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.

PSALMS 2:12KJV
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Psalms 2:12 (KJV)

What does Psalms 2:12 mean?

Psalms 2:12 urges people to show respect and allegiance to the Son, warning that ignoring him could lead to anger and destruction, but those who trust in him are called blessed. The verse highlights both a warning and a promise: there is danger in rejecting the Son, but safety and happiness for those who take refuge in him.

In the context of Psalm 2, these words are spoken as advice to kings and rulers who are resisting God’s chosen one. The psalm presents a scene where earthly powers are urged to humble themselves before God’s authority. The verse uses vivid language to stress the seriousness of the choice: honoring the Son brings blessing, while defiance leads to consequences.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 2:12

  • "Kiss" (נָשַׁק, nashaq): This word often means to kiss, but in ancient settings, it could also mean to show homage or submission, such as kissing the hand or feet of a ruler. Here, it signals an act of respect or allegiance.
  • "Son" (בַּר, bar): This is an Aramaic word for "son," rather than the usual Hebrew בֵּן (ben). Its use here is unusual and may emphasize a royal or special status for the one called "Son."
  • "Blessed" (אַשְׁרֵי, ashrei): This word means happy, fortunate, or favored. It marks those who trust in the Son as truly well-off in God’s eyes.
  • "Trust" (חָסָה, chasah): This word means to seek refuge or protection, like taking shelter in a safe place. It underlines the idea of relying on the Son for safety.

Why Psalms 2:12 matters

  • Psalms 2:12 clarifies that the call to "kiss the Son" is about showing loyalty and respect, not just a physical gesture, which helps avoid a shallow reading of the text.
  • The use of "bar" for "Son" stands out in the Hebrew Bible and draws attention to the unique role or identity of the Son in this passage.
  • The verse ties together the themes of warning and blessing found throughout Psalm 2, showing that the response to God’s chosen one determines the outcome for individuals and nations.

Where else these words appear

“Son” Hebrew H1248 · used in 2 verses

  • Proverbs 31:2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

“angry” Hebrew H599 · used in 14 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:37 Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.
  • 1 Kings 8:46 If they sin against thee,(for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;
  • Ezra 9:14 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?

“Kiss” Hebrew H5401 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
  • Exodus 4:27 And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.
  • 1 Kings 19:20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

“trust” Hebrew H2620 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
  • Psalms 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
  • Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.