Kiss the SonThis phrase signifies an act of homage and submission. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kissing was a gesture of respect and allegiance to a sovereign. The "Son" here is understood as a reference to the Messiah, a royal figure with divine authority. This aligns with the New Testament portrayal of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, deserving of worship and allegiance (
Matthew 3:17,
Hebrews 1:5).
Lest He be angry
The warning of divine anger reflects the biblical theme of God's righteous judgment against sin and rebellion. God's anger is not capricious but is a response to human defiance against His sovereign rule. This echoes the Old Testament understanding of God as a just judge (Deuteronomy 32:35,Nahum 1:2).
And you perish in your rebellion
Rebellion against God leads to destruction, a consistent biblical theme. The Hebrew word for "perish" often implies a complete and irreversible ruin. This serves as a warning of the consequences of rejecting God's authority, paralleling the fate of those who oppose God's anointed in other scriptures (Proverbs 29:1,Romans 1:18-32).
When His wrath ignites in an instant
The suddenness of God's wrath emphasizes the urgency of repentance and submission. This reflects the biblical teaching that God's judgment can come unexpectedly, urging readiness and vigilance (Matthew 24:42-44,1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).
Blessed are all who take refuge in Him
The promise of blessing for those who seek refuge in God highlights His role as a protector and savior. This is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where God is depicted as a fortress and shield for those who trust in Him (Psalm 46:1,Psalm 91:2). It also foreshadows the New Testament message of salvation through faith in Christ (John 3:16,Romans 8:1).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The SonRefers to the anointed King, understood in Christian theology as Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The term "Son" in this context emphasizes His divine authority and kingship.
2.
The NationsThe psalm addresses the nations and their rulers who are in rebellion against God's anointed. It highlights the futility of opposing God's sovereign plan.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, who has established His King on Zion, His holy hill. He is the ultimate authority and judge over all the earth.
4.
ZionA term often used to refer to Jerusalem, the city of God, and symbolically representing God's kingdom and His rule.
5.
RebellionThe opposition and defiance of the nations against God's anointed King, which ultimately leads to their downfall unless they submit to His authority.
Teaching Points
Submission to Christ's AuthorityRecognize the importance of submitting to Jesus as Lord and King. This submission is not just a one-time act but a daily posture of reverence and obedience.
The Urgency of ReconciliationThe warning of perishing in rebellion highlights the urgency of reconciling with God through Christ. It is a call to repentance and faith.
The Blessing of RefugeTaking refuge in Christ brings blessing and security. In a world of uncertainty, believers find peace and protection under His sovereign care.
The Consequences of RebellionThe psalm warns of the consequences of rejecting Christ. It serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of divine judgment.
The Joy of ObedienceObedience to Christ is not burdensome but brings joy and fulfillment. It aligns us with God's purpose and brings His favor.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 2:12?
2.How does Psalm 2:12 emphasize the importance of taking refuge in Christ?
3.What does "kiss the Son" in Psalm 2:12 signify about submission?
4.How does Psalm 2:12 connect to John 3:36 about God's wrath?
5.In what ways can we "take refuge" in Jesus daily?
6.How does Psalm 2:12 encourage us to trust in God's protection?
7.What does "Kiss the Son" mean in Psalm 2:12?
8.How does Psalm 2:12 relate to the concept of divine kingship?
9.Why is the warning in Psalm 2:12 significant for believers?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 2?
11.What does "kiss the Son" mean in Psalm 2:12?
12.What is the nature of true happiness and fortune?
13.Hebrews 3:11 alludes to God's wrath preventing entry into rest; how does this align with a loving God in contrast to other biblical passages emphasizing divine mercy?
14.Psalm 6:1 - How can a God of perfect love express anger or rebuke His faithful servant?What Does Psalm 2:12 Mean
Kiss the Son“Psalm 2:12 opens with, ‘Kiss the Son.’ This is the ancient gesture of homage—laying down pride and submitting to the rightful King.
• In1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel kissed Saul to acknowledge God’s chosen ruler; the psalm invites us to do the same with the Messiah.
• Jesus is the divine Son to whom all honor is due (John 5:23: “Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him”).
• One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Bowing willingly now is the path of life.
lest He be angryRefusing the Son’s authority provokes His holy anger.
• Earlier in the psalm, the LORD “rebukes them in His anger” (Psalm 2:5).
•John 3:36 warns, “Whoever rejects the Son will not see life, but God’s wrath remains on him.”
•Hebrews 10:29-31 underscores the severity of “insulting the Spirit of grace” by trampling the Son underfoot.
and you perish in your rebellionRejecting Christ is not a minor misstep—it leads to ruin.
•Proverbs 29:1 cautions that the stiff-necked will be “broken beyond remedy.”
• Jesus describes the broad road that “leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13).
•2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 speaks of “the penalty of eternal destruction” for those who do not obey the gospel.
Rebellion is personal; salvation demands surrender.
when His wrath ignites in an instantThe judgment can fall suddenly.
•Psalm 21:9 pictures the King making His enemies “a fiery furnace.”
•Isaiah 30:13 depicts ruin that comes “suddenly, in an instant.”
• “While people are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ destruction will come upon them suddenly” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
The warning presses urgency: respond before the door of mercy closes.
Blessed are all who take refuge in HimThe psalm ends on a note of grace: refuge is available in the very One who judges.
• “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8).
•Nahum 1:7 calls the LORD “a refuge in times of trouble.”
• Jesus invites, “Whoever comes to Me I will never drive away” (John 6:37).
Those who hide in Christ find:
– Forgiveness (Romans 8:1).
– Security (John 10:28).
– Hope that anchors the soul (Hebrews 6:18-19).
summaryPsalm 2:12 presents two paths. Honor the Son now—bow, believe, and find the blessing of refuge—or resist Him and face sudden, righteous wrath. The gospel invitation is clear: embrace the King today and live in His shelter forever.
(12)
Kiss the Son.--This familiar translation must be surrendered. It has against it the weight of all the ancient versions except the Syriac. Thus the Chaldaic has, "receive instruction "; LXX., followed by Vulg., "lay hold of discipline." Symmachus and Jerome render "pay pure adoration."Aquila has "kiss with discernment."
Bar,in the sense of "son," is common in Chaldee, and is familiar to us from the Aramaic patronymics of the New Testament:
e.g., Bar-Jonas, Bar-nabas,&c. The only place where it occurs in Heb., is
Proverbs 31:2, where it is repeated three times; but the Book of Proverbs has a great deal of Aramaic colouring. Our psalmist uses
benfor "son" in
Psalm 2:7, and it is unlikely that he would change to so unusual a term, unless
nashshek--bar werea proverbial saying, and of this there is no proof Surely, too, the article or a suffix would have been employed. "Kiss son" seems altogether too abrupt and bald even for Hebrew poetry. The change of subject also in the co-ordinate clause, "lest he (
i.e., Jehovah,as the context shows) be angry," is very awkward. As to the translation of the verb, the remark of Delitzsch, that it means "to kiss, and nothing else," is wide of the mark, since it must in any case be taken
figuratively,with sense of
doing homage,as in
Genesis 41:40 (margin), or
worshipping(
1Kings 19:18;
Hosea 13:2). The most consistent rendering is, therefore,
proffer pure homage(to Jehovah),
lest he be angry.It may be added that the current of Rabbinical authority is against our Authorised version. Thus R. Solomon: "Arm yourselves with discipline;" (so, with a slight variation, one of the latest commentators, E. Reuss: "Arm yourselves with loyalty";) another Rabbi: "Kiss the covenant"; another, "Adore the corn." Among the best of modern scholars, Hupfeld renders "yield sincerely"; Ewald, "receive wholesome warning"; Hitzig, "submit to duty"; Gratz (by emendation), "give good heed to the warning."
From the way.--The LXX. and Vulg. amplify and explain "from the righteous way." It is the way in following which, whether for individuals or nations, alone there is peace and happiness. (SeeNotePsalm 119:1.) . . .
Verse 12. -
Kiss the Son. It is certainly remarkable that we have here a different word for "Son" from that employed in ver. 7, and ordinarily in the Hebrew Bible. Still, there is other evidence that the word here used,
bar, existed in the Hebrew no less than in the Aramaic, viz.
Proverbs 31:2, where it is repeated thrice. It was probably an archaic and poetic word, like our "sire" for "father," rarely used, but, when used, intended to mark some special dignity. Hengstenberg suggests that the writer's motive in prefering
bar to ben in this place was to avoid the cacophony which would have arisen from the juxtaposition of
ben and pen (
פן); and this is quite possible, but as a secondary rather than as the main reason. By "
kiss the Son" we must understand "pay him homage," salute him as King in the customary way (see
1 Samuel 10:1).
Lest he be angry. The omission of a customary token of respect is an insult which naturally augers the object of it (
Esther 3:5).
And ye perish from the way; or,
as to the way." To anger the Son is to bring destruction on our "way," or course in life.
When his wrath is kindled but a little; rather, for soon
his wrath may be kindled (see the Revised Version).
Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. The writer ends with words of blessing, to relieve the general severity of the psalm (comp.
Psalm 3:8;
Psalm 5:12;
Psalm 28:9;
Psalm 41:13, etc.). (On the blessedness of trusting in God, see
Psalm 34:8;
Psalm 40:4;
Psalm 84:12, etc.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Kissנַשְּׁקוּ־(naš·šə·qū-)Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5401:To kiss, to equip with weaponsthe Son,בַ֡ר(ḇar)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1248:The heirlestפֶּן־(pen-)Conjunction
Strong's 6435:Removal, lestHe be angryיֶאֱנַ֤ף ׀(ye·’ĕ·nap̄)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 599:To breathe hard, be enragedand you perishוְתֹ֬אבְדוּ(wə·ṯō·ḇə·ḏū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6:To wander away, lose oneself, to perishin your rebellion,דֶ֗רֶךְ(ḏe·reḵ)Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionwhenכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionHis wrathאַפּ֑וֹ(’ap·pōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 639:The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ireignitesיִבְעַ֣ר(yiḇ·‘ar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1197:To kindle, consume, to be, brutishin an instant.כִּמְעַ֣ט(kim·‘aṭ)Preposition-k | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4592:A little, fewness, a fewBlessedאַ֝שְׁרֵ֗י(’aš·rê)Interjection
Strong's 835:Happiness, interjection, how happy![are] allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everywho take refugeח֥וֹסֵי(ḥō·w·sê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2620:To flee for, protection, to confide inin Him.בֽוֹ׃(ḇōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew
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OT Poetry: Psalm 2:12 Give sincere homage lest he be angry (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
