Topical Bible: Greet

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In the context of the Bible, the act of greeting holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. Greetings in biblical times were more than mere formalities; they were expressions of peace, respect, and fellowship among individuals and communities. The New Testament, in particular, provides numerous examples and instructions regarding greetings, reflecting the early Christian emphasis on love, unity, and hospitality.

Old Testament Context

While the Old Testament does not emphasize greetings as explicitly as the New Testament, it does provide instances where greetings are significant. For example, in Genesis 18:2-5, Abraham greets the three visitors with hospitality, offering them water, rest, and food. This act of greeting is not only a demonstration of Abraham's character but also a reflection of the cultural norms of hospitality and respect.

New Testament Instructions and Examples

The New Testament contains numerous references to greetings, often highlighting their importance in the life of the early church. The Apostle Paul frequently includes greetings in his epistles, both at the beginning and the end, as a way to foster community and express personal affection.

1. Romans 16:16 · "Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings." This verse underscores the practice of greeting with a "holy kiss," a cultural expression of love and unity among believers. The "holy kiss" was a sign of mutual acceptance and fellowship within the body of Christ.

2. 1 Corinthians 16:20 · "All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss." Similar to Romans, this passage reiterates the importance of greeting one another warmly, reflecting the familial bond among Christians.

3. 2 Corinthians 13:12 · "Greet one another with a holy kiss." Again, Paul emphasizes the practice of greeting with a holy kiss, reinforcing the theme of unity and love within the church.

4. Philippians 4:21 · "Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings." Here, Paul instructs the Philippians to greet all the saints, indicating the inclusivity and communal nature of Christian greetings.

5. 1 Thessalonians 5:26 · "Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss." This instruction further highlights the importance of maintaining close, affectionate relationships within the Christian community.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

In the biblical context, greetings were not merely social niceties but carried deep spiritual significance. They were expressions of peace (shalom) and goodwill, often accompanied by blessings. The act of greeting was a way to acknowledge the presence and worth of another person, reflecting the biblical principles of love, respect, and community.

The practice of greeting with a "holy kiss" or other forms of affectionate greeting served to break down social barriers and foster a sense of equality and unity among believers. It was a tangible expression of the new identity and relationships formed in Christ, transcending cultural, social, and ethnic divisions.

Practical Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, the biblical emphasis on greetings serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering genuine relationships within the church and the broader community. Greetings should be sincere expressions of love and respect, reflecting the unity and fellowship that believers share in Christ. Whether through a handshake, a hug, or a verbal greeting, the act of greeting remains a vital aspect of Christian witness and community life.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (a.) Great.

2. (v. i.) To weep; to cry; to lament.

3. (n.) Mourning.

4. (v. t.) To address with salutations or expressions of kind wishes; to salute; to hail; to welcome; to accost with friendship; to pay respects or compliments to, either personally or through the intervention of another, or by writing or token.

5. (v. t.) To come upon, or meet, as with something that makes the heart glad.

6. (v. t.) To accost; to address.

7. (v. i.) To meet and give salutations.

8. (n.) Greeting.

Greek

782. aspazomai -- to welcome, greet
... to welcome, greet. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: aspazomai Phonetic Spelling:
(as-pad'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I greet, salute, pay my respects to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/782.htm - 7k

4525. saino -- to wag the tail, hence to greet, flatter, disturb
... to wag the tail, hence to greet, flatter, disturb. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration:
saino Phonetic Spelling: (sah'-ee-no) Short Definition: I move, disturb ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4525.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

7592. shaal -- to ask, inquire
... 1), dedicated (2), dedicated* (1), demand (1), demanded (1), desired (1), desires
(1), earnestly asked (1), earnestly asked leave (1), greet* (5), greeted* (1 ...
/hebrew/7592.htm - 6k

7965. shalom -- completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
... completeness, soundness, welfare, peace NASB Word Usage close (2), ease (1), favorable
(1), friend* (1), friendly terms (1), friends* (2), greet (1), greet* (5 ...
/hebrew/7965.htm - 6k

1288. barak -- to kneel, bless
... is everyone who blesses (1), blesses (10), blessing (1), boast (1), congratulates
(1), curse (3), cursed (3), curses (1), greatly bless (1), greet (2), greeted ...
/hebrew/1288.htm - 6k

Library

Awake, Arise, and Greet the Dawning Day,
... EASTER VIII Awake, arise, and greet the dawning day,. 10,10,10,10. Awake, arise,
and greet the dawning day,. See, on the hills, the morning beams are shed; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/viii awake arise and greet.htm

Epistle xxi. Lucian Replies to Celerinus.
... And therefore, beloved brother, greet Numeria and Candida, who (shall have peace
[2277] ) according to the precept of Paulus, and the rest of the martyrs whose ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xxi lucian replies to.htm

The Church of God.
... "Likewise greet the church that is in their house." Rom.16:5. This was the home
of Priscilla and Aquila. ... The command was to greet the church. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vii the church of.htm

The Longbeards' Saga. AD 400
... smiths' work: And theirs is the sword-luck, With them is the glory," So Odin hath
sworn it," Who first in the morning Shall meet him and greet him.' Still ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the longbeards saga a d 400.htm

Epistle v. To the Presbyters and Deacons.
... I had wished indeed, beloved brethren, with this my letter to greet the whole
of my clergy in health and safety. But since the stormy ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle v to the presbyters.htm

To the Magnesians
... Like the Ephesians, the Christians at Magnesia (a town some fifteen miles
from Ephesus) sent delegates to greet Ignatius in Smyrna. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/to the magnesians.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... 2 Greet it as pure joy, my brothers, when you come across any sort of trial, ^3
sure that the sterling temper of your faith produces endurance; ^4 only, let ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

"Above the Sun. "
... there. Linger not to gaze on Angels, Principalities, nor Powers; Brighter
visions yet shall greet you, higher dignities are ours. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jennings/old groans and new songs/above the sun.htm

Hymn at Cock-Crow
... But from the wide roof of the sky Christ's voice peals forth with urgent cry, Calling
our sleep-bound hearts to rise And greet the dawn with wakeful eyes. ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/i hymn at cock-crow.htm

Restoration of Peter.
... he had toiled for all night, and though master of the vessel left the net to sink
or go to pieces for all he cared, and sprang into the water to greet his Lord ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxv restoration of peter.htm

Thesaurus

Greet (46 Occurrences)
...Greet (46 Occurrences). Matthew 5:47 If you only greet your friends, what more do
you do than others? ... Matthew 10:12 As you enter into the household, greet it. ...
/g/greet.htm - 19k

Greetings (48 Occurrences)
...Greet one another with a holy kiss. (WEY RSV NIV). ... (WEY NIV). Philippians 4:22 All
God's people here greet you--especially the members of Caesar's household. ...
/g/greetings.htm - 18k

Kiss (39 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ
greet you. ... 1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brothers greet you. ...
/k/kiss.htm - 25k

Salute (48 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To address, as with expressions of kind wishes and courtesy; to greet; to
hail. ... Romans 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. ...
/s/salute.htm - 19k

Greeting (19 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Greet. 2. (n.) Expression of kindness
or joy; salutation at meeting; a compliment from one absent. Int. ...
/g/greeting.htm - 18k

Assemblies (48 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY YLT). Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of
Christ greet you. ... 1 Corinthians 16:19 The assemblies of Asia greet you. ...
/a/assemblies.htm - 22k

Aq'uila (6 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Romans 16:3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
(See RSV). 1 Corinthians 16:19 The assemblies of Asia greet you. ...
/a/aq'uila.htm - 7k

Beloved (117 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:5 Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus,
my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. ...
/b/beloved.htm - 40k

Aquila (7 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Romans 16:3 Greet Prisca and Aquila,
my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/aquila.htm - 13k

Labor (181 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Romans 16:6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. (Root in WEB ASV WBS).
Romans 16:12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. ...
/l/labor.htm - 38k

Resources

Was Junia/Junias a female apostle? | GotQuestions.org

What is Iglesia ni Cristo? | GotQuestions.org

Is there supposed to be only one church? | GotQuestions.org

Greet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Greet (46 Occurrences)

Matthew 5:47
If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same?
(WEB NAS NIV)

Matthew 10:12
As you enter into the household, greet it.
(WEB NAS NIV)

Mark 9:15
Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him greeted him.
(Root in WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 10:4
Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way.
(WEB NAS NIV)

Romans 16:3
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
(WEB KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:5
Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.
(WEB KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:6
Greet Mary, who labored much for us.
(WEB KJV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:7
Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:8
Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.
(WEB KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:9
Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:10
Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:11
Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
(WEB KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:12
Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Lord.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:13
Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:14
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:15
Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:22
I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 16:23
Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother.
(Root in WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 16:19
The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 16:20
All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
(WEB KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 13:12
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
(WEB KJV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 13:13
All the saints greet you.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Philippians 4:21
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
(WEB KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Philippians 4:22
All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar's household.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Colossians 4:14
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
(WEB KJV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Colossians 4:15
Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:26
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
(WEB KJV WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Timothy 4:19
Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Titus 3:15
All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
(WEB KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Hebrews 13:24
Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. The Italians greet you.
(WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Peter 5:14
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
(WEB KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 John 1:10
If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into 'your' house, and give him no greeting:
(Root in ASV DBY NAS RSV)

2 John 1:13
The children of your chosen sister greet you. Amen.
(WEB KJV WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

3 John 1:14
but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
(WEB KJV WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 37:4
And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, and they hated him, and could not greet him with friendliness.
(DBY)

1 Samuel 10:4
and they will greet you, and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall receive of their hand.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

1 Samuel 13:10
It came to pass that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him.
(WEB NAS NIV)

1 Samuel 17:22
David left his baggage in the hand of the keeper of the baggage, and ran to the army, and came and greeted his brothers.
(Root in WEB JPS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Samuel 25:5
David sent ten young men, and David said to the young men, "Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Samuel 25:14
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, "Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to Greet our master; and he railed at them.
(WEB NAS NIV)

2 Samuel 8:10
then Toi sent Joram his son to king David, to Greet him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 4:29
Then he said to Gehazi, "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take my staff in your hand, and go your way. If you meet any man, don't greet him; and if anyone greets you, don't answer him again. Then lay my staff on the face of the child."
(WEB NIV)

2 Kings 10:13
Jehu met with the brothers of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, "Who are you?" They answered, "We are the brothers of Ahaziah. We are going down to greet the children of the king and the children of the queen."
(WEB NAS NIV)

1 Chronicles 18:10
he sent Hadoram his son to king David, to Greet him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him; (for Hadadezer had wars with Tou;) and he had with him all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 14:9
The underworld is moved at your coming: the shades of the dead are awake before you, even the strong ones of the earth; all the kings of the world have got up from their seats.
(See RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Greet

Related Terms

Greeting (19 Occurrences)

Greet (46 Occurrences)

Jehonadab (2 Occurrences)

Landed (10 Occurrences)

Kiss (39 Occurrences)

Arrived (129 Occurrences)

Caesarea (20 Occurrences)

Ran (100 Occurrences)

Voyage (5 Occurrences)