What does "holy kiss" symbolize in 1 Corinthians 16:20? The Verse in Focus 1 Corinthians 16:20 – “All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” Ancient Near-Eastern Kiss: A Quick Snapshot • Common social greeting in families and friendships • Placed on cheek, beard, or forehead—not erotic, but respectful • Signaled peace, honor, and covenant loyalty (cf. Genesis 33:4; Luke 7:45) Why Paul Adds the Word “Holy” • Sets the practice apart from casual custom • Marks it as pure, free from worldly lust (Ephesians 5:3) • Identifies it with believers who are “saints” (holy ones) in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2) • Affirms that fellowship itself is consecrated ground (Matthew 18:20) Symbolism Packed into the Holy Kiss • Family Unity – We are “brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:16-17) – The kiss embodies adoption into one household (Ephesians 2:19) • Peace and Reconciliation – After conflicts, the kiss showed restored peace (Genesis 45:15) – In the church it declares the end of hostility (Ephesians 2:14-16) • Equal Standing in Christ – Rich and poor, Jew and Gentile exchanged the same greeting (Galatians 3:28) – Breaks social hierarchies at the door • Mutual Forgiveness – Judas’s false kiss (Luke 22:48) contrasts with the sincere holy kiss – Encourages hearts cleansed of grudges (Colossians 3:13) • Visible Love – “Let love be without hypocrisy” (Romans 12:9); the kiss made love tangible – Peter echoes with “kiss of love” (1 Peter 5:14) Reinforcing Passages • Romans 16:16 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” • 2 Corinthians 13:12 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:26 – “Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.” • 1 Peter 5:14 – “Greet one another with a kiss of love.” Carrying the Principle Forward Today • Cultural forms vary—handshakes, hugs, warm words—but the heart remains the same • Every greeting should communicate: – “I accept you as family in Christ.” – “I come in peace, without division.” – “I stand with you as an equal heir of grace.” • Whatever the outward form, keep it: – Holy—pure, respectful, modest – Intentional—never rushed or rote – Affirming—building up the body (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Key Takeaway The “holy kiss” is a God-ordained symbol of pure, family-level love that proclaims unity, equality, and peace among believers—a greeting that turns ordinary social custom into sacred fellowship. |
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