What does it mean to “kiss the Son”?

Oft times, verses in the Bible bewilder me. The phrase “kiss the son lest he be angry” has always been one of them.

Thankfully, my pastor cleared up the confusion in a recent sermon on Psalm 2.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way…

Psalm 2:12a KJV

The fact the “Son” is capitalized has always been the biggest source of my head scratching. The only kiss Jesus received in scripture was from Judas Iscariot during his betrayal. And I would think a betrayer’s kiss would make him angry.

Because kiss means kiss.

Except when it would be easier for Western readers to understand if it were translated as “receive.” The word refers to the greeting in a happy reception. Like the hugs exchanged when family gets together at the holidays.

Receive the Son as your Savior or else you will perish eternally.

Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Psalm 2:12c KJV

Kissing the son has nothing to do with lips on skin and everything to do with lips in earnest prayer.

Is Jesus angry when we don’t receive him?

In this case, the picture should be about hurt rather than anger. Imagine trying to hug your best friend and they turn away and act like they didn’t see your open arms.

Scripture also says God is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11) so the word choice has consistency. Still, an angry Jesus is hard for me to imagine.

What do you think of this scripture?

Do you have a scripture that has always been confusing for you?