Psalm 2 4

Psalm 2:4 kjv

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.

Psalm 2:4 nkjv

He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.

Psalm 2:4 niv

The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.

Psalm 2:4 esv

He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.

Psalm 2:4 nlt

But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
The Lord scoffs at them.

Psalm 2 verses

Psalm 2 4 Meaning

This verse declares God's absolute sovereignty and His serene response to the futile rebellion of earthly rulers mentioned in the preceding verses. While human powers plot against the Lord and His Anointed King, God, from His throne in heaven, views their efforts with contempt and derision. His "laughter" is not of amusement but of confident disdain for their impotent schemes, signaling His certain victory and their inevitable downfall.

Psalm 2 4 Context

Psalm 2 is a royal or Messianic psalm portraying the rebellion of earthly kings and nations against Yahweh and His Anointed King (the Messiah). The chapter opens with the frantic raging of these rulers who "set themselves against the Lord and against His Anointed." Verse 4 contrasts this earthly tumult with the tranquil yet absolute authority of God in the heavens. It transitions from human defiance to divine response, setting the stage for God's ultimate decree and the Son's future rule. Historically, it could reflect various times of opposition to God's chosen King in Israel (like David), but its language transcends specific historical moments, pointing to an ultimate cosmic rebellion against God and His eternal Messiah, making it profoundly prophetic.

Psalm 2 4 Word analysis

• He who sits (יושֵׁב - _yoshev_): This is a participle, emphasizing a continuous state of being seated. It signifies stable enthronement, unwavering authority, and calm dominion. God is not restless or threatened but sovereignly at rest, implying a fixed and secure position of power.
• in the heavens (בַּשָּׁמַיִם - _bashamayim_): "The heavens" refer to the divine abode, signifying God's transcendence, supremacy, and His position beyond human reach and challenge. It starkly contrasts with the earthly rulers who rage on a finite plane, underscoring the infinite distance between their power and His.
• laughs (יִשְׂחָק - _yischak_): This laughter is not of joy or amusement, but rather scornful derision. It's the laughter of supreme confidence in the face of foolish, doomed efforts. It demonstrates God's disdain for the puny rebellion of humankind, knowing full well its ultimate futility. It communicates utter conviction of His coming victory and the rebels' sure defeat.
• the Lord (אֲדֹנָי - _Adonai_): This title signifies "Master" or "Sovereign." It refers to God's authority and control, aligning with His supreme kingship. It links the One "who sits in the heavens" with the personal yet absolute God of Israel, clarifying whose scorn this is.
• scoffs (יִלְעַג - _yil'ag_): This term is a strong verb indicating mockery, ridicule, and contempt. It's an intensifying of the previous "laughs," highlighting an active, derisive dismissal of their plans. It denotes a decisive and utterly unimpressed divine attitude toward the rebellious powers. It underlines the sheer absurdity of their actions in God's eyes.
• at them (לָמוֹ - _lamo_): Refers to the "kings of the earth and the rulers" mentioned in Psalm 2:2, who are plotting and conspiring against God and His Messiah. It pinpoints the target of God's derision – their presumptuous, rebellious, and ultimately insignificant efforts.

• "He who sits in the heavens laughs": This phrase beautifully captures God's majestic calm and unthreatened sovereignty. While the kings on earth "rage" (Ps 2:1), God is serenely enthroned above their chaotic efforts, highlighting His absolute control and the foolishness of their rebellion.
• "the Lord scoffs at them": This intensifies the initial image of laughter. "The Lord" emphasizes His authority as Master, and "scoffs" highlights the active and total derision He has for the rebellious schemes. It's a statement of absolute divine certainty concerning their downfall, leaving no room for their success.

Psalm 2 4 Bonus section

The contrast between human rage (Ps 2:1) and divine serenity ("He who sits in the heavens") is a key literary device in Psalm 2, emphasizing God's transcendence and invincibility. This verse subtly conveys that God doesn't need to physically descend or actively engage in battle in the traditional sense; His very position of authority and His contempt for their actions ensure the rebels' defeat. His "laughter" signifies a divine pre-judgment, a certainty of their inevitable ruin before their plans can even begin to manifest meaningfully against Him. This also speaks to God's infinite wisdom and foresight, knowing the end of all things from the beginning.

Psalm 2 4 Commentary

Psalm 2:4 is a powerful declaration of divine supremacy amidst human rebellion. It serves as the tranquil eye in the storm depicted in the preceding verses, where earthly kings rage and conspire against God. The image of God "sitting in the heavens" is crucial; it depicts His immutable, stable, and sovereign throne, undisturbed by the clamor of human defiance. His "laughter" and "scoffing" are not trivial or insecure amusement, but expressions of ultimate confidence, righteous judgment, and absolute disdain for the puny efforts of creatures challenging their Creator. This divine reaction underlines the sheer absurdity and futility of rebellion against the omnipotent Lord. It offers immense comfort to God's people, assuring them that despite outward appearances of turmoil, God is always in control and His purposes, particularly concerning His Anointed One, will ultimately prevail effortlessly. It also serves as a solemn warning to all who dare to oppose His will and His kingdom.