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

PSALMS 2:5KJV
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Psalms 2:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 2:5 mean?

Psalms 2:5 describes God responding to rebellious nations with anger, speaking to them in wrath and frightening them with His intense displeasure. The verse shows a turning point where God’s patience ends and He confronts those who oppose Him.

In the context of Psalms 2, God is pictured as the one who sits in heaven, watching as earthly rulers plot against Him and His chosen king. Here, God’s response is not gentle; instead, He addresses their rebellion with strong words and actions that cause fear. This verse highlights the seriousness of defying God’s authority and sets up the announcement of His chosen king in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 2:5

  • “Wrath” (אַף, ʾaf): This word often refers to anger shown by flaring nostrils, picturing a very real, visible emotion. Here, it emphasizes the intensity of God’s reaction to rebellion.
  • “Vex” (בָּהַל, bahal): This word means to terrify, startle, or cause panic. The verse is not just about God being angry, but about Him causing real fear and confusion among those who oppose Him.
  • “Displeasure” (חֵמָה, chemah): This word means a burning or fierce anger, stronger than ordinary displeasure. It shows that God’s response is not mild but deeply stirred.

Why Psalms 2:5 matters

  • Psalms 2:5 clears up the idea that God is always passive or distant; the verse shows God as actively confronting those who oppose Him.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s anger is not random but a response to persistent rebellion, helping readers understand the seriousness of rejecting God’s rule.
  • This moment prepares the reader for the next verses, where God reveals His chosen king, showing that God’s authority and plans will stand despite human opposition.

Where else these words appear

“vex” Hebrew H926 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
  • Job 4:5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
  • Psalms 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

“displeasure” Hebrew H2740 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • Nehemiah 13:18 Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.
  • Jeremiah 25:38 He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.