The phrase "this day" isn't pointing to a specific calendar date, but rather to the moment of manifestation. It signifies when this divine declaration of Sonship, though existing eternally, was publicly revealed and confirmed, especially through His resurrection.
I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm begins by describing the nations rebelling against God and His Anointed King, but God is unfazed, even amused. Then, the King, speaking in the voice of the Anointed One (ultimately Christ), declares God's decree to him: that he is God's Son and has been given dominion over all the earth, beginning from the day of his inauguration. This divine declaration is the foundation for the King's authority and a call for the rulers to submit.
The Psalm begins with rulers raging against God and His Anointed. But here, the King Himself speaks, not in defiance, but with divine authority.
A Decree Declared
This verse is a pivotal moment in Psalm 2. The king, speaking in the name of God, announces a profound truth: "I will declare the decree." This isn't just any announcement; it's the proclamation of a divine ordinance, an unshakeable truth that underpins his reign and the rebellion against it.
The Father's Voice
The core of this decree is God the Father speaking to His Son: "You are my Son; today I have begotten you." This declaration is unique and sets the Son apart. It's not about earthly succession or mere adoption. It points to a relationship of unparalleled intimacy and authority.
The word 'today' in this divine declaration seems simple, but it carries immense weight, pointing to a specific, significant moment.
Beyond Ordinary Birthdays
When God says, "today I have begotten you," what 'today' does He mean? It's not referring to an ordinary birthday or even the moment of earthly conception. The ancient commentators point out that 'today' signifies a specific moment of manifestation and inauguration.
Inauguration and Declaration
For David, as a king anointed by God, 'today' marked the public manifestation of his God-given authority and his unique relationship to God as His son by adoption and calling. For Jesus Christ, the ultimate Son, 'today' finds its fullest meaning in His resurrection. It's the day His divine Sonship was powerfully declared and confirmed to the world, marking His inauguration as the reigning King over all.
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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.
gowyim · Hebrew Noun
Referring to the people groups or ethnic bodies outside of Israel; in prophetic literature, they are often the subjects who will eventually acknowledge the universal reign of the Messiah.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to an inherited portion or allotted share; in this context, it speaks to the spiritual and territorial dominion granted to the King by God.
shebet · Hebrew Noun
A symbol of absolute, unbreakable, and righteous sovereignty used to describe the ruling authority of the Messiah over those who resist his kingdom.
Psalm 2 is deeply connected to the inauguration of Israel's kings, particularly Solomon, who was seen as a son of God and heir to David's throne. The 'today' in the verse points to this moment of royal establishment, though scholars also connect it to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ's resurrection and divine declaration.
c. 1010 BC
David anointed King of Israel
David is anointed king, marking the beginning of his reign and the establishment of a united Israel. This event is foundational to the Davidic covenant.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Covenant established
God establishes a covenant with David, promising an everlasting dynasty and throne through his lineage. This prophecy is a key context for Psalm 2.
c. 970 BC— this verse
Solomon anointed King of Israel
Solomon, David's son, is anointed king. This event is often seen as a primary fulfillment of the Davidic covenant and a significant moment of royal inauguration.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's wise reign begins
Solomon's reign begins with a remarkable display of wisdom and God's favor, including his famous prayer for understanding.
c. 966 BC
Temple in Jerusalem construction begins
Solomon begins building the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental project central to Israelite worship and national identity.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom divides after Solomon's death
Following Solomon's reign, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.
This New Testament passage directly quotes Psalm 2:7, applying it to Jesus' resurrection and his declaration as the Son of God with power. It highlights the theme of divine sonship being publicly revealed and established through a significant event.
Hebrews 1:5This verse contrasts Jesus' unique Sonship with that of the angels, emphasizing that God never referred to any angel as 'my Son, today I have begotten you.' This underscores the singular, exalted status of Jesus as God's Son.
2 Samuel 7:14This Old Testament passage contains a similar declaration from God to Solomon ('I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son'). While applied to David's line, it foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of divine sonship and covenant in the Messiah, as understood by later interpreters.
Romans 1:4This verse speaks of Jesus being declared the Son of God with power by his resurrection. This directly echoes the 'this day I have begotten you' of Psalm 2:7, linking the resurrection to a powerful declaration of Christ's divine identity and authority.
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 phrase "this day" isn't pointing to a specific calendar date, but rather to the moment of manifestation. It signifies when this divine declaration of Sonship, though existing eternally, was publicly revealed and confirmed, especially through His resurrection.
The psalm begins by describing the nations rebelling against God and His Anointed King, but God is unfazed, even amused. Then, the King, speaking in the voice of the Anointed One (ultimately Christ), declares God's decree to him: that he is God's Son and has been given dominion over all the earth, beginning from the day of his inauguration. This divine declaration is the foundation for the King's authority and a call for the rulers to submit.
The psalm begins by describing the nations rebelling against God and His Anointed King, but God is unfazed, even amused. Then, the King, speaking in the voice of the Anointed One (ultimately Christ), declares God's decree to him: that he is God's Son and has been given dominion over all the earth, beginning from the day of his inauguration. This divine declaration is the foundation for the King's authority and a call for the rulers to submit.
"I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a ro…" — The phrase "this day" isn't pointing to a specific calendar date, but rather to the moment of manifestation. It signifies when this divine declaration of Sonship, though existing eternally, was pub…
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Last reviewed October 2026
