Original Word: רָגַשׁ
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ragash
Pronunciation: rah-gash
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-gash')
KJV: rage
NASB: uproar
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to be tumultuous

rage

A primitive root; to be tumultuous -- rage.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to be in tumult or commotion
NASB Translation
uproar (1).

[רָגַשׁ] verb be in tumult or commotion (Arabic make a vehement noise; Biblical Aramaic Aramaic רְגַשׁ, be disturbed, in tumult (ᵑ7 Ithpe`el often for הָמָה, as Psalm 46:6, שָׁאָה Isaiah 17:12f.; for חָמוֺן ibid.); but Syriac usually perceive, so Late Hebrew Hiph`il, but Hithpa`el fall stormily upon); —

Qal Perfect3plural Psalm 2:1 רָֽגְשׁוּ why do the nations throng tumultuously ?

Biblical Occurrence

רָגַשׁ appears once, in Psalm 2:1, “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” (Berean Standard Bible). The psalmist pictures a noisy, agitated uprising of the Gentile world against the rule of the LORD and His Anointed.

Literary Setting in Psalm 2

Psalm 2 forms a royal-messianic pairing with Psalm 1, opening the Psalter with a portrayal of rebellious humanity contrasted with the blessed rule of the Son. The verb situates the reader in an international arena: kings assemble, councils conspire, and yet their uproar is futile before divine sovereignty (Psalm 2:2-4).

Historical Background

In its immediate context, the language reflects real threats to the Davidic monarchy (2 Samuel 5:17; 2 Samuel 10:6-19). Vassal states habitually sought opportunities to throw off Israel’s yoke, a pattern captured by the term’s connotation of restless commotion. The psalm’s placement after the exile signals to later generations that opposition to God’s king is a recurring feature of world history, not a mere episode.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Sovereignty: The nations may rage, yet their raging is “in vain.” Human rebellion does not nullify God’s decrees (Isaiah 14:27; Daniel 4:35).
2. Messianic Certainty: The LORD responds by installing His King on Zion and promising Him ultimate dominion (Psalm 2:6-9). The uproar therefore highlights, by contrast, the certainty of the Messiah’s reign.
3. Moral Accountability: The tumult is not morally neutral; it is culpable hostility requiring repentance: “Serve the LORD with fear…Kiss the Son” (Psalm 2:11-12).

Intertextual Echoes in the New Testament

Acts 4:25-26 cites Psalm 2:1-2, attributing the words to the Holy Spirit. The early church interprets Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel as the raging nations gathered against Jesus Christ. The prayer acknowledges God’s foreordination of the cross while seeking boldness to preach (Acts 4:27-29). Thus the single Hebrew verb becomes a lens through which the apostolic community understands persecution.

Eschatological Perspective

Revelation 11:18 and Revelation 19:19 depict end-time assemblies of the nations in defiance of Christ, echoing the psalmic imagery. The raging that began at Calvary will climax in the final conflict, only to be silenced by the appearing of the King of kings.

Implications for Ministry and Discipleship

• Expect Opposition: Gospel workers should not be surprised when cultures, ideologies, or governments agitate against Christ (2 Timothy 3:12).
• Pray Psalmically: Like the apostles, believers may pray Psalm 2 during seasons of hostility, grounding petitions in God’s sovereign plan.
• Proclaim the Son’s Reign: The antidote to international tumult is the universal call to “Kiss the Son.” Evangelism heralds the already-but-not-yet rule of Jesus.
• Cultivate Confidence: Knowing the nations’ rage is “in vain” fosters courage and steadiness amid cultural upheaval (Philippians 1:28).

Pastoral Application

When congregations face societal pressure, Psalm 2:1 invites honest acknowledgment of opposition yet anchors faith in the immovable throne of God. Preachers can employ the passage to reassure believers that history’s noise cannot drown out the decree, “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father” (Psalm 2:7).

Summary

רָגַשׁ encapsulates the restless rebellion of humanity against divine rule. From David’s court to the early church and onward to the consummation, Scripture portrays this raging as transient and futile, overruled by the sovereign, saving reign of the Messiah.

רָגְשׁ֣וּ רגשו rā·ḡə·šū rageShu rāḡəšūInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts