In biblical times, saluting was a customary form of greeting that conveyed respect, peace, and goodwill among individuals. The act of saluting is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, reflecting its cultural and social significance.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, greetings often involved physical gestures and spoken words. For instance, when Boaz greeted the reapers in his field, he said, "The LORD be with you," and they replied, "The LORD bless you" (Ruth 2:4). This exchange highlights the use of salutations to invoke divine blessing and favor.

Saluting also played a role in diplomatic and familial interactions. When Jacob sent gifts to Esau, he instructed his servants to greet Esau with a message of peace and humility (Genesis 32:18-20). This demonstrates how salutations were used to convey intentions and establish peaceful relations.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, saluting continued to be an important social practice. Jesus instructed His disciples on how to greet others when entering a house: "As you enter the house, greet its occupants. If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you" (Matthew 10:12-13). This instruction underscores the spiritual dimension of greetings, where peace is both offered and contingent upon the receptivity of the recipient.

The Apostle Paul frequently included salutations in his epistles, emphasizing the importance of greeting fellow believers with love and unity. In Romans 16, Paul extends personal greetings to numerous individuals, demonstrating the relational aspect of the early Christian community: "Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings" (Romans 16:16). The "holy kiss" was a cultural expression of brotherly love and fellowship among Christians.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Saluting in biblical times was more than a mere formality; it was a meaningful expression of one's intentions and relationship with others. It often involved blessings, peace, and the acknowledgment of shared faith. The act of greeting was a way to affirm community bonds and convey mutual respect.

In the broader cultural context, salutations could also reflect social hierarchies and honor. For example, when the angel Gabriel greeted Mary, he said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28). This salutation not only conveyed respect but also divine favor and purpose.

Practical Implications for Believers

For contemporary believers, the biblical practice of saluting serves as a reminder of the importance of greeting others with sincerity, love, and peace. It encourages Christians to be intentional in their interactions, reflecting the love of Christ in their greetings. The biblical model of saluting challenges believers to foster community and unity within the body of Christ, extending grace and peace to all they encounter.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Salute.

Christ's Messengers: their Equipment and Work
... Energetic pursuit of their work, unimpeded by distractions of social intercourse,
is meant by the prohibition of saluting by the way. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture e/christs messengers their equipment and.htm

Then Rabbi Addas, and Rabbi Finees, and Rabbi Egias...
... And going in to them, they fell on their faces to the ground, saluting them; and
being raised up, they said: O friends of God, all the multitude of the Jews ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 1 17 then rabbi.htm

Acts of Peter and Andrew.
... happen in it by your hands. And the Lord Jesus, after saluting them, went
up into the heavens in glory. And Peter, and Andrew, and ...
/.../unknown/acts of peter and andrew/acts of peter and andrew.htm

A Full Reward.
... The beauty of the narrative of Boaz saluting his reapers with, "Thy LORD be with
you," and their reply, "The LORD bless thee," must delight every reader. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/a full reward.htm

Vision First. Against Filthy and Proud Thoughts, and the ...
... And as I prayed, the heavens were opened, and I see the woman whom I had desired
saluting me from the sky, and saying, "Hail, Hermas!" And looking up to her, I ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/vision first against filthy and.htm

And in those Days, that Is, at the Time of Her First Coming into ...
... Accordingly, going in, he filled the chamber where she was with a great light;
and most courteously saluting her, he said: Hail, Mary! ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of the nativity of mary/chapter 9 and in those.htm

Instances from Scripture of Divine Judgments Upon the Self ...
... Whence it is that even they who court their idols by dressing them, and by adorning
them in their sanctuary, and by saluting them at each particular hour, are ...
/.../chapter xvi instances from scripture of.htm

Apostasy in Galatia
... After saluting the Galatians in the words, "Grace be to you and peace from God the
Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ," he addressed to them these words of ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 36 apostasy in galatia.htm

The Insults Received by Jesus in the Court of Caiphas.
... They first placed a crown, made of straw and the bark of trees, upon his head, and
then took it off, saluting him at the same time with insulting expressions ...
/.../chapter ix the insults received.htm

And Nicodemus Rising Up, Stood in the Midst of the Counsel...
... the letter and read it, for certain he will come with you to us; but if he do not
read it, you may know that he is ill-disposed toward us, and, saluting him in ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 15 and nicodemus rising.htm

Saluting (4 Occurrences)
...Saluting (4 Occurrences). Mark 9:15 and immediately, all the multitude having seen
him, were amazed, and running near, were saluting him. (YLT). ...
/s/saluting.htm - 7k

Salutation (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) A greeting or expression of good will or courtesy;
the act of saluting, or paying respect or reverence, by the customary words ...
/s/salutation.htm - 10k

Lucius (2 Occurrences)
... (2) "Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen" were among those who joined
Paul in saluting the Christians in Rome (Romans 16:21). ...
/l/lucius.htm - 9k

Berni'ce (3 Occurrences)
... Berni'ce (3 Occurrences). Acts 25:13 And certain days having passed, Agrippa the
king, and Bernice, came down to Caesarea saluting Festus, (See RSV). ...
/b/berni'ce.htm - 7k

Caesare'a (17 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:13 And certain days having passed, Agrippa the king, and Bernice, came
down to Caesarea saluting Festus, (See RSV). Caesarea, ...
/c/caesare'a.htm - 10k

Salute (48 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To promote the welfare and safety of; to benefit; to gratify. 5. (n.) The
act of saluting, or expressing kind wishes or respect; salutation; greeting. ...
/s/salute.htm - 19k

Saluteth (7 Occurrences)

/s/saluteth.htm - 8k

Children
... Jesus used this term once in addressing His disciples after His resurrection (John
21:5), and John also used this term occasionally in saluting those to whom ...
/c/children.htm - 62k

Child (355 Occurrences)
... Jesus used this term once in addressing His disciples after His resurrection (John
21:5), and John also used this term occasionally in saluting those to whom ...
/c/child.htm - 51k

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