Lexical Summary kataphileó: To kiss fervently, to kiss affectionately Original Word: καταφιλέω 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 Originfrom kata and phileó Definition to kiss fervently NASB Translation kiss (1), kissed (4), kissing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2705: καταφιλέωκαταφιλέω, 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 Overview Strong’s Greek 2705 (καταφιλέω, kataphileō) conveys the idea of an intense, repeated, or fervent kiss. In the New Testament it appears six times, each context highlighting a distinct moral or theological facet—devotion, reconciliation, affectionate fellowship, or treachery. Old Testament and Intertestamental Background Although the verb itself is not used in the Septuagint, the act of kissing as a sign of loyalty or affection is well-established (Genesis 33:4; 2 Samuel 14:33). Second-Temple literature likewise associates the kiss with covenant solidarity and, when misused, with deception (Sirach 29:2; Proverbs 27:6 in the Greek tradition). This backdrop informs the New Testament’s varied employment of καταφιλέω. New Testament Occurrences and Thematic Groupings 1. Worshipful Devotion 2. Reconciliation and Filial Compassion 3. Apostolic Fellowship and Farewell 4. Hypocrisy and Betrayal Historical and Cultural Notes Greco-Roman society recognized the kiss as a greeting among equals, a gesture of patronage, or a familial sign. καταφιλέω exceeds the polite peck; it is reserved for displays of deep emotion—joyful reunion, mourning, or worship. Early church writers (e.g., Tertullian, Hippolytus) appealed to these New Testament instances when defending the “kiss of peace” in liturgical practice, stressing purity of heart lest Judas’ precedent be repeated. Doctrinal Reflections • Grace Precedes Works – Luke 15:20 demonstrates that the Father’s kiss initiates restoration; human confession follows. Pastoral Applications 1. Encourage heartfelt demonstrations of love for Christ; resist cultural coldness that diminishes visible devotion. Summary Strong’s 2705 encapsulates the New Testament’s theology of the kiss: an outward sign potent for expressing either the highest devotion or the darkest deceit. Faithful readers are invited to embrace its positive force—adoration, reconciliation, and fellowship—while shunning the duplicity that turns a symbol of love into a tool of betrayal. 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 katephílounLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 26:49 V-AIA-3SGRK: 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 Luke 7:38 V-IIA-3S Luke 7:45 V-PPA-NFS Luke 15:20 V-AIA-3S Acts 20:37 V-IIA-3P Strong's Greek 2705 |
    |