Psalm 2:2 identifies the object of the rulers' rebellion as the LORD's "Anointed." The Hebrew word is mashiach, meaning anointed one, from which the title Messiah is derived. In Israel, kings were anointed as signs of divine appointment, but Psalm 2 develops the image into that of God's supreme royal representative whose authority ultimately extends over the nations.

The New Testament identifies Jesus with this title. In John 1:41 Andrew tells Simon that he has found the Messiah, which John explains as "the Christ," the Greek equivalent of "Anointed One." Acts 2:36 then proclaims that God has made the crucified and risen Jesus both Lord and Christ. Psalm 2 therefore contributes directly to the biblical meaning of Jesus' title: He is not merely an anointed king among Israel's rulers, but the Messiah in whom God's royal purpose reaches its climax.