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Psalms 2:10

Psalms 2:10 in Multiple Translations

Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth.

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

So now be wise, you kings: take his teaching, you judges of the earth.

So then you kings, be wise! Be warned, you rulers of the world!

Be wise nowe therefore, ye Kings: be learned ye Iudges of the earth.

And now, O kings, act wisely, Be instructed, O judges of earth,

Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

And now, O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth.

So then, you kings and other rulers on the earth, act wisely! Heed what Yahweh is warning you!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 2:10

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Psalms 2:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ֭/עַתָּה מְלָכִ֣ים הַשְׂכִּ֑ילוּ הִ֝וָּסְר֗וּ שֹׁ֣פְטֵי אָֽרֶץ
וְ֭/עַתָּה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv
מְלָכִ֣ים melek H4428 King's N-mp
הַשְׂכִּ֑ילוּ sâkal H7919 be prudent V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
הִ֝וָּסְר֗וּ yâçar H3256 to discipline V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
שֹׁ֣פְטֵי shâphaṭ H8199 to judge V-Qal
אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 2:10

וְ֭/עַתָּה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
מְלָכִ֣ים melek H4428 "King's" N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הַשְׂכִּ֑ילוּ sâkal H7919 "be prudent" V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
הִ֝וָּסְר֗וּ yâçar H3256 "to discipline" V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
שֹׁ֣פְטֵי shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" V-Qal
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

Study Notes — Psalms 2:10

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Hosea 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.
2 Isaiah 60:10–11 Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy. Your gates will always stand open; they will never be shut, day or night, so that the wealth of the nations may be brought into you, with their kings being led in procession.
3 Isaiah 60:3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 Psalms 72:10–11 May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.
5 Psalms 82:1–8 God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked. They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’ But like mortals you will die, and like rulers you will fall.” Arise, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are Your inheritance.
6 Psalms 45:12 The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; men of wealth will seek your favor.
7 Isaiah 49:23 Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”
8 Isaiah 52:15 so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard.
9 Jeremiah 6:8 Be forewarned, O Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you; I will make you a desolation, a land without inhabitant.”

Psalms 2:10 Summary

[Psalms 2:10 is a call to leaders and people in positions of power to be wise and to listen to God's warning. This means recognizing that God is in control and that they should submit to His authority, as seen in Psalms 2:7-9. By being wise and admonished, they can avoid facing God's wrath, as warned in Psalms 2:12 and also in Revelation 6:16-17. This verse encourages all of us to respect and obey God, and to trust in His goodness and love, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'be wise' in the context of Psalms 2:10?

To be wise in this context means to recognize and submit to the authority of God, as seen in Psalms 2:10, and to make decisions that align with His will, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7.

Who are the 'kings' and 'judges of the earth' being addressed in Psalms 2:10?

The 'kings' and 'judges of the earth' refer to those in positions of power and authority, who are being called to acknowledge and respect God's sovereignty, as also seen in Romans 13:1-2.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Psalm?

Psalms 2:10 serves as a warning to world leaders to acknowledge God's authority, which is established in the preceding verses, such as Psalms 2:7-9, and is further emphasized in the following verses, like Psalms 2:11-12.

What is the significance of the word 'admonished' in this verse?

The word 'admonished' means to be warned or advised, and in this context, it urges leaders to take heed of God's power and authority, lest they face His wrath, as warned in Psalms 2:12 and also in Revelation 6:16-17.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I, as a follower of God, demonstrate wisdom in my own life, especially in the face of worldly pressures and temptations?
  2. In what ways can I, like the 'kings' and 'judges' in this verse, be more mindful of God's sovereignty and authority in my daily decisions and actions?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be resisting or ignoring God's admonition, and how can I humble myself to receive His warning and guidance?
  4. How can I balance the fear of God, as mentioned in Psalms 2:11, with the joy and reverence that comes from knowing Him, as encouraged in Psalms 100:2?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 2:10

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings,.... This address is made not so much to the kings of the earth in David's time, as to those who would be under the Gospel dispensation, and times of the Messiah;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 2:10

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Be wise ... O ye kings - offers of grace ever accompanying threats against sinners in this day of God's long-suffering.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 2:10

Be wise; understand your true interest. Now, whilst you have time and space for repentance and submission. O ye kings; you and your people. But he speaks of and to kings only; partly, because they most needed the admonition, as presuming upon their own power and greatness, and thinking it below them to submit to him; partly, because their authority and example could do much with their people; and partly, to intimate the greatness of this monarch, and that he was King of kings, and Lord of lords. Ye judges, or rulers, or governors; the same called kings in the former branch.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 2:10

Psalms 2:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.Ver. 10. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings] Redeem your own sorrows by trembling at God’ s judgments, while they hang in the threatenings; this is a high point of heavenly wisdom. Ergo Dei tandem verbo subscribite reges: Ne rapiant Stygiae vos Acherontis aquae. These kings were not without wit and learning. Julian the apostate, for instance (who said unto the King Christ, Apostate), but they wanted, godly wisdom, and are therefore here called upon to behave themselves prudently, and to play the wise men. For as wicked men are fools in print; so, on the contrary, in our old English books a righteous man is printed a right wise man, and righteousness right wiseness. For it is the only true both wisdom, Psalms 111:10 Proverbs 1:7, and honour: for the righteous are princes in all lands, Psalms 45:16; yea, they are kings. Compare Matthew 13:17 Luke 10:25. Many righteous, saith the one, many kings, saith the other evangelist. Be instructed, ye judges] Be nurtured, ye sages; submit to Christ’ s discipline, acknowledge his prophetic office, here, his priestly, Psalms 2:11, his kingly, Psalms 2:12. Estote ligati, so Aben-Ezra rendereth it, Be ye bound, in opposition to that evil decree of theirs, Psalms 2:3, "Let us break their bonds," &c. And this they are advised to do forthwith, while it is called today. Now, therefore, before God the Father vex you, God the Son bruise you, with his iron mace.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 2:10

Verse 10. Be wise - O ye kings] An exhortation of the Gospel to the rulers of all kingdoms, nations, and states, to whom it may be sent. All these should listen to its maxims, be governed by its precepts, and rule their subjects according to its dictates. Be instructed, ye judges] Rather, Be ye reformed - cast away all your idolatrous maxims; and receive the Gospel as the law, or the basis of the law, of the land.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 2:10

10–12. The poet speaks, drawing the lesson from the great truths which have been set forth. There is a better way. Submission may avert destruction. The leaders of the nations are exhorted to be wise in time, and accept the suzerainty of Jehovah instead of resisting until His wrath is kindled.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 2:10

Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings - This is to be understood as the language of the psalmist. See introduction to the psalm, Section 3.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 2:10

10-12. Be wise now—An admonition to kings and rulers to make peace with King Messiah. Be instructed—Be corrected, chastened, restrained.

Sermons on Psalms 2:10

SermonDescription
Aaron Dunlop Kiss the Son by Aaron Dunlop In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of kissing the Son, which symbolizes worship, allegiance, and love towards Jesus Christ. The sermon references the story of a
Bill McLeod Christ Is All - in Scripture by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection a
Chuck Smith What Think You of Christ by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting Psalm 2:9, which speaks of breaking the nations with a rod of iron and dashing them like a potter's vessel. The sermon emphasizes the
Robert B. Thompson Sons by Robert B. Thompson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of growing in the ways of the church and being ready to bear fruit for God. They highlight the idea that God gently leads thos
Isaac Penington Some Queries Concerning the Work of God in the World by Isaac Penington Isaac Penington preaches about the queries concerning the work of God in the world, focusing on the kingdoms of the earth becoming the kingdoms of the Lord, the expected events in
H.J. Vine The Son's Rights in Creation by H.J. Vine H.J. Vine preaches on the profound truth of being delivered from darkness and brought into the kingdom of God's Son, where we have redemption and forgiveness of sins. The focus is
Jane Lead The Epistle to the Reader by Jane Lead Jane Lead preaches about the imminent manifestation of the Holy Ghost's powers, ushering in the glorious reign of Christ's kingdom. She calls upon kings, queens, nobles, and all in

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