Kiss

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(Gen. 27:26)—a gesture of affection, kinship, respect, greeting, or homage. Samuel kissed Saul after anointing him king (1 Sam. 10:1), and early Christians greeted one another with a holy kiss (Rom. 16:16). The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet kissed them in reverence and love (Luke 7:38). The same outward gesture can be corrupted: Judas used a kiss to identify and betray Jesus in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:48-49). Scripture therefore judges the truth or falsehood expressed through the sign, not the physical gesture alone.

Scripture cited

Genesis 27:26 1 Kingdoms 10:1 Romans 16:16 Luke 7:38 Matthew 26:48

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