us now hear what the Messiah himself has to say for his kingdom, to make good his claims, and it is what all the powers on earth cannot gainsay.
I. The kingdom of the Messiah is founded upon a decree, an eternal decree, of God the Father. It was not a sudden resolve, it was not the trial of an experiment, but the result of the counsels of the divine wisdom and the determinations of the divine will, before all worlds, neither of which can be altered - the precept or statute (so some read it), the covenant or compact (so others), the federal transactions between the Father and the Son concerning man's redemption, represented by the covenant of royalty made with David and his seed, Psa 89:3. This our Lord Jesus often referred to as that which, all along in his undertaking, he governed himself by; This is the will of him that sent me, Joh 6:40. This commandment have I received of my Father, Joh 10:18; Joh 14:31.
II. There is a declaration of that decree as far as is necessary for the satisfaction of all those who are called and commanded to yield themselves subjects to this king, and to leave those inexcusable who will not have him to reign over them. The decree was secret; it was what the Father said to the Son, when he possessed him in the beginning of his way, before his works of old; but it is declared by a faithful witness, who had lain in the bosom of the Father from eternity, and came into the world as the prophet of the church, to declare him, Joh 1:18. The fountain of all being is, without doubt, the fountain of all power; and it is by, from, and under him, that the Messiah claims. He has his right to rule from what Jehovah said to him, by whose word all things were made and are governed. Christ here makes a tow-fold title to his kingdom: - 1. A title by inheritance (Psa 2:7): Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. This scripture the apostle quotes (Heb 1:5) to prove that Christ has a more excellent name than the angels, but that he obtained it by inheritance, Psa 2:4. He is the Son of God, not by adoption, but his begotten Son, the only begotten of the Father, Joh 1:14. And the Father owns him, and will have this declared to the world as the reason why he is constituted King upon the holy hill of Zion; he is therefore unquestionably entitled to, and perfectly qualified for, that great trust. He is the Son of God, and therefore of the same nature with the Father, has in him all the fulness of the godhead, infinite wisdom, power, and holiness. The supreme government of the church is too high an honour and too hard an undertaking for any mere creature; none can be fit for it but he who is one with the Father and was from eternity by him as one brought up with him, thoroughly apprized of all his counsels, Pro 8:30. He is the Son of God, and therefore dear to him, his beloved Son, in whom he is well pleased; and upon this account we are to receive him as a King; for because the Father loveth the Son he hath given all things into his hand, Joh 3:35; Joh 5:20. Being a Son, he is heir of all things, and, the Father having made the worlds by him, it is easy to infer thence that by him also he governs them; for he is the eternal Wisdom and the eternal Word. If God hath said unto him, "Thou art my Son," it becomes each of us to say to him, "Thou art my Lord, my sovereign." Further, to satisfy us that his kingdom is well-grounded upon his sonship, we are here told what his sonship is grounded on: This day have I begotten thee, which refers both to his eternal generation itself, for it is quoted (Heb 1:5) to prove that he is the brightness of his Father's glory and the express image of his person (Psa 2:3), and to the evidence and demonstration given of it by his resurrection from the dead, for to that also it is expressly applied by the apostle, Act 13:33. He hath raised up Jesus again, as it is written, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. It was by the resurrection from the dead, that sign of the prophet Jonas, which was to be the most convincing of all, that he was declared to be the Son of God with power, Rom 1:4. Christ is said to be the first-begotten and first-born from the dead, Rev 1:5; Col 1:18. Immediately after his resurrection he entered upon the administration of his mediatorial kingdom; it was then that he said, All power is given unto me, and to that especially he had an eye when he taught his disciples to pray, Thy kingdom come. 2. A title by agreement, Psa 2:8, Psa 2:9. The agreement is, in short, this: the Son must undertake the office of an intercessor, and, upon that condition, he shall have the honour and power of a universal monarch; see Isa 53:12, Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, because he made intercession for the transgressors. He shall be a priest upon his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both, Zac 6:13. (1.) The Son must ask. This supposes his putting himself voluntarily into a state of inferiority to the Father, by taking upon him the human nature; for, as God, he was equal in power and glory with the Father and had nothing to ask. It supposes the making of a satisfaction by the virtue of which the intercession must be made, and the paying of a price, on which this large demand was to be grounded; see Joh 17:4, Joh 17:5. The Son, in asking the heathen for his inheritance, aims, not only at his own honour, but at their happiness in him; so that he intercedes for them, ever lives to do so, and is therefore able to save to the uttermost. (2.) The Father will grant more than to the half of the kingdom, even to the kingdom itself. It is here promised him, [1.] That his government shall be universal: he shall have the heathen for his inheritance, not the Jews only, to whose nation the church had been long confined, but the Gentiles also. Those in the uttermost parts of the earth (as this nation of ours) shall be his possession, and he shall have multitudes of willing loyal subjects among them. Baptized Christians are the possession of the Lord Jesus; they are to him for a name and a praise. God the Father gives them to him when by his Spirit and grave he works upon them to submit their necks to the yoke of the Lord Jesus. This is in part fulfilled; a great part of the Gentile world received the gospel when it was first preached, and Christ's throne was set up there where Satan's seat had long been. But it is to be yet further accomplished when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ, Rev 11:15. Who shall live when God doeth this? [2.] That it shall be victorious: Thou shalt break them (those of them that oppose thy kingdom) with a rod of iron, Psa 2:9. This was in part fulfilled when the nation of the Jews, those that persisted in unbelief and enmity to Christ's gospel, were destroyed by the Roman power, which was represented (Dan 2:40) by feet of iron, as here by a rod of iron. It had a further accomplishment in the destruction of the Pagan powers, when the Christian religion came to be established; but it will not be completely fulfilled till all opposing rule, principality, and power, shall be finally put down, Co1 15:24; Psa 110:5, Psa 110:6. Observe, How powerful Christ is and how weak the enemies of his kingdom are before him; he has a rod of iron wherewith to crush those that will not submit to his golden sceptre; they are but like a potter's vessel before him, suddenly, easily, and irreparably dashed in pieces by him; see Rev 2:27. "Thou shalt do it, that is, thou shalt have leave to do it." Nations shall be ruined, rather than the gospel church shall not be built and established. I have loved thee, therefore will I give men for thee, Isa 43:4. "Thou shalt have power to do it; none shall be able to stand before thee; and thou shalt do it effectually." Those that will not bow shall break.
In singing this, and praying it over, we must give glory to Christ as the eternal Son of God and our rightful Lord, and must take comfort from this promise, and plead it with God, that the kingdom of Christ shall be enlarged and established and shall triumph over all opposition.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–9. Public domain.
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Acts 13:26-39AD 62
Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him from the dead: And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. [Psalms 2:7] And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Hebrews 1:5-14AD 69
For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? [Psalms 2:7] And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 1:204
There is no evening of God possible and, I think, no morning, but the time, if I may put it this way, which is coextensive with his unoriginated and eternal life, is today for him, the day in which the Son has been begotten. Consequently neither the beginning nor the day of his generation is to be found.
Methodius of OlympusAD 311
BANQUET OF THE TEN VIRGINS 8:9
He willed that he who existed before the ages in heaven should be begotten on the earth—that is, that he who was before unknown should be made known. Now, certainly, Christ has never yet been born in those people who have never perceived the manifold wisdom of God—that is, has never been known, has never been manifested, has never appeared to them. But if these also should perceive the mystery of grace, then in them too, when they were converted and believed, he would be born in knowledge and understanding.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 2
"The Lord has said unto me, You are My Son, today have I begotten You" [Psalm 2:7]. Although that day may also seem to be prophetically spoken of, on which Jesus Christ was born according to the flesh; and in eternity there is nothing past as if it had ceased to be, nor future as if it were not yet, but present only, since whatever is eternal, always is; yet as "today" intimates presentiality, a divine interpretation is given to that expression, "Today have I begotten You," whereby the uncorrupt and Catholic faith proclaims the eternal generation of the power and Wisdom of God, who is the Only-begotten Son.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
HOMILIES ON 1 JOHN 2:5
Begotten from the eternal Father, begotten from eternity, begotten in eternity, with no beginning, with no ending, with no space of extension, because he is what is, because he himself is who is.
Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS 2:7
The word today indicates the present time in which he was made in the flesh—he who nevertheless in his own nature was the Lord of everything. John testifies to this, that he came among his own, calling the world his own. Having been called into a kingdom in accordance with his accustomed glory, he said, “I have been made king by him,” that is, by God the Father. Furthermore, he fulfilled this by being made the Son in his humanity even if then he was the Son in his own nature. He smoothed the way for human nature to participate in adoption, and he called to himself people oppressed by the tyranny of sin. Just as we, since we are weighted down by curse and death, have received the evils of the transgressions of Adam like a certain inheritance handed across the generations to the whole universe from the ancestors, so also the splendid gifts of Christ flow down to the generations of humankind into the whole universe. The Only Begotten receives them not wholly for himself but for us. He is fully God as to his nature, nor does he lack anything whatever. He himself becomes richer than all creation with good things from above.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 2:7
To be sure, God the Word had the name “only-begotten Son” before the ages as connatural with his condition, yet while still possessing the title of the Son as God, he also receives it as human being. Hence in the present psalm he added the words [of this verse]. Now no one who believes the teaching of the divine Spirit would apply this verse to the divinity of Christ the Lord. In fact, let us listen in this regard to the God of all speaking through David, “From the womb before the morning star I begot you.” So as man he both receives this verse and hears what follows.
CassiodorusAD 585
EXPLANATION OF THE PSALMS 2:8
“I have begotten you” refers to the birth about which Isaiah speaks, “Who will tell about his generation?” He is Light from Light, Almighty from Almighty, true God from true God, from whom, and through whom, and in whom all things exist.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 2:7 presents a profound divine declaration from the LORD to His Anointed King, revealing an eternal decree that establishes a unique relationship of Sonship and inaugurates unparalleled authority. This pivotal verse serves as a foundational messianic prophecy, articulating God's immutable plan to install His chosen ruler, a declaration that finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It underscores the divine origin of the King's authority and His intimate, unique relationship with the Almighty.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 2:7 employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its impact and theological depth. The most prominent is Direct Discourse, where the King speaks directly, quoting the LORD's own words. This technique lends immense authority and immediacy to the divine decree, creating a sense of divine revelation unfolding directly to the audience. The phrase "this day have I begotten thee" functions as a form of Inaugural Proclamation, marking a specific, decisive moment of divine appointment and the public establishment of the Son's royal status and authority, rather than a statement about eternal origins. The entire psalm, including this verse, operates as Messianic Prophecy, using language that has both an immediate historical application to Davidic kings and a deeper, ultimate, and complete fulfillment in the person and work of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the Symbolism of "Son" transcends mere human lineage, pointing to a unique divine-human relationship that grants unparalleled authority and universal dominion.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 2:7 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the identity and mission of the Messiah within the broader biblical narrative. It unequivocally declares the divine Sonship of the Anointed King, establishing a unique and intimate relationship with God that underpins His absolute authority and universal reign. The "begetting" on "this day" is not about eternal generation but a public, historical inauguration of His kingly status and power, a concept foundational to the New Testament's presentation of Jesus' redemptive work and His enthronement. This verse powerfully asserts God's sovereign control over history, demonstrating that despite human rebellion and opposition, His decree concerning His Son's rule is unalterable and will ultimately prevail. It connects the Davidic covenant to its ultimate fulfillment, revealing the true nature of the King who will rule all nations with righteousness and justice.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the believer, Psalms 2:7 offers profound comfort, unwavering assurance, and a clear call to worship and submission. It serves as a powerful reminder that despite the chaos, rebellion, and apparent triumphs of earthly powers, God's sovereign plan for His Son's reign is unshakeable, immutable, and will ultimately triumph over all opposition. This verse unequivocally affirms Jesus Christ as the divinely appointed Son, not merely a historical figure, a moral teacher, or a prophet, but the King to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given. Our appropriate response, therefore, should be one of confident trust in His ultimate victory and humble, joyful submission to His benevolent rule. Knowing that our King is God's own Son, inaugurated by divine decree and possessing all authority, empowers us to live with unwavering hope, courage, and steadfast faith, even when facing intense opposition or societal turmoil. It calls us to align our lives wholeheartedly with His kingdom purposes, to participate in His mission, and to boldly proclaim His sovereign reign to a world desperately in need of His peace and justice.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "this day have I begotten thee" imply that Jesus was created or had a beginning?
Answer: No, this phrase does not imply that Jesus was created or had a beginning in time as God's Son. Theologically, Jesus is understood to be eternally begotten of the Father, meaning His divine Sonship is timeless and without origin, a concept affirmed in passages like John 1:1-3. The "begetting" in Psalms 2:7, particularly in its New Testament application, refers to a historical, public declaration or inauguration of His Sonship and royal authority. For instance, at His baptism, God declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," marking the inauguration of His public ministry. Most significantly, the Apostle Paul in Acts 13:33 applies this verse directly to Jesus' resurrection from the dead, seeing it as the ultimate public declaration and vindication of His divine Sonship and messianic reign. It's about the manifestation of His inherent status and authority in time and history, not the origin of His divine nature.
How does this verse relate to the Davidic Covenant?
Answer: Psalms 2:7 is deeply intertwined with the Davidic Covenant, which promised David an eternal dynasty and a throne that would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). While the phrase "Thou art my Son" and "this day have I begotten thee" had an initial, typological application to the Davidic kings of Israel at their coronation, its language transcends any mere human monarch. The "decree" here points to a fulfillment far greater than any earthly king could achieve. The New Testament consistently interprets this verse as finding its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, who is also the Son of God. He is the one who fully embodies the divine Sonship and establishes the eternal kingdom promised to David, thereby bringing the Davidic Covenant to its glorious and everlasting consummation.
What is the "decree" that the King declares?
Answer: The "decree" (Hebrew: choq) that the King declares is the unalterable, divinely established ordinance from the LORD Himself concerning the identity and reign of His Anointed One. As revealed in the preceding verses of Psalm 2, this decree involves God's unwavering plan to install His King on Zion, His holy hill, despite the rebellion of the nations (Psalms 2:6). Verse 7 specifically reveals the content of this decree: the declaration of the King's unique divine Sonship ("Thou art my Son") and the inauguration of His authority ("this day have I begotten thee"). It is God's sovereign pronouncement that His chosen King will rule with universal authority, ultimately breaking the nations with a rod of iron and dashing them in pieces like a potter's vessel (Psalms 2:9). This decree ensures the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 2:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. While the psalm initially resonated with the coronation of Davidic kings, the New Testament unequivocally applies this divine declaration to Jesus, affirming His unique status as the Son of God. The "decree" declared by the King is God's eternal plan to establish His Son's reign, a plan that culminated in Christ's incarnation, sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. The phrase "this day have I begotten thee" is not about His eternal generation as God, but a historical inauguration of His messianic authority and public vindication. For instance, at His baptism, the Father's voice declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," marking the beginning of His public ministry and divine affirmation. Most powerfully, the Apostle Paul, in his sermon at Antioch, explicitly connects this verse to Jesus' resurrection, stating that God "raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." His resurrection was the decisive public declaration of His divine Sonship and His inauguration as the reigning King, demonstrating His power over sin and death (Romans 1:4). The author of Hebrews further emphasizes Christ's unparalleled superiority to angels by quoting this very verse, highlighting His unique position as the Son over God's house and the heir of all things (Hebrews 1:5). Thus, Psalms 2:7 proclaims the divine identity and sovereign authority of Jesus, the true King, to whom all nations are given as an inheritance, and to whom all must ultimately bow in worship and submission (Philippians 2:9-11).