Psalms 2:11
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Original Language Analysis
עִבְד֣וּ
Serve
H5647
עִבְד֣וּ
Serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
1 of 6
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּיִרְאָ֑ה
with fear
H3374
בְּיִרְאָ֑ה
with fear
Strong's:
H3374
Word #:
4 of 6
fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence
Cross References
Philippians 2:12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Psalms 89:7God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.Psalms 97:1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.Psalms 99:1The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
Historical Context
Psalm 2 is a royal coronation psalm, likely used when Davidic kings were installed. The ancient Near East saw frequent rebellions when kingdoms changed hands—vassal nations testing new rulers. Against earthly power struggles, the psalm asserts Yahweh's sovereignty and His anointed king's authority. By the Second Temple period, Jews understood Psalm 2 messianically (referenced in Acts 4:25-26, Hebrews 1:5, 5:5, Revelation 2:27). The early church saw Christ as the ultimate Anointed One whom nations either serve with fear or face in judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate both joyful celebration and reverent fear in your worship of God?
- What does "serving the LORD with fear" look like practically in daily life decisions and priorities?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse captures the paradox of proper worship: fear and joy coexisting. "Serve" (עִבְדוּ/'ivdu) means worship through service, submission, and obedience—not casual friendship but recognition of God's holiness and sovereignty. "Fear" (יִרְאָה/yir'ah) denotes reverential awe, not terror, but profound respect for God's majesty and justice. Yet simultaneously "rejoice" (גִּילוּ/gilu)—exult, be glad—with "trembling" (רְעָדָה/re'adah), quaking or trembling. The paradox reflects biblical worship: we approach the consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29) with confidence through Christ's blood (Hebrews 10:19), simultaneously awed by holiness and welcomed by grace. This follows the psalm's warning to rebellious nations and kings—submit joyfully before it's too late.