Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, salutations upon entering a house were an important aspect of social and religious life, reflecting the customs and values of the ancient Near Eastern culture. These greetings were not merely formalities but carried significant spiritual and communal implications.Old Testament Context The practice of offering salutations upon entering a house is rooted in the broader cultural and religious traditions of the ancient Israelites. While the Old Testament does not provide explicit instructions on the specific words to be used, the importance of greetings is evident in various narratives. For example, when the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he greeted him with, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). This greeting was not only a salutation but also a declaration of divine presence and favor. New Testament Instructions In the New Testament, Jesus provides specific guidance on how His disciples should conduct themselves when entering a house. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs His disciples, "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 directive underscores the spiritual dimension of greetings, where the peace of God is both offered and contingent upon the receptivity of the household. Similarly, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus advises, "When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you" (Luke 10:5-6). The salutation of peace, or "shalom," was a profound blessing, invoking God's wholeness, prosperity, and harmony upon the household. Apostolic Practice The early Christian community continued the practice of offering salutations as a means of expressing fellowship and unity. The Apostle Paul frequently begins and ends his epistles with greetings that convey grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:3). These salutations were more than mere formalities; they were theological affirmations of the believers' shared faith and divine favor. Cultural and Theological Significance Salutations upon entering a house were deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of biblical society. They served as a means of establishing relationships, demonstrating respect, and invoking divine blessing. Theologically, these greetings reflected the belief that God's presence and peace could be mediated through His followers. The act of greeting was an opportunity to extend God's grace and peace to others, reinforcing the communal and covenantal nature of the faith community. In summary, salutations upon entering a house in biblical times were rich in cultural and spiritual significance. They were expressions of hospitality, respect, and divine blessing, reflecting the values and beliefs of the biblical world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 18:15And they turned thitherward, and came to the house of the young man the Levite, even to the house of Micah, and saluted him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:12 Luke 1:40,41,44 Library Appendix. Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect. Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus. Tuesday --The Day of Controversy. The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana. Matt. Ix. 27-30. Arrival Leadership for Service The Reaction against Egypt The People among whom we Labour (Continued). Resources What is the Hail Mary that Catholics say so often? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 2 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from what the Bible says about Paul and Timothy? | GotQuestions.org Salutations: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salutations were Given by all Passers-By Salutations were Given by Brethren to Each Other Salutations were Given by Inferiors to Their Superiors Salutations were Given by Superiors to Inferiors Salutations were Given: On Entering a House Salutations: "Are You Well, My Brother?" Salutations: "May God be Gracious to You" Salutations: "Peace (Hebrew: Shalom) to This House" Salutations: "Peace to You" (Hebrew: Shalomleka) Salutations: "Peace" (Hebrew: Shalom) Salutations: Denied to Persons of Bad Character Salutations: Expressions Used as all Hail Salutations: Expressions Used as Art Thou in Health? Salutations: Expressions Used as Blessed be Thou of the Lord Salutations: Expressions Used as God be Gracious to Thee Salutations: Expressions Used as Hail Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace be to This House Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace be With Thee Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace to Thee, and Peace to Thine House, and Peace to All Salutations: Expressions Used as The Blessing of the Lord be Upon You, we Bless You in The Salutations: Expressions Used as The Lord be With You Salutations: Expressions Used as The Lord Bless Thee Salutations: from a Master to his Servants, "May the Lord be With You" Salutations: Given to Christ in Derision Salutations: Often Accompanied by Bowing Frequently to the Ground Salutations: Often Accompanied by Embracing and Kissing the Feet Salutations: Often Accompanied by Falling on the Neck and Kissing Salutations: Often Accompanied by Falling Prostrate on the Ground Salutations: Often Accompanied by Kissing the Dust Salutations: Often Accompanied by Laying Hold of the Bear With the Right Hand Salutations: Often Accompanied by Touching the Hem of the Garment Salutations: Often Sent by Letter Salutations: Often Sent Through Messengers Salutations: Persons in Haste Excused from Giving or Receiving Salutations: Servants to Their Masters, "May the Lord Bless You" Salutations: The Jews Condemned for Giving, Only to Their Countrymen Salutations: The Pharisees Condemned for Seeking, in Public Related Terms |
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