Psalms 2:3
Psalms 2:3 in Multiple Translations
“Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us.
Let their chains be broken, and their cords taken from off us.
“Let's break the chains and throw away the cords that bind us.”
Let vs breake their bands, and cast their cordes from vs.
'Let us draw off Their cords, And cast from us Their thick bands.'
“Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.”
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Let us break their bonds asunder: and let us cast away their yoke from us.
They shout, “We should free ourselves from their control [MET]; we should not let them rule over us any longer!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 2:3
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 2:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נְֽ֭נַתְּקָה
אֶת
מֽוֹסְרוֹתֵ֑י/מוֹ
וְ/נַשְׁלִ֖יכָה
מִמֶּ֣/נּוּ
עֲבֹתֵֽי/מוֹ
נְֽ֭נַתְּקָה
nâthaq
H5423
to tear
V-Piel-1cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מֽוֹסְרוֹתֵ֑י/מוֹ
môwçêr
H4147
bond
N-cp | Suff
וְ/נַשְׁלִ֖יכָה
shâlak
H7993
to throw
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cp
מִמֶּ֣/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
עֲבֹתֵֽי/מוֹ
ʻăbôth
H5688
cord
N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 2:3
נְֽ֭נַתְּקָה
nâthaq
H5423
"to tear"
V-Piel-1cp
To tear or pull something away from something else, like pulling a plant out of the ground or separating two things, is what this word means, and it can also describe being separated or torn apart.
Definition: 1) to pull or tear or draw off or away or apart, draw out, pluck up, break, lift, root out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw away 1a2) to draw or pull off 1a3) to pull or tear away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be drawn away, be drawn out 1b2) to be torn apart or in two, be snapped 1b3) to be separated 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to tear apart, snap 1c2) to tear out, tear up, tear away 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to draw away 1d2) to drag away 1e) (Hophal) to be drawn away
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: break (off), burst, draw (away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out. See also: Leviticus 22:24; Isaiah 5:27; Psalms 2:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מֽוֹסְרוֹתֵ֑י/מוֹ
môwçêr
H4147
"bond"
N-cp | Suff
This word refers to a bond or restraint, often used to describe a rope or halter. In Job 39:10, it describes a rope used to guide an ox, while in Isaiah 58:6, it symbolizes the bond of oppression. It represents control or limitation.
Definition: band, bond
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: band, bond. See also: Job 39:5; Isaiah 52:2; Psalms 2:3.
וְ/נַשְׁלִ֖יכָה
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cp
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
מִמֶּ֣/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
עֲבֹתֵֽי/מוֹ
ʻăbôth
H5688
"cord"
N-cp | Suff
A cord or rope, often made from intertwined threads. In the Bible, it can also describe a wreath or chain, like the ones used in Ezekiel 7:23.
Definition: 1) cord, rope, cordage, foliage, interwoven foliage 1a) cord, rope, cordage, chain 1b) interwoven foliage
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: band, cord, rope, thick bough (branch), wreathen (chain). See also: Exodus 28:14; Job 39:10; Psalms 2:3.
Study Notes — Psalms 2:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 2:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 2:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 2:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 2:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 2:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 2:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 2:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 2:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 2:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 2:3
- Sermons on Psalms 2:3
Context — The Triumphant Messiah
1Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
2The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:
3“Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”
4The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them. 5Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 5:5 | I will go to the powerful and speak to them. Surely they know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.” But they too, with one accord, had broken the yoke and torn off the chains. |
| 2 | Luke 19:14 | But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:7–8 | To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. |
| 4 | Luke 19:27 | And these enemies of mine who were unwilling for me to rule over them, bring them here and slay them in front of me.’” |
Psalms 2:3 Summary
[Psalms 2:3 is a verse about people who want to be in charge of their own lives and reject God's authority. They want to break free from God's rules and live life on their own terms, but this is a form of rebellion against God. As seen in Proverbs 14:12 and Jeremiah 10:23, our ways are not always God's ways, and we need to trust in His sovereignty and provision. By surrendering to God's rule and living under His authority, we can find true freedom and joy, as seen in Romans 6:14 and Galatians 5:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Psalms 2:3 and who is speaking in this verse?
The context of Psalms 2:3 is a rebellion against God and His Anointed One, and the speakers are the kings of the earth and the rulers who have gathered together against the Lord, as seen in Psalms 2:2. They are seeking to break free from God's authority and live life on their own terms, similar to the rebellion in Genesis 3:1-7 where Adam and Eve sought to be like God.
What do the 'chains' and 'cords' represent in Psalms 2:3?
The 'chains' and 'cords' in Psalms 2:3 represent the authority and laws of God that the rebellious kings and rulers want to cast away, similar to the way the Israelites rejected God's laws in Exodus 32:1-6. They want to be free from God's rule and live life according to their own desires.
How does God respond to this rebellion, and what can we learn from His response?
God responds to this rebellion with laughter and taunting, as seen in Psalms 2:4, and then rebukes them in His anger, as seen in Psalms 2:5. This teaches us that God is not afraid of human rebellion and will ultimately judge those who reject Him, as seen in Romans 6:23 and Revelation 20:11-15.
What is the significance of the word 'Their' in Psalms 2:3, and what does it reveal about God's relationship with His Anointed One?
The word 'Their' in Psalms 2:3 refers to God and His Anointed One, emphasizing their unity and shared authority. This reveals that God and His Anointed One are a single entity, working together to rule over the world, as seen in John 10:30 and 1 Corinthians 11:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have tried to 'break free' from God's authority in my own life, and what were the consequences?
- How can I submit to God's authority and live under His 'chains' and 'cords' in a way that brings freedom and joy?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to surrender to God's rule and allow Him to be my Lord and King?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when it seems like the world is rebelling against Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 2:3
Let us break their bands asunder,.... These are not the words of the apostles, nor of the saints in Gospel times, encouraging one another, notwithstanding the rage and opposition of Jews and Gentiles
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 2:3
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. The easy yoke of Jesus seems to natural men a galling chain.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 2:3
Their, i.e. the Lord’ s and his anointed’ s, bands, which they design to put upon our necks, that they may bring us into subjection. They mean the laws of God, which the king would oblige them to observe, which though easy and pleasant in themselves and to good men, ,30 , yet are very grievous and burdensome to corrupt nature, and to men of wicked lives. Cast away their cords from us; the same thing expressed with a little more emphasis. Let us not only break off their yoke, and the cords by which it is fastened upon us; but let us cast them far away, that they may never be recovered, and we may never be brought into bondage again.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 2:3
Psalms 2:3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.Ver. 3. Let us break their bands asunder, &c.] Here these rebels are brought in proclaiming their treasonable decrees against Christ, and his adherents, who seek to promote his kingdom. Resolved they were to run riot, as lawless and aweless, and therefore they slander the sweet laws of Christ’ s kingdom, as bonds and thick cords (those signs of slavery, Jeremiah 27:2; Jeremiah 27:6-7), as burdens and grievances. So the Popish clergy of Collen told their good Archbishop Albert (who had made use of Bucer and Melancthon to bring things into better order), that they had rather live under the Turkish government than under such a reformation (Melch. Adam in Vit. Bucer). But what saith our Saviour? "My yoke is easy, and my burden light." No more burden it is to a regenerate person than the wings are to the bird. He delighteth in the law of God after the inward man, Romans 7:22 It is not to him now, as once, bands and cords, but as girdles and garters, which gird up his loins, and expedite his course the better. It confineth him to live in that element where he would live; as if one should be confined to paradise, where he would be, though there were no such law.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 2:3
(3) Let us break.—The whispered purpose now breaks out into loud menace, and we hear their defiance pass along the ranks of the rebels. Cords.—The LXX. and Vulg. have “yoke,” which is in keeping with the metaphor of a restive animal. (Comp. Isaiah 58:6; Isaiah 10:27.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 2:3
Verse 3. Let us break their bands] These are the words of the confederate heathen powers; and here, as Bishop Horne well remarks, "we may see the ground of opposition; namely, the unwillingness of rebellious nature to submit to the obligations of Divine laws, which cross the interests, and lay a restraint on the desires of men. Corrupt affections are the most inveterate enemies of Christ, and their language is, We will not have this man to reign over us. Doctrines would be readily believed if they involved in them no precepts; and the Church may be tolerated in the world if she will only give up her discipline."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 2:3
3. The words of the kings and rulers exhorting one another to cast off the yoke of subjection. Bands are the fastenings by which the yoke was secured upon the neck (Jeremiah 27:2; Jeremiah 30:8; Nahum 1:13; &c.): cords are perhaps merely synonymous with bands: but as the language of the previous clause is derived from the figure of an ox yoked for ploughing, cords may naturally be understood to mean the reins by which the animal was guided and kept under control. Cp. Job 39:10; Hosea 11:4.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 2:3
Let us break their bands asunder - The bands of Yahweh and of his Anointed.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 2:3
3. Their bands… their cords—The plural suffix their refers to Jehovah and his Messiah. The result of these hostile deliberations is the mutual exhortation to break asunder and cast away the bands of Messiah’s government.
Sermons on Psalms 2:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Authority of Christ by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of dedicating one's life to serving God. He encourages young men to give their strength, days, youth, and beauty to God, rath |
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The Reign of the Lord's Anointed by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not intimidated or hiding from any challenges. He laughs at those who oppose Him and holds them in derision. Despite the opposit |
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The Great Commission by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not getting distracted from the main purpose of Christianity. He highlights that Christianity is not just about being mora |
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Ger-15 Israel and the Nations by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to the Jewish people. He shares a personal story of a Jewish man who complained about the h |
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Horton Haven Labor Day Retreat-13 a Squirming Sacrifice by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a radio program for young people that was supported by listener donations. One night, a lady called from the downtown railroad sta |
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Dallas Area Conference 1993-08 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the awe-inspiring nature of Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels. Despite the quiet and understated manner in which the story of the Savior is |
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Jesus' Answer by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon by Basilea Schlenk titled "Jesus' Answer," the speaker reflects on the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. She highlights how Jesus' sacrifice for the world w |