Psalm 2 12

Psalm 2:12 kjv

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.

Psalm 2:12 nkjv

Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Psalm 2:12 niv

Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 2:12 esv

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.

Psalm 2:12 nlt

Submit to God's royal son, or he will become angry,
and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities ?
for his anger flares up in an instant.
But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

Psalm 2 verses

Psalm 2 12 Meaning

Psalm 2:12 is a stern command and an urgent warning for earthly rulers and all people to yield submission and loyalty to the Son, God's Anointed King. It warns that failure to acknowledge His authority will result in swift, devastating divine wrath. Conversely, it pronounces true and lasting blessedness upon all who find refuge and put their trust in Him, highlighting the two distinct paths before humanity.

Psalm 2 12 Context

Psalm 2 is a royal messianic psalm depicting a rebellion of the nations against Yahweh and His anointed king, the Son. It is set in a divine court scene where God ridicules their futile efforts, asserting His absolute sovereignty. The psalm shifts from the raging of the nations to God's decree of establishing His King on Zion, culminating in a declaration of the Son's universal reign. Verse 12 serves as a concluding warning and invitation, urging humanity—especially kings and judges—to humble submission. Historically, it related to the Davidic covenant kings of Israel, but its language elevates it to an ultimate fulfillment in the person of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It underscores that true peace and security are found not in human rebellion but in reverence and trust in God's divinely appointed King.

Psalm 2 12 Word analysis

• Kiss (נשקו - nashaq): While nashaq can mean a literal kiss, in this ancient Near Eastern context, it often denotes an act of homage, submission, allegiance, or sworn loyalty, akin to swearing an oath or embracing a king's feet or scepter. It signifies recognizing and accepting a ruler's authority, making peace, and joining in covenant. Its usage here commands a profound act of allegiance.
• the Son (בר - bar): The use of the Aramaic bar instead of the more common Hebrew ben for "son" is highly significant and has invited much scholarly discussion. While some alternate interpretations exist (e.g., "purity" or "choose instruction"), the overwhelming consensus, especially supported by the psalm's context of divine sonship (Psa 2:7) and New Testament references to Jesus as the Son, firmly establishes it as referring to the divinely begotten Messiah. This choice of word highlights His unique status and perhaps universal (not solely Israelite) identity as King.
• lest he be angry (פן יאנף - pen ye'enaf): "Angry" (אנף - 'anef) describes a divine wrath that is holy, swift, and consuming, not a mere human fit of temper. This phrase highlights the immediate and direct consequence of defiance or continued rebellion against the Son's authority.
• and ye perish (ותאבדו - v'tovdu): "Perish" (אבד - 'avad) signifies utter destruction, ruin, or ceasing to exist in a beneficial state. It implies a loss of favor, life, or wellbeing, leading to devastation.
• from the way (דרך - derekh): "Way" signifies a path, a course of life, or a mode of conduct. To "perish from the way" implies being lost, straying from the right path that leads to life and blessing, and instead falling into destruction and judgment. It contrasts sharply with the blessed "way" of the righteous.
• when his wrath is kindled but a little (כי יבער כמעט אפו - ki yivar kime'at appo): "Kindled" (בער - ba'ar) suggests burning or consumption. "But a little" (כמעט - kime'at) conveys immediacy and swiftness, indicating that even a small spark of divine anger is overwhelmingly potent and destructive. This warns of the absolute power and swift execution of divine judgment, leaving little time for repentance once kindled.
• Blessed (אשרי - ashre): This plural form describes a state of deep, spiritual happiness, fulfillment, and divine favor. It's more than earthly good fortune; it signifies being divinely approved, truly happy, and experiencing spiritual prosperity and contentment that comes from God.
• are all they that put their trust in him (כל חוסי בו - kol chosai vo): "Trust" (חסה - chasah) means to take refuge, flee for protection, seek shelter, or find secure hope. It implies complete reliance, surrender, and confidence in the Son. This phrase offers the antidote to wrath, promising security and salvation to all who choose reliance on the Son over rebellion against Him.

Words-group analysis

• "Kiss the Son": This short, direct command encapsulates the requirement of ultimate submission, honor, and loyalty from all of humanity, especially those in positions of power, toward God's divinely appointed King. It represents an act of reconciliation and devotion.
• "lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way": This pairing presents a stark, two-part warning. Defiance against the Son will inevitably lead to His wrath, resulting in total ruin and deviation from the path of life and righteousness. The consequence is both spiritual and existential.
• "when his wrath is kindled but a little": This phrase highlights the terrifying potency and swiftness of divine judgment. Even a slight activation of the Son's anger is sufficient to bring about utter destruction, emphasizing the Son's immense power and the urgency of the command to submit.
• "Blessed are all they that put their trust in him": This concluding phrase contrasts sharply with the warning of wrath. It offers the alternative: divine favor and true happiness are assured for all who seek refuge, protection, and complete reliance in the Son, making Him their ultimate source of hope and safety.

Psalm 2 12 Bonus section

• The dual message of this verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel: a warning of judgment for disobedience and a promise of salvation for faith. It clearly establishes that there are only two categories of people in relation to the Son—those who submit/trust and those who rebel/perish.
• The transition from wrath to blessing in the verse presents the divine contrast of consequences and mercy, inviting all to choose wisely.
• The Psalm, and particularly this verse, strongly foreshadows Christ's ultimate authority, universal kingship, and role as judge, alongside His role as the source of salvation for believers.
• The fear invoked by "lest he be angry" is not mere dread, but reverential fear (the beginning of wisdom) that leads to honoring God and seeking refuge in Him, similar to the concept of "the fear of the Lord" found throughout wisdom literature.

Psalm 2 12 Commentary

Psalm 2:12 serves as the culminating admonition of a powerfully authoritative Psalm, presenting a clear choice to all humanity, particularly to the world's rulers. The command to "Kiss the Son" is a profound summons to acknowledge, honor, and pledge loyal allegiance to God's Messiah. This "kiss" is not a casual gesture but a vital act of submission, reverence, and reconciliation, especially in the context of previous verses depicting nations' rebellion against Him.

The ensuing warning, "lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little," highlights the immense power and absolute justice of the Son. His wrath is not a volatile human emotion but a holy, inevitable consequence for those who defy God's sovereign plan. The emphasis on wrath being "kindled but a little" underscores its overwhelming, swift, and devastating nature, signifying that even a partial display of His anger is enough to bring utter ruin. To "perish from the way" signifies falling from the path of truth, life, and divine favor, into eternal destruction.

In stark contrast to this severe warning, the verse concludes with a gracious promise: "Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." This offers the sole path to true security and well-being. "Blessed" indicates a state of divine favor and profound inner contentment. "Trust" implies taking refuge, total reliance, and absolute confidence in the Son for safety and salvation. It calls for personal faith and dependence on the Anointed King. This verse ultimately portrays two distinct destinies: destruction for those who reject the Son, and blessedness for those who wholeheartedly embrace and rely on Him. It is an urgent call for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, the Divine Son and reigning King.