Topical Bible: Greetings

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, greetings hold significant cultural and spiritual importance, reflecting the values and social norms of the times. The act of greeting is more than a mere exchange of pleasantries; it often conveys respect, peace, and a sense of community among individuals.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, greetings are often associated with blessings and expressions of peace. For instance, when Boaz greets the reapers in his field, he says, "The LORD be with you," and they respond, "The LORD bless you" (Ruth 2:4). This exchange highlights the integration of faith into daily interactions and the desire for God's presence and favor in the lives of others.

The Hebrew word "shalom," often used in greetings, encompasses a wide range of meanings, including peace, completeness, and welfare. It is a word that signifies a deep sense of well-being and harmony, both with God and with others.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, greetings continue to play a vital role in the life of the early Christian community. The Apostle Paul frequently begins and ends his epistles with greetings that include blessings of grace and peace. For example, in his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:7). This greeting not only serves as a salutation but also as a theological statement, emphasizing the source of grace and peace as divine.

Jesus Himself addressed the importance of greetings in His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers, "And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?" (Matthew 5:47). Here, Jesus challenges His disciples to extend love and kindness beyond their immediate circle, promoting a radical inclusivity that reflects the kingdom of God.

Cultural and Social Implications

Greetings in biblical times were often accompanied by physical gestures, such as a kiss or a bow, which signified respect and affection. The "holy kiss" mentioned by Paul in several of his letters (e.g., Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20) was a common form of greeting among early Christians, symbolizing unity and brotherly love within the body of Christ.

The manner of greeting could also reflect social hierarchies and relationships. For instance, when Jacob meets Esau after many years, he bows to the ground seven times before his brother (Genesis 33:3), demonstrating humility and a desire for reconciliation.

Spiritual Significance

Greetings in the Bible often carry a spiritual dimension, serving as a reminder of the believer's identity and mission. They are opportunities to express the love of Christ and to affirm the shared faith and hope within the Christian community. The apostolic greetings found in the New Testament epistles are not mere formalities but are imbued with theological depth, often encapsulating the core message of the gospel.

In summary, biblical greetings are rich in meaning and purpose, reflecting the cultural, social, and spiritual dynamics of the times. They serve as a testament to the enduring values of respect, peace, and community that are central to the biblical narrative.

Greek

5463. chairo -- to rejoice, be glad
... verb Definition to rejoice, be glad NASB Word Usage am glad (1), glad (7), gladly
(1), greeted* (1), greeting (2), greetings (4), hail (4), joyfully (1), make ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5463.htm - 10k

783. aspasmos -- a greeting, salutation
... Word Origin from aspazomai Definition a greeting, salutation NASB Word Usage greeting
(5), greetings (4), salutation (1). greeting, salutation. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/783.htm - 6k

4899. suneklektos -- chosen together with
... divinely- () -- a theme elaborated on earlier in the epistle (1 Pet 1:1,2). 1 Pet
5:13: "She who is in Babylon, (4899 ) with you, sends you greetings, and so ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4899.htm - 7k

782. aspazomai -- to welcome, greet
... Word Usage acclaim (1), give...your greeting (1), greet (41), greeted (3), greeting
(1), greets (5), paid their respects to (1), sends...greetings (4), taken ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/782.htm - 7k

Library

The Risen Lord's Greetings and Gifts
... Litt. D.; ST. MATTHEW Chaps. XVIII to XXVIII THE RISEN LORD'S GREETINGS AND
GIFTS. 'And as ... same day. Both are ordinary greetings. The ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the risen lords greetings and.htm

To the Smyrnaeans
... received during his stay. The number of greetings at the conclusion indicate
the warm welcome he had been given. It is worthy of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/to the smyrnaeans.htm

To Polycarp
... Heartiest greetings from Ignatius, the "God-inspired," to Polycarp, who is bishop
of the church at Smyrna"or rather who has God the Father and the Lord Jesus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/to polycarp.htm

To the Trallians
... THE TEXT. Full hearty greetings in apostolic style, [215] and every good wish from
Ignatius, the "God-inspired," to the holy church at Tralles in Asia. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/to the trallians.htm

The Epistle to Philemon
... for him lodging. With greetings of his fellow-laborers and a final salutation
he ends his letter. CHARACTERISTICS. 1. This letter ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to philemon.htm

The Second and Third General Epistles of John
... Warning Gajus against that evil example, he commends Demetrius, mentions an intended
visit, and closes the Epistle with greetings, 11-14. CHARACTERISTICS. ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the second and third general.htm

To the Romans
... Greetings in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, from Ignatius, the "God-inspired,"
to the church that is in charge of affairs in Roman quarters [228] and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/to the romans.htm

Peace, Love, and Faith
... 6:23. The numerous personal greetings usually found at the close of Paul's
letters are entirely absent from this Epistle. All which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/peace love and faith.htm

Ways of Showing Love
... Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be men, be strong! Let all that you do be
done in love. The churches of the province in Asia send you greetings. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/ways of showing love.htm

Epistle xxvii. To Rusticiana, Patrician .
... Her family, to whom greetings are always sent, being her children either by birth
or marriage, were Appio and Eusebia, Eudoxius and Gregoria, the former, and ...
/.../epistle xxvii to rusticiana patrician.htm

Thesaurus

Greetings (48 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Greetings (48 Occurrences). Matthew 23:7 And greetings
in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. (KJV WBS NAS). ...
/g/greetings.htm - 18k

Greeting (19 Occurrences)
... In Ecclesiasticus 6:5 it is said "a fair-speaking tongue will increase kind greetings,"
the Revised Version (British and American) "multiply courtesies ...
/g/greeting.htm - 18k

Meets (17 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Romans 16:5 Greetings, too, to the Church that meets at their
house. Greetings to my dear Epaenetus, who was the earliest ...
/m/meets.htm - 11k

Sends (94 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Romans 16:21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, and so
do my countrymen Lucius, Jason and Sosipater. (WEY BBE NIV). ...
/s/sends.htm - 32k

Dear (120 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:5 Greetings, too, to the Church that meets at their house. ... Romans
16:8 Greetings to Ampliatus, dear to me in the Lord; (WEY BBE). ...
/d/dear.htm - 37k

Marketplaces (6 Occurrences)
... Mark 12:38 In his teaching he said to them, "Beware of the scribes, who like to
walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces, (WEB KJV ASV DBY ...
/m/marketplaces.htm - 8k

Greets (9 Occurrences)
... Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a bondservant of Jesus Christ,
sends greetings to you, always wrestling on your behalf in his prayers, that ...
/g/greets.htm - 8k

Places (610 Occurrences)
... Mark 12:38 In his teaching he said to them, "Beware of the scribes, who like to
walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces, (Root in WEB KJV ...
/p/places.htm - 35k

Christian (41 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 16:12 Greetings to those Christian workers, Tryphaena and Tryphosa;
also to dear Persis, who has laboured strenuously in the Lord's work. (WEY). ...
/c/christian.htm - 29k

Province (66 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:5 Greetings, too, to the Church that meets at their house. ... (ASV). Revelation
1:4 John sends greetings to the seven Churches in the province of Asia. ...
/p/province.htm - 38k

Resources

Who was Claudia in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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

What does it mean that “to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)? | GotQuestions.org

Greetings: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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

Concordance

Greetings (48 Occurrences)

Matthew 23:7
And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
(KJV WBS NAS)

Matthew 26:49
Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
(See NIV)

Matthew 28:9
As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.
(See NIV)

Mark 12:38
In his teaching he said to them, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces,
(WEB NAS)

Luke 1:28
Having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!"
(See NAS NIV)

Luke 11:43
Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues, and the greetings in the marketplaces.
(WEB KJV WBS NAS NIV)

Luke 20:46
"Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts;
(WEB KJV WBS NAS)

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you: my own peace I give to you. It is not as the world gives its greetings that I give you peace. Let not your hearts be troubled or dismayed.
(WEY)

Acts 15:23
They wrote these things by their hand: "The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.
(WEB NAS NIV)

Acts 15:33
After they had spent some time there, they were sent back with greetings from the brothers to the apostles.
(WEB)

Acts 21:19
After exchanging friendly greetings, Paul told in detail all that God had done among the Gentiles through his instrumentality.
(WEY)

Acts 23:26
"Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.
(WEB NAS NIV)

Romans 16:3
Greetings to Prisca and Aquila my fellow labourers in the work of Christ Jesus--
(WEY)

Romans 16:5
Greetings, too, to the Church that meets at their house. Greetings to my dear Epaenetus, who was the earliest convert to Christ in the province of Asia;
(WEY)

Romans 16:8
Greetings to Ampliatus, dear to me in the Lord;
(WEY)

Romans 16:10
Greetings to Apella, that veteran believer; and to the members of the household of Aristobulus.
(WEY)

Romans 16:11
Greetings to my countryman, Herodion; and to the believing members of the household of Narcissus.
(WEY)

Romans 16:12
Greetings to those Christian workers, Tryphaena and Tryphosa; also to dear Persis, who has laboured strenuously in the Lord's work.
(WEY)

Romans 16:13
Greetings to Rufus, who is one of the Lord's chosen people; and to his mother, who has also been a mother to me.
(WEY)

Romans 16:14
Greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and to the brethren associated with them;
(WEY)

Romans 16:16
Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the Churches of Christ send greetings to you.
(WEY NIV)

Romans 16:21
Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, and so do my countrymen Lucius, Jason and Sosipater.
(WEY NIV)

Romans 16:22
I, Tertius, who write this letter, send you Christian greetings.
(WEY)

Romans 16:23
Gaius, my host, who is also the host of the whole Church, greets you. So do Erastus, the treasurer of the city, and Quartus our brother.
(See NIV)

1 Corinthians 16:19
The Churches in the province of Asia send you greetings; and Aquila and Prisca, in hearty Christian love, do the same, together with the Church which meets at their house.
(WEY RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 16:20
The brethren all send greetings to you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
(WEY RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 13:13
All God's people here send greetings to you.
(WEY NIV)

Philippians 4:21
My Christian greetings to every one of God's people. The brethren who are with me send their greetings.
(WEY NIV)

Philippians 4:22
All God's people here greet you--especially the members of Caesar's household.
(See NIV)

Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner sends greeting to you, and so does Barnabas's cousin Mark. You have received instructions as to him; if he comes to you, give him a welcome.
(See NAS NIV)

Colossians 4:11
Jesus, called Justus, also sends greeting. These three are Hebrew converts. They alone among such have worked loyally with me for the Kingdom of God--they are men who have been a comfort to me.
(See NIV)

Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, sends greetings to you, always wrestling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand firm--Christians of ripe character and of clear conviction as to everything which is God's will.
(WEY NAS NIV)

Colossians 4:14
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
(See NAS NIV)

Colossians 4:15
Christian greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, especially to Nymphas, and to the Church that meets at their house.
(WEY RSV NIV)

2 Timothy 4:21
Make an effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.
(See RSV)

Titus 3:15
Every one here sends you greeting. Greet the believers who hold us dear. May grace be with you all.
(See RSV NIV)

Philemon 1:23
Greetings to you, my brother, from Epaphras my fellow prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus;
(WEY RSV NIV)

Hebrews 13:24
Greet all your leaders and all God's people. The brethren from Italy send you greetings.
(WEY RSV NIV)

James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion: Greetings.
(WEB NAS NIV)

1 Peter 5:13
The Church in Babylon, chosen like yourselves by God, sends greetings, and so does Mark my son.
(WEY NAS RSV NIV)

2 John 1:13
The children of your elect sister send greetings to you.
(WEY NIV)

3 John 1:14
But I hope to see you very soon, and then we will speak face to face. Peace be with you. Our friends send greetings to you. Greet our friends individually.
(WEY NIV)

Revelation 1:4
John sends greetings to the seven Churches in the province of Asia. May grace be granted to you, and peace, from Him who is and was and evermore will be; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne;
(WEY)

1 Samuel 17:18
and bring these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
(See JPS)

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.
(See NIV)

Ezra 4:17
Then sent the king an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth.
(See NIV)

Ezra 5:7
they sent a letter to him, in which was written thus: To Darius the king, all peace.
(See NIV)

Ezra 7:12
Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and so forth.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Greetings

Related Terms

Greetings (48 Occurrences)

Greet (46 Occurrences)

Quartus (1 Occurrence)

Gaius (5 Occurrences)

Ga'ius (5 Occurrences)

Enjoy (68 Occurrences)

Erastus (3 Occurrences)