Psalm 2:12
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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!

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
Kiss the Son, that He not be angry and you perish on the way, For His wrath may be kindled quickly. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

NASB 1995
Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

NASB 1977
Do homage to the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

Legacy Standard Bible
Kiss the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

Amplified Bible
Kiss (pay respect to) the Son, so that He does not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled and set aflame. How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] are all those who take refuge in Him!

Christian Standard Bible
Pay homage to the Son or he will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion, for his anger may ignite at any moment. All who take refuge in him are happy.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pay homage to the Son or He will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion, for His anger may ignite at any moment. All those who take refuge in Him are happy.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Show respect to his son because if you don't, the LORD might become furious and suddenly destroy you. But he blesses and protects everyone who runs to him.

English Revised Version
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 put their trust in him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Kiss the Son, or he will become angry and you will die on your way because his anger will burst into flames. Blessed is everyone who takes refuge in him.

Good News Translation
and bow down to him; or else his anger will be quickly aroused, and you will suddenly die. Happy are all who go to him for protection.

International Standard Version
Kiss the son before he becomes angry, and you die where you stand. Indeed, his wrath can flare up quickly. How blessed are those who take refuge in him.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Give sincere homage! Otherwise he will be angry, and you will die because of your behavior, when his anger quickly ignites. How blessed are all who take shelter in him!

New Heart English Bible
Do homage in purity, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, when his anger is suddenly kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Kiss the Chosen One [[or Son]], lest He is angry, "" And you perish [from] the way, "" When His anger burns but a little, "" O the blessedness of all trusting in Him!

Young's Literal Translation
Kiss the Chosen One, lest He be angry, And ye lose the way, When His anger burneth but a little, O the happiness of all trusting in Him!

Smith's Literal Translation
Kiss the chosen lest he shall be angry, and ye perish in the way when his anger shall kindle as a little. Happy all they putting their trust in him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the just way. When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, blessed are all they that trust in him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord might become angry, and you would perish from the way of the just. Though his wrath can flare up in a short time, blessed are all those who trust in him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish from his way while his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Kiss The Son, lest LORD JEHOVAH be angry, and you be destroyed from his way because his wrath burns even a little; blessed are all who trust upon him.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Do homage in purity, lest He be angry, and ye perish in the way, When suddenly His wrath is kindled. Happy are all they that take refuge in Him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Accept correction, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and ye should perish from the righteous way: whensoever his wrath shall be suddenly kindled, blessed are all they that trust in him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Triumphant Messiah
11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12Kiss 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.

Cross References
Philippians 2:10-11
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.”

Revelation 6:16-17
And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. / For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”

Hebrews 1:6
And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Acts 4:12
Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Romans 10:9
that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

1 John 5:12
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

John 5:23
so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

Luke 19:27
And these enemies of mine who were unwilling for me to rule over them, bring them here and slay them in front of me.’”

Isaiah 45:23
By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.

Proverbs 30:4
Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son—surely you know!

Daniel 7:13-14
In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Psalm 110:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”


Treasury of Scripture

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Kiss

Genesis 41:40,43,44
Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou…

1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?

1 Kings 19:18
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

Son

Psalm 2:7
I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

ye perish

Psalm 1:6
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

when

Psalm 2:5
Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

2 Thessalonians 1:8,9
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: …

Revelation 6:16,17
And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: …

Blessed

Psalm 40:4
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Psalm 84:12
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalm 146:3-5
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help…

Jump to Previous
Absalom Anger Angry Blessed Burn Burneth Causing Chosen David Destroyed Destruction Fear Flare Fled Happiness Happy Homage Kindled Kiss Little Moment Moved Perish Psalm Purity Quickly Refuge Sincere Soon Suddenly Trust Trusting Way Wrath
Jump to Next
Absalom Anger Angry Blessed Burn Burneth Causing Chosen David Destroyed Destruction Fear Flare Fled Happiness Happy Homage Kindled Kiss Little Moment Moved Perish Psalm Purity Quickly Refuge Sincere Soon Suddenly Trust Trusting Way Wrath
Psalm 2
1. The kingdom of Christ
10. Kings are exhorted to accept it














Kiss the Son
This phrase is a call to show homage and submission to the Son, who is understood in Christian theology as Jesus Christ. The Hebrew word for "kiss" (נשק, nashaq) can imply an act of allegiance or reverence. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kissing was a common gesture of respect and submission to a king or deity. The term "Son" here is significant in the context of the entire Psalm, which speaks of God's anointed king. In the New Testament, this is seen as a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus, the Son of God. The act of kissing the Son symbolizes acceptance of His authority and a personal relationship with Him.

lest He be angry
This phrase warns of the consequences of rejecting or rebelling against the Son. The Hebrew word for "angry" (אנף, anaph) conveys a sense of intense displeasure or wrath. In the biblical context, God's anger is often depicted as a response to sin and rebellion. This serves as a reminder of the seriousness of rejecting God's appointed ruler and the importance of aligning oneself with His will. The warning is not just about fear of punishment but also about missing out on the blessings of being in right relationship with God.

and you perish in your rebellion
The word "perish" (אבד, abad) in Hebrew means to be destroyed or to come to ruin. This phrase highlights the ultimate consequence of continuing in rebellion against God. The term "rebellion" (דרך, derek) can also be translated as "way" or "path," indicating a lifestyle or course of action that is contrary to God's will. Historically, the Israelites understood rebellion against God as leading to national and personal disaster. In a broader Christian context, this speaks to the spiritual peril of living apart from God's guidance and grace.

when His wrath ignites in an instant
The imagery of wrath igniting suddenly underscores the urgency and unpredictability of divine judgment. The Hebrew word for "wrath" (אף, aph) is often associated with God's righteous anger against sin. The phrase "in an instant" (מעט, me'at) suggests that God's judgment can come swiftly and unexpectedly. This serves as a sobering reminder of the need for immediate repentance and submission to God's authority, as the opportunity for grace and mercy is not indefinite.

Blessed are all who take refuge in Him
The word "Blessed" (אשרי, ashrei) conveys a sense of happiness, contentment, and divine favor. In the Psalms, it often describes the state of those who live in accordance with God's will. "Take refuge" (חסה, chasah) implies seeking protection and safety, much like a person finding shelter from a storm. In the context of this Psalm, it means placing one's trust and hope in the Son, Jesus Christ. The promise of blessing for those who take refuge in Him is a powerful assurance of God's provision and care for those who align themselves with His purposes. This final phrase encapsulates the central message of the Psalm: true security and happiness are found in submission to God's anointed King.

(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 ben for "son" in Psalm 2:7, and it is unlikely that he would change to so unusual a term, unless nashshek--bar were a 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. (See Note Psalm 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
Kiss
נַשְּׁקוּ־ (naš·šə·qū-)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5401: To kiss, to equip with weapons

the Son,
בַ֡ר (ḇar)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1248: The heir

lest
פֶּן־ (pen-)
Conjunction
Strong's 6435: Removal, lest

He be angry
יֶאֱנַ֤ף ׀ (ye·’ĕ·nap̄)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 599: To breathe hard, be enraged

and you perish
וְתֹ֬אבְדוּ (wə·ṯō·ḇə·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6: To wander away, lose oneself, to perish

in your rebellion,
דֶ֗רֶךְ (ḏe·reḵ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

when
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

His wrath
אַפּ֑וֹ (’ap·pōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

ignites
יִבְעַ֣ר (yiḇ·‘ar)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1197: To kindle, consume, to be, brutish

in an instant.
כִּמְעַ֣ט (kim·‘aṭ)
Preposition-k | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few

Blessed
אַ֝שְׁרֵ֗י (’aš·rê)
Interjection
Strong's 835: Happiness, interjection, how happy!

[are] all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who take refuge
ח֥וֹסֵי (ḥō·w·sê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2620: To flee for, protection, to confide in

in 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.)
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