Old Testament
Psalms 2:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Psalms 2:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the Son, who is understood to be a reference to the Messiah or Jesus Christ. The phrase 'kiss the Son' suggests an act of submission and reverence, indicating that one should acknowledge His authority and divinity. The warning that follows highlights the consequences of ignoring Him; if one does not show respect, they risk facing His anger and judgment. The mention of His wrath being kindled 'but a little' implies that even a small amount of anger from the Son can lead to dire consequences. However, the verse concludes with a note of hope, stating that those who trust in Him are blessed. This dual message of warning and blessing serves to encourage believers to place their faith in Christ while also recognizing the seriousness of rejecting Him.
How to apply Psalms 2:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to honor and respect Jesus in our daily lives. By acknowledging His authority and placing our trust in Him, we can experience His blessings. It serves as a reminder to avoid complacency in our faith and to actively seek a relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 2:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 2:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 2:12 mean?
Psalms 2:12 emphasizes the importance of honoring the Son, understood as the Messiah. It warns that failing to do so can lead to His anger and judgment, while those who trust in Him are blessed.
What is the meaning of 'kiss the Son' in Psalms 2:12?
'Kiss the Son' signifies an act of submission and reverence, indicating that one should acknowledge the authority and divinity of the Son, which is a call to respect and honor Him.
What does 'when his wrath is kindled but a little' mean?
The phrase suggests that even a small amount of anger from the Son can lead to serious consequences. It highlights the seriousness of disregarding His authority.
How can I apply Psalms 2:12 in my life?
You can apply this verse by actively honoring Jesus in your daily actions and decisions. By recognizing His authority and placing your trust in Him, you can experience the blessings mentioned in the verse.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.