Psalms 2:4 — Word Study
WLCיוֹשֵׁ֣ב בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם יִשְׂחָ֑ק אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י יִלְעַג־ לָֽמוֹ׃
BSAThe One enthronedyâshab [dwelling in, enthroned upon] in heavenshâmayim [the visible universe, the abode of God] laughssâchaq▸ [in contempt, with derision] the LordʼĂdônây [Adonay, the revered God] taunts themlâʻag▸ [mocks, ridicules]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| יוֹשֵׁ֣ב | [the one who] sits | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם | in the heavens | Preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| יִשְׂחָ֑ק | he laughs | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י | [the] Lord | Noun proper |
| יִלְעַג־ | he mocks | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לָֽמוֹ׃ | them | Preposition, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them. |
| KJV | He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. |
| ASV | He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision. |
| YLT | He who is sitting in the heavens doth laugh, The Lord doth mock at them. |
| WEB | He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision. |
| BBE | Then he whose seat is in the heavens will be laughing: the Lord will make sport of them. |
Translations agree on the meaning of the verbs in this verse, maintaining the sense of mockery and derision.
The main clause establishes God's action, with two subordinate phrases providing context and detail about His identity and actions.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbיָשַׁב
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 2:4
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Reign of the Lord's Anointedgenerated
Psalm 2:4 depicts the Lord's reaction to the rebellious intentions of earthly rulers. It emphasizes God's supreme authority and mockery of those who oppose Him. This psalm serves as a reminder of God's ultimate power and the futility of resisting His will, as seen in the surrounding verses that discuss the rebellion of nations and God's establishment of His King.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 11:4 | The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men. |
| 2 | Psalm 68:33 | to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old; behold, His mighty voice resounds. |
| 3 | Psalm 115:3 | Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. |
| 4 | Isaiah 40:22 | He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. |
| 5 | Isaiah 57:15 | For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יִשְׂחָ֑ק, yis.Chakgenerated
The verb שָׂחַק (sachaq) means to laugh, often with a connotation of mockery or derision. It is a Qal imperfect form, indicating a present or ongoing action. This word captures the essence of God's response to human arrogance, highlighting His disdain for their futile attempts to defy Him.
In this context, God's laughter signifies not just amusement but a profound contempt for the plans of those who oppose Him. It reflects His omnipotence and the certainty of His authority over all creation.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study uses the Berean Standard Bible, which translates the verse as laughs and taunts.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verbs in this verse are יִשְׂחָ֑ק and יִלְעַג, both describing actions taken by God. The structure emphasizes God's active role in responding to the rebellious actions of humanity.
The sentence begins with the subject יוֹשֵׁ֣ב (the one who sits), establishing God's position of authority, followed by the actions of laughing and mocking. This order highlights the significance of God's perspective over the events unfolding on earth.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יוֹשֵׁ֣ב as κατοικῶν (katoikōn), which means 'dwelling' or 'inhabiting'. This choice emphasizes God's presence in the heavens and His authority over creation.
The Greek word ἐκγελάσεται (ekgelastai) for יִשְׂחָ֑ק indicates a similar sense of laughter, maintaining the mockery inherent in the Hebrew text while adapting it to the Greek audience.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 2:4 shows that God, who sits in heaven, laughs at those who oppose Him. This verse highlights God's power and mockery of human rebellion, reminding us that no one can stand against His will.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
God's laughter signifies His disdain for human arrogance and the futility of opposing His plans.
This emphasizes God's authority and control over the universe, contrasting with the rebellious actions of earthly rulers.
The mocking tone reflects God's ultimate power and the certainty that His will prevails over human attempts to resist Him.
We are reminded to align ourselves with God's will rather than oppose it, as His plans will ultimately succeed.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I seen human plans fail in the face of God's will?
- How can I ensure that my actions align with God's purposes rather than opposing them?
- What does God's laughter reveal about His character and authority?
- How can I respond to challenges in my life with the confidence that God is in control?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers, like Augustine, have commented on this verse, using it to illustrate God's authority and mockery of human rebellion.
"He that dwells in the heavens shall laugh them to scorn, and the Lord shall have them in derision" [Psalms 2:4].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 2 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 2:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHe that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh,.... At the rage and tumult of the Heathen; at the vain imaginations of the people; at the opposition of the kings of the earth; at the mad counsel of the
Read John Gill on Psalms 2 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHe that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 2 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHe that sitteth, as the Judge upon his tribunal, and as the King of the whole world upon his royal throne; who, without stirring from his place, can with one look or word destroy all his enemies. In the heavens: this is opposed to their being and reigning upon earth, , and is mentioned here, as it is in other places of Scripture, as an evidence both of God’ s clear and certain knowledge of all things that are done below, as is noted, , and of his sovereign and irresistible power, as is hence gathered, . See the preface to the Lord’ s prayer. Shall laugh, i.e. shall both despise and deride them, and all their crafty devices, which he shall manifest to the world to be ridiculous and…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 2 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.Ver. 4. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh at them] Videt, ridet. He seeth and smileth, he looketh and laugheth, at these giants. He sitteth in heaven, far above their reach; neither doth he much trouble himself about the matter. No more should we; but trust in him, and know that there is a council in heaven that will dash the mould of all contrary counsels upon earth; as the stone cut out of the mountain did the four great monarchies, Daniel 2:34. See an instance hereof in latter times. Luther, that heroic reformer, was excommunicated by the pope, proscribed by the emperor, hated and cursed…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 2 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(4) He that sitteth.—Here the psalm, with a sublimity truly Hebrew, turns from the wild confusion on earth to the spectacle of God looking down with mingled scorn and wrath on the fruitless attempts of the heathen against His chosen people. Laugh.—We speak of the “irony of events “; the Hebrew ascribes irony to God, who controls events.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 2 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 4. He that sitteth in the heavens] Whose kingdom ruleth over all, and is above all might and power, human and diabolical. Shall laugh. Words spoken after the manner of men; shall utterly contemn their puny efforts; shall beat down their pride, assuage their malice, and confound their devices.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 2 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4–6. The poet-seer draws aside the veil, and bids us look from earth to heaven. There the supreme Ruler of the world sits enthroned in majesty. With sovereign contempt He surveys these petty plottings, and when the moment comes confounds them with a word.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 2 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHe that sitteth in the heavens - God, represented as having his home, his seat, his throne in heaven, and thence administering the affairs of the world.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 2 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.
He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.
The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust; the Lord taunts them.
Tyndale line
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision.
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.
But he that dwelleth in the heauen, shall laugh: the Lord shall haue them in derision.
Strictly literal
He that dwelleth in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision.
He who is sitting in the heavens doth laugh, The Lord doth mock at them.
He who is sitting in the heavens laughs, || The Lord mocks at them.
He who dwelleth in the heavens will laugh: the Lord will hold them in derision.
He who sits in the heavens will sneer at them; the Lord mocks them.
From the Latin
He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: and the Lord shall deride them.
Simplified
But the one who sits enthroned in heaven laughs. The Lord mocks them.
Then he whose seat is in the heavens will be laughing: the Lord will make sport of them.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text is consistent with the Septuagint, where five of the six words match directly. However, the Septuagint's word order reflects its own syntax rather than a direct translation.
The Dead Sea Scrolls contain three words that match the Masoretic Text, with additional words supplied by an editor, indicating some level of preservation despite the damage.
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם יִשְׂחָ֑ק אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י יִלְעַג־ לָֽמוֹ׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[יושב] [בשמים] [ישחק] אדוני ילעג ל׳מו
3 words on the leather — 3 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 2:4
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
יָשַׁב (yashab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to sit, remain, or dwell. It encompasses a range of actions from simply sitting down to more complex ideas like establishing a home or causing a place to be inhabited. The entries indicate various forms, including Qal (to sit), Niphal (to be inhabited), and Hiphil (to cause to dwell). There is an Aramaic equivalent, יְתִב (ye.tiv), meaning 'to dwell'.
יָשַׁב 1090 vb. sit, remain, dwell
Qal
sit
sit, sit down
sit down
sit = be set (as a jewel)
remain, stay, tarry
with special emphasis of qualifying phr.
dwell, have one’s abode
of a land or city, sit, abide, seated in its place, fig. for be inhabited
Niph. be inhabited, of land
Pi. and they shall set their encampments in thee
Hiph.
cause to sit
cause to abide
cause to dwell
cause cities to be inhabited
marry (prop. give a dwelling to)
Hoph. and ye be made to dwell alone in the midst of the land
base
H3427 יָשַׁב sit, remain, dwell
3427 yashab yaw-shab'
a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as
judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to
remain; causatively, to settle, to marry:--(make to)
abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease
self, endure, establish, X fail, habitation, haunt, (make to)
inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, X marry(-ing),
(bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(- tle),
(down-)sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate),
take, tarry.
יָשַׁב (ya.shav) — to dwell.
1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to sit, sit down
1a2) to be set
1a3) to remain, stay
1a4) to dwell, have one's abode
1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited
1c) (Piel) to set, place
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to sit
1d2) to cause to abide, set
1d3) to cause to dwell
1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited
1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to)
1e) (Hophal)
1e1) to be inhabited
1e2) to make to dwell
Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singularHVqrmsa
The Hebrew word שָׁמַיִם (*shamayim*) is a dual noun meaning 'heavens' or 'sky.' It refers to the visible heavens where celestial bodies are found, as well as the abode of God. The dual form may suggest both the arch of the sky and the higher ether. It is noted in contexts such as Elijah's ascent in a whirlwind.
[שָׁמַי] n.m. only pl. שָׁמַיִם 421 heavens, sky
visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are
phrases
as abode of God
Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind
הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations
base
H8064 שָׁמַי only pl. שָׁמַיִם heavens, sky . . visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are
. phrases
. . as abode of God
. Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind
. הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations
8064 shamayim shaw-mah'-yim
dual of an unused singular shameh {shaw-meh'}; from an unused
root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps
alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well
as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies
revolve):--air, X astrologer, heaven(-s).
שָׁמַיִם (sha.ma.yim) — heaven.
1) heaven, heavens, sky
1a) visible heavens, sky
1a1) as abode of the stars
1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc
1b) Heaven (as the abode of God)
Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHRd/Ncmpa
hev'-'nz (shamayim; ouranoi): On the physical heavens see ASTRONOMY; WORLD. Above these, in popular conception, were the celestial heavens, the abode of God and of the hosts of angels (Ps 11:4; 103:19-21; Isa 66:1; Re 4:2; 5:11; compare Da 7:10), though it was recognized that Yahweh's presence was not confined to any region (1Ki 8:27). Later Judaism reckoned seven heavens. The apostle Paul speaks of himself as caught up into "the third heaven," which he evidently identifies with Paradise (2Co 12:2).
See HEAVENLY.
שָׂחַק (sachaq) is a Hebrew verb meaning to laugh, with connotations of playfulness and mockery. It can express laughter in pleasure or derision, as well as the act of playing or making sport. The entries indicate various forms, such as Qal for general laughter, Piel for making sport, and Hiphil for mockery.
שָׂחַק vb. laugh
Qal
laugh at
appar. of friendly laugh
sport, play
Pi.
make sport
jest
play
Hiph. (declar.) they uttered mockery
base
H7832 שָׂחַק laugh
7832 sachaq saw-khak'
a primitive root; to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by
implication, to play:--deride, have in derision, laugh, make
merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in
(make) sport.
שָׂחַק (sa.chaq) — to laugh.
1) to laugh, play, mock
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision)
1a2) to sport, play
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to make sport
1b2) to jest
1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing)
1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
אֲדֹנָי (Adonay) means 'Lord' and is an emphatic form of another Hebrew word for lord. It is used specifically as a title for God, often in place of Yahweh to show reverence. Variations include אֲדֹנִי and אֲדֹנַי, which help distinguish divine from human references.
אָדוֹן n.m. lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)
base
H136 אָדוֹן lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)
136 'Adonay ad-o-noy'
am emphatic form of 113; the Lord (used as a proper name of
God only):--(my) Lord.
see HEBREW for 0113
אֲדֹנָי (a.do.nai) — Lord.
Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
N-mp | Suff — Noun properHNpt
Lord
There are various Hebrew and Greek words so rendered.
(1.) Heb. Jehovah, has been rendered in the English Bible LORD, printed in small capitals. This is the proper name of the God of the Hebrews. The form “Jehovah” is retained only in Ex. 6:3; Ps. 83:18; Isa. 12:2; 26:4, both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.
(2.) Heb. ‘adon, means one possessed of absolute control. It denotes a master, as of slaves (Gen. 24:14, 27), or a ruler of his subjects (45:8), or a husband, as lord of his wife (18:12).
The old plural form of this Hebrew word is ’adonai. From a superstitious reverence for the name “Jehovah,” the Jews, in reading their Scriptures, whenever that name…
[GOD]
This name belongs to God by preeminence; and in this sense ought never to be given to any creature. Jesus Christ, as the Messiah, the Son of God, and equal with the Father, is often called Lord in Scripture, especially in the writing of Paul. The word LORD, in the English Bible, when printed in small capitals, stands always for JEHOVAH in the Hebrew. See JEHOVAH.
לָעַג (la'ag) is a Hebrew verb meaning to mock or deride. It can also refer to stammering, particularly in the Niphal form, which suggests speaking unintelligibly. The entries indicate that the word conveys ridicule and scorn, with variations in its use across different grammatical forms.
[לָעַג] vb. mock, deride; also (Niph.) stammer, poet.
Qal mock, deride, have in derision
Niph. a people stammering of tongue (i.e. barbarians)
Hiph. mock, deride
base
H3932 [לָעַג] mock, deride; also (Niph.) stammer, poet.
3932 la`ag law-ag'
a primitive root; to deride; by implication (as if imitating
a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly:--have in derision, laugh
(to scorn), mock (on), stammering.
לָעַג (la.ag) — to mock.
1) to mock, deride, ridicule
1a) (Qal) to mock, deride, have in derision
1b) (Niphal) to stammer
1c) (Hiphil) to mock, deride
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
הֶם (hem) — them.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine plural
HR/Sp3mp — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp3mp