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Psalms 2:8

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 2:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Ask of me, and I will give [thee] the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Ask of me, and I will give [thee] the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Psalms 2:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:
6Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.
7I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee.
8Ask of me, and I will give [thee] the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter`s vessel.
10Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
← Psalms 2:7Psalms 2:9 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Ask of me, etc.] Jehovah is either here again introduced speaking, or these words are a continuation of the Son’s account of what his Father said unto him; which do not suppose any superiority in the one, or inferiority in the other; but are only expressive of the Father’s great respect and affection for his Son, as such a way of speaking among men shows, (<170503>Esther 5:3 <401407>Matthew 14:7); and of the great interest the Son had in his Father, who could ask nothing but he had it; and shows the perfect harmony, agreement, and unity between them: (see <110305>1 Kings 3:5); Christ, in the council and covenant of grace and peace, asked many things of his Father, which were granted; he…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The hopes of the rebels are thus overthrown, and not only so; the kingdom they opposed is destined to be coextensive with the earth. heathen--or, "nations" (Psa 2:1). and the uttermost parts of the earth-- (Psa 22:27); denotes universality.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Ask of me - That is, of God. This is a part of the “decree” or purpose, as mentioned in Psalms 2:7. That decree embraced not only the design to constitute him as his Son, in the sense that he was to be king in Zion, but also the purpose to give him a dominion embracing “the heathen” and “the uttermost parts of the earth.” This wide dominion was to be given him on condition that he would “ask” for it, thus keeping up the idea that Yahweh, as such, is the great source of authority and empire, and that the Messiah, as such occupies a rank subordinate to him. This relation of the Father and Son is everywhere recognized in the New Testament. As we may be sure that the Messiah will ask for this,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Earth - Not only the Jewish nation, but the whole world. Psalms 2:9”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:8 In an example of the suzerain-vassal relationship between the Lord and Israel’s king (see Deuteronomy Book Introduction, “Literary Form”), the Lord invites the king to ask for favors (see Ps 21:2, 4). • All nations will be subject to David’s descendant, the Messiah.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Ask: Joh 17:4, Joh 17:5 and I: Psa 22:27, Psa 72:8; Dan 7:13 Psalms 2:9”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification