Psalms 2:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall he speak {H1696} unto them in his wrath {H639}, and vex {H926} them in his sore displeasure {H2740}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then in his anger he rebukes them, terrifies them in his fury.

Berean Standard Bible

Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury:

American Standard Version

Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 2:5 powerfully depicts God's decisive and righteous response to the futile rebellion of earthly rulers and nations who conspire against His divine authority and that of His Anointed King. Following their defiant plotting and God's sovereign derision, this verse reveals the Lord's imminent and overwhelming judgment, expressed through His intense wrath and profound displeasure, designed to terrify and dismantle all opposition to His established reign. This divine declaration serves as a stark warning and a testament to God's unyielding sovereignty over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 2 is a royal or Messianic Psalm, often described as a dramatic dialogue or prophetic oracle concerning the universal kingship of God and His chosen King, the Messiah. It immediately follows [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"), which contrasts the way of the righteous and the wicked, setting the stage for a cosmic conflict between divine order and human rebellion. Psalms 2 unfolds in four distinct movements: the rebellion of the nations ([Psalms 2:1-3](/psalms/2-1-3 "Psalms 2:1-3 - The Rebellion of the Nations")), God's sovereign response from heaven ([Psalms 2:4-5](/psalms/2-4-5 "Psalms 2:4-5 - God's Derision and Wrath")), the divine decree establishing the Messiah's rule ([Psalms 2:6-9](/psalms/2-6-9 "Psalms 2:6-9 - The Divine Decree of the Messiah's Rule")), and a final call to submission and wisdom ([Psalms 2:10-12](/psalms/2-10-12 "Psalms 2:10-12 - A Call to Wisdom and Submission")). Verse 5 is the climax of God's reaction, transitioning from His initial laughter and derision in [Psalms 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "God's Laughter at Rebellion") to active, severe judgment, marking a pivotal shift in the divine response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely for a royal enthronement or coronation, Psalms 2 reflects the ancient Near Eastern concept of divine kingship, yet it radically redefines it through the lens of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty. While surrounding nations might have viewed their kings as divine or divinely appointed, Israel understood their king as God's anointed representative, subject to the true King of the universe. The "rebellion" described in [Psalms 2:1-3](/psalms/2-1-3 "The Conspiracy Against the Lord") refers to the historical reality of vassal states attempting to throw off the dominion of a suzerain king, but here it is elevated to a cosmic rebellion against God Himself and His chosen Davidic monarch. The "wrath" and "displeasure" are not capricious but reflect the righteous indignation of a holy God against those who defy His covenant and universal order, a concept well-understood in a culture where divine judgment was a common theological theme, often associated with natural disasters or military defeat.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that despite human arrogance and rebellion, God remains utterly in control, His plans immutable and irresistible. The plotting of kings is ultimately futile against the One who sits in the heavens, who merely laughs at their schemes as seen in [Psalms 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "God's Laughter at Rebellion"). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion**, making it clear that defiance against God and His Anointed King will inevitably be met with severe divine judgment, not indifference or weakness. This serves as a stark warning to all who oppose His rule, demonstrating that their defiance will lead to their own undoing. Thirdly, it reveals the nature of **God's Righteous Wrath**, portraying it not as an arbitrary outburst but as a holy and just response to sin, injustice, and direct opposition to His sovereign will. This wrath is an expression of His perfect character, ensuring that evil will not prevail and that His kingdom will ultimately be established, as further detailed in [Psalms 2:9](/psalms/2-9 "The Messiah's Dominion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to arrange" or "to speak," but can also imply "to subdue" in a destructive sense. In [Psalms 2:5](/psalms/2-5 "Psalms 2:5 - God's Wrath and Displeasure"), God's "speaking" is not merely verbal communication but an authoritative, declarative act that brings about judgment. It signifies a divine decree or pronouncement that carries the power to execute His will, causing the rebellious nations to be "subdued" or overcome by His wrath.
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** Properly, this word refers to the "nose" or "nostril," and by extension, the "face." From the rapid breathing associated with intense emotion, it came to signify "ire" or "anger." In the context of God, _ʼaph_ denotes His strong, intense, and often burning indignation, a righteous anger against sin and rebellion. It is an active and powerful displeasure that stems from His holy character and the violation of His divine order, often expressed through visible manifestations of His judgment.
* **Vex (Hebrew, _bâhal'_):** This primitive root means "to tremble inwardly" or "to palpitate," and figuratively, "to be suddenly alarmed or agitated." It implies being struck with overwhelming fear, dismay, or confusion. When God "vexes" His enemies, He causes them to be utterly distraught, bewildered, and filled with dread, disrupting their plans and shattering their confidence. It speaks to the profound psychological and spiritual impact of encountering divine judgment.
* **Sore displeasure (Hebrew, _chârôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to burn" or "to be hot," _chârôwn_ intensifies the concept of "wrath" (_ʼaph_). It signifies a fierce, burning anger or indignation, often with the implication of consuming or destructive power. The pairing of _ʼaph_ and _chârôwn_ emphasizes the full, unmitigated, and intense force of God's righteous anger, leaving no doubt about the severity and destructive nature of the impending judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath":** This clause signifies a decisive moment where God transitions from silent derision (as seen in [Psalms 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalms 2:4 - God's Laughter at Rebellion")) to active, authoritative intervention. His "speaking" is not merely verbal communication but an act of powerful, authoritative declaration that brings about judgment. It is a pronouncement of divine judgment, fueled by His righteous indignation against the audacious rebellion of the nations and their rulers. This "speaking" implies a decree or an action that manifests His anger, initiating the process of their undoing.
* **"and vex them in his sore displeasure."**: This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, intensifying the outcome of God's wrath. The act of "vexing" them means to utterly terrify, dismay, and throw the rebellious into a state of panic and confusion. This is not a gentle rebuke but a profound, internal unsettling that comes from encountering the full force of God's "sore displeasure"—His fierce, burning anger. The result is a shattering of their confidence, a disruption of their rebellious plans, and a terrifying realization of the futility of their opposition, leading to their utter discomfiture.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 2:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking force. **Anthropomorphism** is evident as God is depicted with human emotions and actions, specifically "wrath" and "displeasure," and the act of "speaking." This makes divine judgment relatable and impactful, allowing human readers to grasp the intensity of God's response, even though God's nature transcends human limitations. The verse also utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and vex them in his sore displeasure") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first ("Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath"). This poetic structure emphasizes the certainty and severity of God's judgment, reinforcing the idea that His anger will not only be expressed but will also have a terrifying and disorienting effect on His adversaries. Furthermore, the use of "sore displeasure" alongside "wrath" functions as a form of **Intensification**, creating a powerful cumulative effect that underscores the profound depth and ferocity of God's indignation, leaving no doubt about the overwhelming nature of the impending divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 2:5 is a stark reminder of God's active involvement in human history, not merely as a distant observer but as the sovereign Lord who responds decisively to rebellion. It demonstrates that God's justice is an inherent part of His character, and His wrath is a holy, righteous response to sin and defiance against His perfect will and the rule of His Anointed One. This wrath is not an uncontrolled outburst but a deliberate, purposeful act that upholds His holiness and ensures the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. It serves as a foundational text for understanding the biblical concept of divine judgment, which is consistently portrayed as both inevitable for the unrepentant and a guarantee of ultimate justice for the righteous, ensuring that evil will not have the final word.

* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - The Revelation of God's Wrath")
* [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Winepress of God's Wrath")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God as a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 2:5 serves as a profound theological anchor, reminding us that God is not indifferent to human rebellion or the schemes of those who defy His authority. For all people, it underscores the universal accountability to the Creator. Our defiance, whether overt or subtle, against God's revealed will or His Anointed King will not go unaddressed. This verse compels us to seriously consider the gravity of sin and its capacity to provoke God's righteous judgment, prompting a necessary humility and a turning away from self-reliance and opposition to Him. It calls us to examine our own hearts for any areas of rebellion against God's sovereignty. Conversely, for those who have placed their trust in God and His Son, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance. It reinforces the truth that God is sovereign, that He will ultimately deal with all evil, and that His perfect, just rule will prevail. This understanding should inspire reverence, prompt repentance where needed, and cultivate a deeper trust in His ultimate control over all things, knowing that He is just to punish evil and faithful to protect His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "wrath" and "sore displeasure" in this verse shape your view of His character, particularly in relation to His love and justice?**
* **In what ways might individuals or nations today still "rebel" against God's authority or the rule of His Anointed King, perhaps subtly or overtly?**
* **How should the prospect of divine judgment, as depicted in this verse, motivate us towards genuine repentance and humble submission to God's will in our daily lives?**
* **For those who trust in God, what comfort or assurance can be drawn from the knowledge that God will ultimately deal with all opposition and establish His perfect kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "wrath" mean in a biblical sense, and how is it different from human anger?**

Answer: In a biblical sense, God's "wrath" (Hebrew _ʼaph_ or _chârôwn_) is not an uncontrolled outburst of emotion or a personal vendetta like human anger often is. Instead, it is a holy, righteous, and just response to sin, rebellion, and injustice. It is an attribute of God's perfect character, reflecting His unwavering commitment to His own holiness and His opposition to anything that defiles it or defies His sovereign rule. Unlike human anger, which can be irrational, selfish, or sinful, God's wrath is always perfectly just, controlled, and purposeful, aimed at upholding His moral order and executing His divine judgment. It is a manifestation of His love for righteousness and His hatred for evil, ensuring that justice will ultimately prevail, as seen in passages like [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - The Revelation of God's Wrath").

**Is God's wrath compatible with His love?**

Answer: Absolutely. While seemingly contradictory, God's wrath and His love are two sides of the same divine character, both stemming from His perfect holiness. God's love (e.g., [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")) is expressed in His desire for humanity's redemption and His provision of salvation through Christ. However, His holiness demands a response to sin. His wrath is the necessary consequence of His love for righteousness; if God did not hate evil, He would not be truly good or loving. The Bible presents both aspects of God's character in tension, demonstrating that His love provides a way to escape His righteous wrath. It is precisely because God is so loving and holy that He must justly respond to sin, and in His love, He provided a substitute in Christ to bear that wrath for us, as beautifully articulated in [Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - Justified by Christ's Blood").

**Who are "them" in this verse, and what is the nature of their rebellion?**

Answer: "Them" refers to the "kings of the earth" and "rulers" mentioned in [Psalms 2:2](/psalms/2-2 "Psalms 2:2 - The Kings of the Earth Take Counsel"), representing human authorities and nations who conspire "against the Lord and against his Anointed One." Their rebellion is a direct defiance of God's universal sovereignty and His chosen King. It is an attempt to break free from divine constraints and establish their own autonomous rule, rejecting God's authority and His plan for the world. This rebellion is not just political but deeply spiritual, a cosmic affront to the Creator of all things, seeking to cast off His "cords" and "fetters" as described in [Psalms 2:3](/psalms/2-3 "Psalms 2:3 - Breaking Their Bonds").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 2:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Anointed King. The "Anointed One" (Hebrew: Messiah; Greek: Christ) of whom this psalm speaks is definitively Jesus, as affirmed by the early church (e.g., [Acts 4:25-28](/acts/4-25-28 "Acts 4:25-28 - The Church's Prayer and Application of Psalm 2")). While Jesus came the first time as the humble [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), enduring the wrath of God in our place on the cross, this verse points to His future role as the reigning King and Judge. The "wrath" and "sore displeasure" spoken of here will be fully executed by Christ Himself upon His glorious return, when He comes not as a suffering servant but as the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). He will "speak unto them in his wrath" as He treads "the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Winepress of God's Wrath")), shattering all opposition with a "rod of iron" ([Revelation 2:27](/revelation/2-27 "Revelation 2:27 - Rule with a Rod of Iron"), echoing [Psalms 2:9](/psalms/2-9 "Psalms 2:9 - The Messiah's Dominion")). Thus, Psalms 2:5 foreshadows the glorious and terrifying reality of Christ's second coming, when He will definitively establish His kingdom and judge all those who have refused to "kiss the Son" and find refuge in Him ([Psalms 2:12](/psalms/2-12 "Psalms 2:12 - Kiss the Son")), demonstrating that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Revelation 19:15

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Psalms 78:49

He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels [among them].

Psalms 78:50

He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence;

Psalms 21:9

Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

Psalms 110:5

¶ The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.

Psalms 110:6

He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill [the places] with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.