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 {H5401} the Son {H1248}, lest he be angry {H599}, and ye perish {H6} from the way {H1870}, when his wrath {H639} is kindled {H1197} but a little {H4592}. Blessed {H835} are all they that put their trust {H2620} in him.
Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and you perish along the way, when suddenly his anger blazes. How blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.
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Psalms 40:4
Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. -
John 5:23
That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. -
Psalms 84:12
O LORD of hosts, blessed [is] the man that trusteth in thee. -
Psalms 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him. -
Isaiah 30:18
¶ And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him. -
Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. -
2 Thessalonians 1:8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Psalm 2:12 concludes a powerful psalm that describes the rebellion of earthly rulers against God and His Anointed King, the Messiah. This verse serves as a climactic warning and invitation to these rulers, and by extension, to all people.
Context
Psalm 2 is often understood as a messianic psalm, portraying God's eternal plan to install His Son as King over all the earth, despite the futile resistance of human authorities (Psalm 2:1-3). The psalm moves from the nations' rage to God's sovereign decree (Psalm 2:4-6), the Son's declaration of His inheritance (Psalm 2:7-9), and finally, a call to wisdom and submission in light of this truth.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Kiss the Son" uses the Hebrew word nashaq (נָשַׁק), which means to kiss, but also to embrace, equip (as with weapons), or pay homage. In this context, it signifies an act of loyalty, submission, and reverence towards the Son. The word translated "Son" is bar (בַּר), which is Aramaic, rather than the typical Hebrew word ben. This unique usage emphasizes the distinct and perhaps divine nature of the Son being referred to. "Wrath" comes from aph (אַף), which literally means "nostril" and often signifies intense anger, particularly God's righteous indignation against sin and rebellion.
Reflection and Application
Psalm 2:12 presents a stark contrast and a crucial choice. It warns that God's wrath, even when kindled "but a little," is deadly to those who oppose His Son. This resonates with New Testament warnings about the consequences of rejecting Christ (see John 3:36). The call to "Kiss the Son" is a timeless invitation to repent, turn from rebellion, and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and King. The promise is clear and comforting: those who put their trust in Him are declared blessed. This trust involves relying on His finished work for salvation and submitting to His loving rule in our lives. It is a call to seek refuge in Him before the storm of judgment breaks.