I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that "this day" isn't about an eternal beginning but a specific moment of public recognition and inauguration, marking a profound declaration of the Son's identity and authority to the world. It emphasizes that the begetting signifies a manifestation, a coming forth into a new phase of recognized power and relationship.
I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm begins by describing world leaders raging against God and His Anointed King. In response, the King declares God's decree, affirming His divine sonship and the universal dominion promised to Him by the Father. This declaration sets the stage for the psalm's call to the nations to submit to this divinely appointed King, lest they perish.
The psalm speaks of a king, but not just any king. This one carries a divine declaration that sets him apart from all others.
A Royal Decree
Listen to this! The verse begins with the king announcing, 'I will tell of the decree.' This isn't just a casual announcement; it's a formal declaration of a divine edict. And what is this decree?
'The LORD said to me: You are my Son.'
This is huge. God the Father Himself speaks, identifying this king with an intimate title: 'my Son.' This isn't a mere title of honor or a position held, like earthly kings being called 'son of the king.' This is a declaration of a unique, inherent relationship. It signifies a special, intimate connection and authority bestowed directly by God.
The phrase 'this day I have begotten you' sounds like a birthday, but it points to something much deeper and more significant than a single moment in time.
A Moment of Manifestation
The declaration continues: 'today I have begotten you.' This 'today' isn't referring to an eternal, timeless begetting in God's nature. Instead, it marks a specific point of manifestation and acknowledgment.
A New Beginning, A Public Declaration
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This 'today' signifies the day His divine sonship was gloriously manifested and confirmed to the world, establishing His authority and reign.
Understand the original words
choq · Hebrew Noun
A formal or authoritative pronouncement, often used in Scripture to describe God’s immutable purpose, law, or covenantal promise.
ben · Hebrew Noun
A relational title signifying a unique, intimate status of authority and inheritance; in a messianic context, it highlights the divine nature and royal designation of the coming Savior.
This psalm isn't just about an earthly king's coronation; it's a Messianic prophecy. The 'decree' isn't just a royal command, but God's eternal declaration of Jesus' unique Sonship, powerfully confirmed through his resurrection and enthronement.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King of Israel
The prophet Samuel anoints David as king, signifying a divine appointment and the beginning of his royal lineage.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Anointed King
Upon David's death, Solomon is anointed king, continuing the Davidic dynasty and receiving God's promises, echoing the 'sonship' declared in the psalm.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophecy
Isaiah prophesies the coming of a virgin-born son, Immanuel, further developing the Messianic expectation of a divine descendant.
c. 597 BC - 586 BC
Exile and Restoration
The Babylonian exile shatters the Davidic monarchy, but the hope for a future, divinely appointed king remains a central theme for the exiles.
c. 4 BC - AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Birth and Ministry
Jesus is born, and his ministry begins. The divine declaration at his baptism, 'This is my beloved Son,' directly echoes Psalm 2:7.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Resurrection
Jesus is raised from the dead, powerfully confirming his divine identity and sonship, a key event understood by the New Testament writers as fulfilling this psalm.
c. AD 48-57
Apostolic Preaching
Apostles like Paul preach the Gospel, directly citing Psalm 2:7 in contexts of Jesus' resurrection and ascension, demonstrating his enthronement as the Son of God.
This passage describes God's covenant with David, promising that his descendant will be God's son and that God will establish his house forever. It parallels Psalm 2:7 by affirming a unique sonship given by God to a king, which is then more fully realized in Christ.
Matthew 3:17At Jesus' baptism, God the Father's voice from heaven declares, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.' This directly echoes the declaration in Psalm 2:7, providing a New Testament confirmation of Christ's divine sonship.
Acts 13:33The Apostle Paul quotes Psalm 2:7, applying it directly to Jesus' resurrection, stating that God 'has fulfilled this for us their children by raising up Jesus.' This shows how the 'today' of Psalm 2:7 points to the powerful inauguration of Christ's reign through His resurrection.
Hebrews 1:5This verse quotes Psalm 2:7 (though not directly citing the Psalm number) to argue for Christ's superiority over the angels, stating that God never said to any angel, 'You are my Son, today I have begotten you.' This highlights the unique and supreme sonship of Christ that Psalm 2:7 proclaims.
Philippians 2:9-11These verses describe how God highly exalted Jesus and bestowed on Him the name above every name, leading to universal acknowledgment. This relates to Psalm 2:7-8, as the Son's declaration of sonship is intrinsically linked to His ultimate divine authority and dominion over all creation.
calvinPsalms 2:7-8: "I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee."
I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
I will declare, etc. David, to take away all pretense of ignorance from his enemies, assumes the office of a preacher in order to publish the d…
cambridgePsalms 2:7: "I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee."
7 . the decree ] The solemn and authoritative edict, promulgated in the promise made to David and his house through Nathan ( 2 Samuel 7:12 ff). hath said unto me ] Better, said unto me (R.V.), or, said of me. this day ] The day when he was anointed king. If Nathan was (as is commonly supposed) Solomon’s tutor, he had no doubt trained him to a consciousness of his high calling; an…
The verse highlights that "this day" isn't about an eternal beginning but a specific moment of public recognition and inauguration, marking a profound declaration of the Son's identity and authority to the world. It emphasizes that the begetting signifies a manifestation, a coming forth into a new phase of recognized power and relationship.
The psalm begins by describing world leaders raging against God and His Anointed King. In response, the King declares God's decree, affirming His divine sonship and the universal dominion promised to Him by the Father. This declaration sets the stage for the psalm's call to the nations to submit to this divinely appointed King, lest they perish.
The psalm begins by describing world leaders raging against God and His Anointed King. In response, the King declares God's decree, affirming His divine sonship and the universal dominion promised to Him by the Father. This declaration sets the stage for the psalm's call to the nations to submit to this divinely appointed King, lest they perish.
"I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you." — The verse highlights that "this day" isn't about an eternal beginning but a specific moment of public recognition and inauguration, marking a profound declaration of the Son's identity and authority…
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Last reviewed October 2026