Kissing is a natural expression of affection, but what does the Bible say about it? The scriptures touch on various forms of kissing, from greetings to romantic love, offering insights on its appropriate place in relationships. Let’s explore the biblical perspective on kissing and what it teaches us about love and respect.
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What Does The Bible Say About kissing
Song of Solomon 1:2
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine.”
This verse highlights the deep desire for intimate affection between lovers. It portrays the act of kissing as a symbol of love and joy, expressing the beauty and pleasure found in a romantic relationship.
Kissing can be seen as a way to express affection, desire, and connection with someone special. It is a physical expression of love that can deepen emotional bonds and strengthen the intimacy in a relationship.
Psalm 85:10
“Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”
Here, the act of kissing is used metaphorically to signify the coming together of important virtues and qualities. It symbolizes the harmonious union between love and faithfulness, righteousness and peace.
This verse reminds us that true love encompasses other essential elements, such as faithfulness, righteousness, and peace. Just as a kiss unites two individuals, these virtues come together to create harmony and wholeness in our lives.
Proverbs 24:26
“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”
In this verse, a kiss on the lips is used metaphorically to represent the impact and significance of speaking truthfully and honestly. It emphasizes the value of sincerity and straightforwardness in communication.
This verse suggests that when we speak honestly and with integrity, our words can have a positive and comforting effect, just like a loving kiss. It encourages us to prioritize truthfulness and sincerity in our interactions with others.
Romans 16:16
“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.”
Here, the concept of a “holy kiss” is mentioned, which refers to an expression of love and unity among believers. It symbolizes the bond shared within the community of Christ.
This verse encourages believers to greet one another with warmth and affection, demonstrating the love and connection that comes from being part of the body of Christ. It highlights the importance of fostering a supportive and loving community within the church.
Luke 7:45
“You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.”
In this passage, Jesus contrasts the actions of a woman who kissed His feet with the neglect of the host who failed to give Him a customary greeting of affection. It reveals the woman’s deep love and devotion to Jesus.
This verse illustrates the transformative power of love and the significance of expressing it through acts of humility and reverence. The woman’s act of kissing Jesus’ feet reflects her heartfelt adoration and recognition of His authority and divinity.
1 Peter 5:14
“Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
Similar to Romans 16:16, this verse encourages believers to greet one another with a kiss as a sign of love and unity. It promotes an atmosphere of peace and goodwill among fellow believers.
The act of greeting one another with a kiss symbolizes the warmth, love, and acceptance that should characterize our relationships within the body of Christ. It reminds us to extend grace, love, and fellowship to our brothers and sisters in faith.
Matthew 26:48
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’
In this verse, a kiss is sadly used as a deceitful and treacherous gesture. It highlights the act of Judas Iscariot kissing Jesus as a sign of betrayal.
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder that the same physical act of love and affection can be twisted and used for nefarious purposes. It reminds us to be discerning in our relationships and to cultivate genuine love that is rooted in truth and righteousness.
2 Corinthians 13:12
“Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
Similar to Romans 16:16 and 1 Peter 5:14, this verse emphasizes the importance of greeting fellow believers with a holy kiss as a symbol of unity and love.
By greeting one another with a kiss, believers are encouraged to foster an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance, and mutual affection within the body of Christ. It serves as a reminder to treat one another with grace, kindness, and respect.
Song of Solomon 8:1
“Oh, that you were like a brother to me, who nursed at my mother’s breasts! If I found you outside, I would kiss you, and no one would despise me.”
In this verse, the expression of a kiss is used as a symbol of deep emotional connection and affection. It reflects the longing for a deep and intimate relationship.
While some interpretations view this verse as a metaphorical desire for a close bond, it illustrates the power of a kiss to convey emotional love and tenderness between two individuals.
Genesis 27:26
“Then his father Isaac said to him, ‘Come near and kiss me, my son.'”
In this verse, Isaac calls his son Esau to come near and kiss him as a part of a customary blessing. It symbolizes the importance of familial affection and connection.
Kissing in this context represents a father’s love and blessing for his child. It underscores the significance of expressing love and affection within the family unit, reinforcing the bond between parent and child.
Proverbs 7:13
“She took hold of him and kissed him, and with a brazen face, she said:”
This verse depicts a seductive woman who uses a kiss to lure a man into sin. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the power of temptation and the importance of guarding our hearts and actions.
While a kiss itself is not inherently sinful, this verse highlights the potential for manipulation and deceit that can be associated with physical displays of affection. It encourages us to exercise discernment and wisdom in our relationships, staying vigilant against temptation.
Acts 20:37
“They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him.”
This verse portrays a poignant scene where the apostle Paul bids farewell to his companions. The act of embracing and kissing reflects their deep affection and sadness over parting.
Kissing in this context symbolizes the expression of love, care, and friendship. It emphasizes the depth of emotional connection and the significance of meaningful relationships.
Exodus 18:7
“So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and then went into the tent.”
In this verse, Moses greets his father-in-law Jethro with a kiss as an act of respect and honor. It demonstrates the cultural significance of kissing as a formalized greeting in some contexts.
Kissing in this instance signifies a sign of deference and reverence to an elder or authority figure. It underscores the importance of showing respect and honor to those in positions of authority or wisdom.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
In this verse, the contrast between genuine affection and false displays of affection is highlighted. It warns against flattery and deceit masked as affection.
Kissing, when insincere and employed for manipulative purposes, can be a tool used by those with malicious intentions. This verse underscores the value of true friendship, where honest feedback and constructive criticism can be trusted.
Matthew 26:49
“Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him.”
Here, Judas uses a deceptive kiss to identify Jesus to the religious authorities who sought to apprehend Him. It symbolizes betrayal and dishonesty.
This verse serves as a reminder of the potential misuse of affectionate actions. It highlights the importance of authenticity, integrity, and loyalty in our relationships.
Job 31:27
“so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage.”
In this verse, Job speaks metaphorically about idolatry, comparing it to offering a kiss of homage to false gods. It emphasizes the danger of misplaced devotion and worship.
Kissing in this context represents an act of reverence and submission. The verse serves as a warning against placing anything or anyone above God, reminding us to worship Him alone.
1 Thessalonians 5:26
“Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.”
Similar to previous verses, this verse encourages believers to greet one another with a holy kiss. It promotes unity, love, and mutual respect within the community of believers.
Kissing, in this case, signifies the expression of holy affection and godly love between fellow believers. It encourages us to create an inclusive and welcoming environment among our brothers and sisters in faith.
Luke 15:20
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
This verse portrays the powerful image of the prodigal son receiving forgiveness and acceptance from his father. The act of kissing signifies the embrace of love and reconciliation.
Kissing, in this narrative, represents the restoration of a broken relationship and the expression of unconditional love. It serves as a reminder of God’s grace and compassion towards those who repent and turn back to Him.
Genesis 33:4
“But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.”
In this verse, Jacob and Esau, after a long estrangement, are reunited with a heartfelt embrace and a kiss. This act symbolizes the restoration of their brotherly bond.
Kissing in this context signifies forgiveness, reconciliation, and the healing of broken relationships. It highlights the power of love and the restoration that can come through genuine reconciliation.
2 Samuel 14:33
“So Joab went to the king and told him this. Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed down with his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed Absalom.”
In this verse, King David kisses his son Absalom as a gesture of reconciliation, after their strained relationship and Absalom’s acts of rebellion.
Kissing in this context signifies the restoration of trust, forgiveness, and the healing of familial bonds. It underscores the significance of grace and forgiveness in rebuilding broken relationships.
Luke 22:47-48
“While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?'”
In this passage, Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, illustrating the concept of a hypocritical or insincere display of affection that masks evil intentions.
Kissing, when used as a guise for deceit and betrayal, serves as a warning against the deceptive nature of outward expressions of love. It reminds us to examine the motives behind our actions and to ensure our affections align with godly principles.
Acts 20:9
“Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.”
While this verse doesn’t mention kissing directly, it tells the story of Eutychus falling out of a window due to drowsiness during Paul’s sermon. This event underscores the importance of attentiveness and focus when engaging with spiritual teachings.
Although not directly related to kissing, this verse reminds us of the need to be alert and attentive during times of spiritual instruction or worship. It encourages us to embrace opportunities for growth and learning within our faith journeys.
Matthew 28:9
“Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.”
While not specifically mentioning a kiss, this verse highlights the disciples’ response to seeing Jesus after His resurrection. They approach Him, clasp His feet, and possibly express their love and devotion through physical actions.
This verse reminds us of the deep love and reverence we should have for Jesus Christ. While it does not explicitly mention a kiss, the disciples’ actions reflect their desire to express affection and honor to the risen Savior.