Psalms 2:7

KJV

¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will declare {H5608} the decree {H2706}: the LORD {H3068} hath said {H559} unto me, Thou art my Son {H1121}; this day {H3117} have I begotten {H3205} 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse from Psalm 2 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. It 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 Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 2 is a royal or messianic psalm, part of the first book of the Psalter, immediately following Psalm 1 which contrasts the righteous with the wicked. It is structured as a dramatic confrontation: the rebellion of earthly kings (verses 1-3), God's derisive response (verses 4-6), the King's declaration of the divine decree (verse 7), God's promise of universal dominion to the King (verses 8-9), and a final warning to the rebellious rulers (verses 10-12). Verse 7 marks a pivotal shift, moving from the human rebellion and divine response to the direct articulation of the divine decree, spoken by the Anointed King himself, revealing the source of his authority and identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, Psalm 2 would have resonated with the coronation of a Davidic king in Jerusalem, who was considered God's "son" by covenant (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:14](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14 - God's Covenant with David")). Kings in the ancient Near East often claimed divine favor or even divine sonship, but Israel's understanding was unique, rooted in a covenantal relationship where the king was God's chosen representative. The "decree" (Hebrew: *choq*) would have been understood as a divinely established ordinance, a fixed and unalterable statute. The imagery of nations raging and conspiring against the LORD and His Anointed reflects the geopolitical realities of the time, where Israel often faced threats from surrounding empires. However, the language transcends any single historical event, pointing to a universal rebellion against God's ultimate King.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 2 and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Divine Sonship**, emphasizing a unique, intimate, and authoritative relationship between the LORD and His chosen King, far surpassing mere human adoption. It also highlights **Messianic Prophecy**, as the language points beyond any earthly Davidic king to a future, ultimate Anointed One who will perfectly embody this divine sonship and exercise universal dominion. Furthermore, the concept of **God's Unchangeable Decree** is central, underscoring the immutability of God's sovereign plan to establish His King, despite human opposition. Finally, the phrase "this day have I begotten thee" introduces the theme of **Inauguration of Authority**, signifying a public declaration or establishment of the Son's royal status and reign, rather than a literal physical birth, a concept critical for understanding its New Testament application to Christ's resurrection and enthronement (e.g., [Acts 13:33](/acts/13-33 "Acts 13:33 - Paul's Sermon in Antioch")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Decree (Hebrew, _choq'_):** This term signifies a fixed statute, an established ordinance, or an unalterable divine law. It conveys the idea of something firmly set in place by authority, not a suggestion or a temporary command, but an immutable declaration from the sovereign God. Its use here emphasizes the unshakeable nature of God's plan for His Anointed One.
* **Begotten (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** While commonly meaning "to bear" or "to bring forth" in a physical sense, in this royal and prophetic context, *yalad* carries the nuanced meaning of inauguration, appointment, or public declaration of status. It refers not to an eternal generation (which is timeless) but to a specific "day" when the Son's unique status and kingly authority are publicly affirmed and established, marking a new phase in His reign or mission. This is crucial for understanding its New Testament application to events like Jesus' resurrection or baptism.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will declare the decree:"** The speaker here is the Anointed King himself, who has just been declared by the LORD in the preceding verses to be established on Zion. He is announcing a divine ordinance, a fixed and unalterable plan that originates from God. This is not a human decision but a revelation of God's sovereign will concerning His chosen ruler.
* **"the LORD hath said unto me,"** This phrase emphasizes the direct, personal, and authoritative communication from God (Yahweh) to the King. It highlights the divine origin of the decree and the unique relationship between the LORD and His Anointed. The King's authority is not self-proclaimed but divinely bestowed.
* **"Thou [art] my Son;"** This is the core of the divine declaration, an unequivocal affirmation of unique divine Sonship. It signifies an intimate, covenantal relationship, implying divine appointment, heirship, and unparalleled authority. While applicable to Davidic kings in a typological sense, its ultimate meaning points to a Son who shares God's very nature and essence.
* **"this day have I begotten thee."** This clause specifies the timing of the public declaration or inauguration of the Son's royal status and authority. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," "begotten" here refers to a public affirmation or establishment of the Son's unique status and reign, rather than a physical birth. In the New Testament, this "day" is understood to refer to pivotal moments like Jesus' resurrection, which publicly declared Him to be the Son of God with power, or His baptism, which inaugurated His public ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 2:7 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Discourse**, where the King speaks directly, quoting the LORD's words, lending immense authority and immediacy to the divine decree. This creates a sense of divine revelation unfolding. The phrase "this day have I begotten thee" functions as a form of **Inaugural Proclamation**, marking a specific moment of divine appointment and the establishment of the Son's royal status, 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 fulfillment in the person and work of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The **Symbolism** of "Son" transcends mere human lineage, pointing to a unique divine-human relationship that grants unparalleled authority and dominion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 2:7 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the identity and mission of the Messiah. It unequivocally declares the divine Sonship of the Anointed King, establishing a unique relationship with God that underpins His 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. This verse asserts God's sovereign control over history, demonstrating that despite human rebellion, 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.

* [Acts 13:33](/acts/13-33 "Acts 13:33 - Paul's Sermon on Jesus' Resurrection") - Paul explicitly applies this verse to Jesus' resurrection, declaring it as the moment God fulfilled His promise and "begot" Him, publicly affirming His Sonship and messianic identity.
* [Hebrews 1:5](/hebrews/1-5 "Hebrews 1:5 - Christ's Superiority to Angels") - The author of Hebrews uses this verse to demonstrate Christ's unparalleled superiority to angels, emphasizing His unique status as God's only begotten Son, distinct from any created being.
* [Hebrews 5:5](/hebrews/5-5 "Hebrews 5:5 - Christ Appointed High Priest") - This verse is again quoted in Hebrews to show that Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest but was appointed by God, fulfilling the "this day have I begotten thee" declaration in the context of His priestly office.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the believer, Psalms 2:7 offers profound comfort and a clear call to worship. It reminds us that despite the chaos and rebellion of earthly powers, God's sovereign plan for His Son's reign is unshakeable and will ultimately triumph. This verse affirms Jesus Christ as the divinely appointed Son, not merely a historical figure or a moral teacher, but the King to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given. Our response, therefore, should be one of confident trust and humble submission to His rule. Knowing that our King is God's own Son, inaugurated by divine decree, empowers us to live with hope, courage, and unwavering faith, even when facing opposition. It calls us to align our lives with His kingdom purposes and to proclaim His sovereign reign to a world in rebellion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "decree" in this verse impact your view of His sovereignty over current global events?**
* **In what ways does the declaration "Thou art my Son" deepen your appreciation for Jesus' unique identity and authority?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to live under the rule of the King who was "begotten" and inaugurated by God Himself?**
* **How can this verse encourage you to stand firm in your faith amidst a world that often rebels against God's authority?**

### 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. 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](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Declaration at Jesus' Baptism")", marking the inauguration of His public ministry. Most significantly, the Apostle Paul in [Acts 13:33](/acts/13-33 "Acts 13:33 - Paul's Sermon on Jesus' Resurrection") 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.

**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](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). 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 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](/psalms/2-6 "Psalms 2:6 - God's King on Zion")). 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 ([Psalms 2:9](/psalms/2-9 "Psalms 2:9 - The King's Dominion")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 2:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. 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, life, death, and resurrection. The "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 with whom I am well pleased](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Declaration at Jesus' Baptism")," marking the beginning of His public ministry. 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](/acts/13-33 "Acts 13:33 - Paul's Sermon on Jesus' Resurrection")." His resurrection was the decisive public declaration of His divine Sonship and His inauguration as the reigning King. The author of Hebrews further emphasizes Christ's superiority to angels by quoting this very verse, highlighting His unique position as the Son over God's house ([Hebrews 1:5](/hebrews/1-5 "Hebrews 1:5 - Christ's Superiority to Angels")). Thus, Psalms 2:7 proclaims the divine identity and sovereign authority of Jesus, the promised Messiah, who now reigns at the right hand of God, having been "declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead" ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). He is the true King, to whom all nations are given as an inheritance, and to whom all must ultimately bow.

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

Hebrews 5:5

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

Acts 13:33

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.

Matthew 3:17

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Hebrews 1:5

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?

Hebrews 1:6

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

Psalms 89:27

Also I will make him [my] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.