2705. kataphileó

Lexicon

kataphileó: To kiss fervently, to kiss affectionately

Original Word: καταφιλέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kataphileó
Pronunciation: kat-af-ee-LEH-o
Phonetic Spelling: (kat-af-ee-leh'-o)
Definition: To kiss fervently, to kiss affectionately
Meaning: I kiss affectionately.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

kiss.

From kata and phileo; to kiss earnestly -- kiss.

HELPS Word-studies

2705 kataphiléō (from 2596 /katá, "down," intensifying 5368 /philéō, "to kiss") – properly, kiss down, i.e. "kiss passionately and fervently" (with the same in the papyri, MM); "kiss repeatedly" (A. T. Robertson, WP at Lk 7:38).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from kata and phileó
Definition
to kiss fervently
NASB Translation
kiss (1), kissed (4), kissing (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2705: καταφιλέω

καταφιλέω, καταφίλω; imperfect κατεφίλουν; 1 aorist κατεφίλησα; to kiss much, kiss again and again, kiss tenderly (Latindeosculor, etc.): τινα, Matthew 26:49; Mark 14:45; Luke 7:38, 45; Luke 15:20; Acts 20:37. (Tobit 7:6; 3Macc. 5:49; Xenophon, Cyril 6, 4,10; 7, 5, 32; Polybius 15, 1, 7; Josephus, Antiquities 7, 11, 7; Aelian v. h. 13, 4; Plutarch, Brut. 16; Lucian, dial. deor. 4, 5; 5, 3; φιλεῖν and καταφίλειν are distinguished in Xenophon, mem. 2, 6, 33; Plutarch, Alex c. 67. The Sept. for נָשַׁק, properly, to join mouth to mouth.) Cf: Fritzsche on Matthew, p. 780; Winer's De verb. comp. etc. Part ii., p. 18, note{21}.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From the preposition κατά (kata, meaning "down" or "intensifying") and φιλέω (phileō, meaning "to love" or "to kiss").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for καταφιλέω, the concept of kissing as an expression of affection or reverence can be found in Hebrew Scriptures, often using the verb נָשַׁק (nashaq, Strong's Hebrew 5401), which means "to kiss." This Hebrew term is used in similar contexts to express love, respect, or allegiance.

Usage: The verb καταφιλέω is used in the New Testament to describe an act of kissing that is intense, affectionate, or repeated. It conveys a sense of deep emotion and warmth in the action of kissing.

Context: The Greek verb καταφιλέω appears in several key passages in the New Testament, each illustrating a moment of profound emotional expression through the act of kissing. This term is used to describe actions that go beyond a simple greeting or casual affection, indicating a deeper, more heartfelt connection.

• Luke 7:38 (BSB): "As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume." In this passage, the woman’s act of kissing Jesus' feet is an expression of deep repentance and devotion, highlighting the intensity of her love and gratitude.

• Luke 15:20 (BSB): "So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." Here, the father’s repeated kisses upon the return of his prodigal son symbolize forgiveness, acceptance, and overwhelming joy.

• Acts 20:37 (BSB): "They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him." The Ephesian elders' actions demonstrate their deep affection and sorrow at Paul's departure, emphasizing the strong bonds of Christian fellowship and love.

The use of καταφιλέω in these contexts underscores the cultural and emotional significance of kissing in the ancient world, serving as a powerful symbol of love, reconciliation, and heartfelt connection.

Forms and Transliterations

καταφιλήσαι καταφιλήσας καταφιλήσω καταφιλουσα καταφιλούσά καταφιλοῦσά καταφλεγήσεται καταφλέγον κατάφοβοι κατεφιλει κατεφίλει κατεφίλησαν κατεφίλησε κατεφιλησεν κατεφίλησεν κατεφιλουν κατεφίλουν κατέφλεξεν kataphilousa kataphiloûsá katephilei katephílei katephilesen katephilēsen katephílesen katephílēsen katephiloun katephíloun

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 26:49 V-AIA-3S
GRK: ῥαββί καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν
NAS: Hail, Rabbi! and kissed Him.
KJV: master; and kissed him.
INT: Rabbi and kissed him

Mark 14:45 V-AIA-3S
GRK: ῥαββί καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν
NAS: Rabbi! and kissed Him.
KJV: master; and kissed him.
INT: Rabbi and kissed him

Luke 7:38 V-IIA-3S
GRK: ἐξέμασσεν καὶ κατεφίλει τοὺς πόδας
NAS: of her head, and kissing His feet
KJV: head, and kissed his feet,
INT: she was wiping [them] and was kissing the feet

Luke 7:45 V-PPA-NFS
GRK: οὐ διέλιπεν καταφιλοῦσά μου τοὺς
NAS: in, has not ceased to kiss My feet.
KJV: not ceased to kiss my feet.
INT: not ceased kissing my

Luke 15:20 V-AIA-3S
GRK: αὐτοῦ καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν
NAS: and embraced him and kissed him.
KJV: neck, and kissed him.
INT: of him and kissed him

Acts 20:37 V-IIA-3P
GRK: τοῦ Παύλου κατεφίλουν αὐτόν
NAS: Paul, and repeatedly kissed him,
KJV: Paul's neck, and kissed him,
INT: of Paul they kissed him

Strong's Greek 2705
6 Occurrences

καταφιλοῦσά — 1 Occ.
κατεφίλησεν — 3 Occ.
κατεφίλει — 1 Occ.
κατεφίλουν — 1 Occ.