Kissing as a social greeting was common in the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern worlds, though who kissed whom and in what manner varied by relationship and setting.
Customs & Culture
Greeting with a Kiss
A kiss could function as a greeting, family welcome, expression of affection, reconciliation, honor, or betrayal depending on context.
Primary Scripture
Historical and Cultural Background
Biblical Examples
Jesus notes that Simon gave Him no kiss, Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss, and several New Testament letters tell believers to greet one another with a holy kiss.
Biblical Significance
Judas' act is especially bitter because he turns a recognizable gesture of greeting and loyalty into the signal for arrest.
Related Images
Common Misconceptions
A biblical greeting kiss should not automatically be interpreted as romantic or sexual.
Historical Setting and Evidence
Culture: Ancient Near Eastern, Israelite, Judean/Jewish, Greek/Hellenistic, Roman, Early Christian
Period: Patriarchal Period, Exodus and Wilderness, Conquest and Judges, United Monarchy, Divided Monarchy, Kingdom of Judah, Babylonian Exile, Persian Period, Hellenistic Period, Hasmonean Period, Roman / Second Temple Period, Apostolic / Early Church Period
Evidence: Well Attested
Interpretive Importance: Major
Well attested across biblical and ancient Mediterranean sources.
Scripture References
Related Information
Sources
Luke 7; Luke 22; Romans 16; 1 Peter 5