7 The expression kings of the earth refers somewhat hyperbolically to the kings who had been conquered by and were subject to the Davidic king.
8 Or “take their stand.” The Hebrew imperfect verbal form describes their action as underway.
9 Or “conspire together.” The verbal form is a Niphal from יָסַד (yasad). 413–14 יָסַד defines the verb as “establish, found,” but II יסד proposes a homonym meaning “get together, conspire” (an alternate form of סוּד, sud).
10 Heb “and against his anointed one.” The Davidic king is the referent (see vv. 6–7).
11 The words “they say” are supplied in the translation for clarification. The quotation represents the words of the rebellious kings.
12 Heb “their (i.e., the Lord’s and the king’s) shackles.” The kings compare the rule of the Lord and his vice-regent to being imprisoned.
13 Heb “throw off from us.”
14 Heb “sitting.” The Hebrew verb יָשַׁב (yashav) is here used metonymically of “sitting enthroned” (see Pss 9:7; 29:10; 55:19; 102:12; 123:1).
15 As the next line indicates, this refers to derisive laughter. The Hebrew imperfect verbal forms in vv. 4–5 describe the action from the perspective of an eyewitness who is watching the divine response as it unfolds before his eyes.
16 Or “scoffs at”; “derides”; “mocks.”

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers take counsel together,

against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,

“Let us burst their bonds apart

and cast away their cords from us.”

He who sits in the heavens laughs;

the Lord holds them in derision.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

The kings of the earth rise up

and the rulers band together

against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,

“Let us break their chains

and throw off their shackles.”

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;

the Lord scoffs at them.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

The kings of the earth take their stand,

and the rulers conspire together

against the Lord and his Anointed One:

“Let’s tear off their chains

and throw their ropes off of us.”

The one enthroned in heaven laughs;

the Lord ridicules them.

NLTNew Living Translation

The kings of the earth prepare for battle;

the rulers plot together

against the Lord

and against his anointed one.

“Let us break their chains,” they cry,

“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

But the one who rules in heaven laughs.

The Lord scoffs at them.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

The kings of the earth establish themselves,

and the rulers conspire together

against Yahweh and his anointed:

“Let us tear off their bonds,

and cast their cords from us!”

He who sits enthroned in the heavens laughs.

The Lord derides them.

KJV 1900King James Version

The kings of the earth set themselves,

And the rulers take counsel together,

Against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,

Let us break their bands asunder,

And cast away their cords from us.

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh:

The Lord shall have them in derision.

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