Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The most striking thing here is the phrase "Kiss the Son," which sounds like a tender embrace, but the ancient context suggests a more profound act of loyal submission. It wasn't just a casual greeting, but a sign of acknowledging the authority and sovereignty of a ruler, often done with deep reverence.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the nations and kings have raged and plotted against the Lord and his Anointed King, the psalmist issues a direct, urgent plea to them. He urges these rulers to show reverence and submit to this divine King, warning that their rebellion will lead to swift destruction if they don't find refuge in him.
This ancient psalm issues a stark command: 'Kiss the Son.' What does this intimate gesture signify in the context of kings and divine wrath?
The command 'Kiss the Son' isn't just a casual greeting. In the ancient world, a kiss was a profound sign of submission, allegiance, and reconciliation.
The psalm warns of swift and terrible anger, yet closes with an assurance of blessedness. How can these two seemingly opposite realities coexist?
Psalm 2 paints a vivid contrast between the fate of rebels and the security of those who trust in God's Son.
The Unavoidable Wrath
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The Blessed Refuge
Understand the original words
neshaq · Aramaic Verb
A symbolic act of submission, fealty, and adoration to a king or a superior, signifying an acknowledgment of their authority and an allegiance to their reign.
bar · Aramaic Noun
In this context, it refers to the royal heir of David’s line, uniquely identified in Scripture as the Messiah, who possesses divine authority and to whom nations must submit.
aph · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting intense, righteous indignation or settled displeasure, particularly that of God against rebellion and sin, which results in divine judgment.
esher · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The state of being truly happy, satisfied, and spiritually secure, as defined by God’s favor and approval rather than temporary, external circumstances.
chasah · Hebrew Verb
To seek protection, safety, and security in God; it conveys the imagery of fleeing to a fortress for defense against danger or judgment.
This passage also uses the term 'bar' which is translated as 'son,' highlighting a connection to royalty and valuable counsel, reinforcing the idea of honoring a significant figure.
1 Samuel 10:1This verse describes the act of 'kissing' as a sign of homage and submission to a king, directly paralleling the action demanded in Psalm 2:12 towards the Son.
Hebrews 10:29This New Testament passage warns of severe judgment for those who disrespect or trample on the Son of God, echoing the warning of perishing from wrath mentioned in Psalm 2:12.
Luke 7:38This account of the woman anointing Jesus' feet and kissing them illustrates a profound act of love and adoration towards Jesus, reflecting the spirit of homage called for in Psalm 2:12.
Psalm 34:8This verse explicitly states 'O taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him,' directly echoing the concluding blessing for those who trust in the Lord found in Psalm 2:12.
clarkePsalms 2:12: "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry - It is remarkable that the word son (בר bar, a Chaldee word) is not found in any of the versions except the Syriac, nor indeed any thing equivalent to it. The Chaldee, Vulgate, Septuagint, Arabic, and Ethiopic, have a term which signifies doctrine or discipline: "Embrace discipline, lest the Lord be…
wesleyPsalms 2:12: "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."
2:12 Kiss - In token of your subjection and adoration; whereof this was a sign among the eastern nations. The son - The son of God. Ye perish - Be taken out of the way by death or destruction. Wrath - The least degree of his anger is terrible.
The most striking thing here is the phrase "Kiss the Son," which sounds like a tender embrace, but the ancient context suggests a more profound act of loyal submission. It wasn't just a casual greeting, but a sign of acknowledging the authority and sovereignty of a ruler, often done with deep reverence.
After the nations and kings have raged and plotted against the Lord and his Anointed King, the psalmist issues a direct, urgent plea to them. He urges these rulers to show reverence and submit to this divine King, warning that their rebellion will lead to swift destruction if they don't find refuge in him.
After the nations and kings have raged and plotted against the Lord and his Anointed King, the psalmist issues a direct, urgent plea to them. He urges these rulers to show reverence and submit to this divine King, warning that their rebellion will lead to swift destruction if they don't find refuge in him.
"Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him." — The most striking thing here is the phrase "Kiss the Son," which sounds like a tender embrace, but the ancient context suggests a more profound act of loyal submission. It wasn't just a casual greeti…
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Last reviewed October 2026