King James Version

What Does Psalms 2:7 Mean?

Psalms 2:7 in the King James Version says “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. the decree: or, f...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. the decree: or, for a decree”

Psalms 2:7 · KJV

Salvation

Context

5

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

6

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. set: Heb. anointed upon: Heb. upon Zion, the hill of my holiness

7

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. the decree: or, for a decree

8

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This pivotal verse records the coronation decree—the king's royal authorization. The phrase 'I will declare the decree' introduces an official proclamation, using legal terminology (choq, statute/decree). What follows is nothing less than divine adoption: 'Thou art my Son'—the most exalted language possible in ancient monarchy, signifying unique relationship and delegated authority.

The temporal clause 'this day have I begotten thee' has sparked extensive theological discussion. In ancient coronation contexts, this marked the king's official installation, not biological generation. However, the New Testament applies this verse directly to Christ's deity and eternal Sonship (Hebrews 1:5, 5:5). The Greek gennao (begotten) in these passages affirms Christ's unique relationship to the Father—not created but eternally begotten, sharing divine essence.

Acts 13:33 associates this verse with Christ's resurrection—the moment when God publicly vindicated and exalted His Son. Romans 1:4 states Jesus was 'declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead.' The 'begetting' thus encompasses both Christ's eternal generation from the Father and His resurrection vindication before the world. The decree is both eternal and temporal, ontological and functional—Christ is eternally Son and historically appointed as Messianic King.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern coronation ceremonies included royal adoption language, where kings became 'sons' of their deities. Egypt's Pharaohs were styled 'son of Ra,' and other monarchies used similar terminology. Israel adopted this language but transformed it—Davidic kings were adopted sons by covenant, not biological descendants of God. This unique Father-Son relationship distinguished Israel's monarchy from pagan god-kings.

The Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:14) promised, 'I will be his father, and he shall be my son'—language echoed here. Solomon's wisdom literature explored this Father-Son dynamic (Proverbs 30:4). Yet no human king fully embodied this ideal—all sinned, all fell short. The early church recognized that only Jesus truly fulfilled this decree. Church fathers debated its application: some emphasized Christ's eternal generation, others His resurrection vindication, but all agreed it affirmed His unique divine Sonship. Hebrews 1:5's use demonstrates Christ's superiority to angels and prophets—only He is the Son in this absolute sense.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we reconcile Christ's eternal divine Sonship with the temporal language 'this day have I begotten thee,' and what does this reveal about His nature?
  2. Why does the New Testament apply coronation language to Christ's resurrection, and what does this suggest about the resurrection's significance?
  3. What is the relationship between Christ's divine Sonship (His eternal nature) and His Messianic Sonship (His redemptive role)?
  4. How should believers understand their own adoption as sons (Galatians 4:5-7) in relation to Christ's unique eternal Sonship?
  5. What authority does Christ possess as the decreed Son of God, and how should this shape Christian worship and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֲסַפְּרָ֗ה1 of 11

“I will declare”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

אֶֽ֫ל2 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חֹ֥ק3 of 11

“the decree”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

יְֽהוָ֗ה4 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אָמַ֘ר5 of 11

“hath said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֥י6 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנִ֥י7 of 11

“unto me Thou art my Son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַ֑תָּה8 of 11
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֲ֝נִ֗י9 of 11
H589

i

הַיּ֥וֹם10 of 11

“this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יְלִדְתִּֽיךָ׃11 of 11

“have I begotten”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 2:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 5:5Acts 13:33Hebrews 1:5-6Matthew 3:17Matthew 17:5Psalms 89:27

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