1 Corinthians 16:20

KJV

All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

KJV (with Strong's)

All {G3956} the brethren {G80} greet {G782} you {G5209}. Greet ye {G782} one another {G240} with {G1722} an holy {G40} kiss {G5370}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the brothers send you their greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Berean Standard Bible

All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

American Standard Version

All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 16:20 concludes Paul's letter with a powerful exhortation for the Corinthian believers to extend a mutual greeting of profound spiritual significance. This instruction, "All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss," underscores the vital importance of sincere, pure, and unifying fellowship within the early Christian community, serving as a tangible expression of their shared identity and sanctified relationship in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the concluding remarks of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, found in chapter 16. Following extensive theological instruction, ethical correction, and practical guidance regarding various issues within the Corinthian church (e.g., divisions, immorality, spiritual gifts, resurrection), Paul shifts to personal greetings, travel plans, and final exhortations. These closing verses (1 Corinthians 16:19-24) serve to reinforce the themes of unity, love, and mutual respect that have permeated the entire letter. The command for a "holy kiss" acts as a practical, relational capstone, demonstrating how the theological truths Paul has expounded should translate into genuine, sanctified interaction among believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Greco-Roman world, various forms of kissing were common social customs, signifying respect, affection, and familial bonds. The specific form and meaning of a kiss varied depending on the relationship and context. Among Jewish communities, a kiss was a traditional greeting between relatives and close friends. Early Christians, emerging from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds, adopted and adapted this custom. For them, it became a distinctive mark of their new spiritual family. The addition of the adjective "holy" (Greek: _hagios_) by Paul was crucial. It transformed a common social practice into a sacred, distinctively Christian act, emphasizing purity of motive, genuine spiritual affection, and the sanctified nature of their fellowship, distinguishing it from any potentially inappropriate or merely perfunctory secular greetings.
* **Key Themes:** First Corinthians 16:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes evident throughout Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Christian unity and fellowship**, which Paul champions in passages like [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Call for Unity") and [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"), where he emphasizes the church as one body in Christ. The "holy kiss" is a tangible expression of this unity, transcending social distinctions that often plagued the Corinthian church. It also speaks to **sanctification and purity**, a recurring theme as Paul calls the believers to live lives set apart for God (e.g., [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit")). The "holy" aspect of the kiss ensures that even common social interactions are brought under the lordship of Christ and marked by spiritual integrity. Finally, it highlights **brotherly love (philadelphia)**, a foundational Christian virtue that Paul consistently promotes, as seen in his renowned chapter on love, [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love"). This greeting is an active demonstration of genuine affection and mutual respect among those who share a common faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **greet (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** From a particle of union and a presumed form of "to draw," this verb means "to enfold in the arms," and by implication, "to salute" or "to welcome." It conveys a sense of embrace and warm reception, indicating a genuine, heartfelt welcome rather than a mere formal acknowledgment. The use of this word twice in the verse emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the greeting.
* **holy (Greek, _hágios'_):** Derived from a root meaning "an awful thing," this adjective signifies something "sacred," "physically pure," "morally blameless or religious," or "ceremonially consecrated." When applied to the kiss, it elevates the physical act to a spiritual plane, demanding that the greeting be pure in motive, free from hypocrisy or impropriety, and reflective of the sanctified status of believers in Christ.
* **kiss (Greek, _phílēma'_):** This noun directly means "a kiss." Its connection to the verb _phileō_ (to love, to be fond of) suggests an act of affection and friendship. In this context, it refers to a specific form of physical greeting that was culturally understood to convey closeness and respect.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the brethren greet you."**: This opening clause establishes a collective expression of Christian fellowship. "All the brethren" (Greek: _pâs ho adelphós_) indicates a comprehensive greeting from the entire Christian community where Paul is writing from (likely Ephesus at this time). This emphasizes the solidarity and unity of the broader church, extending a warm welcome to the Corinthian believers. It sets the stage for a reciprocal action, demonstrating that the Corinthian church is part of a larger, interconnected family of faith.
* **"Greet ye one another with an holy kiss."**: This is Paul's direct command or exhortation to the Corinthian believers. "Greet ye one another" (Greek: _aspázomai allḗlōn_) stresses mutuality and reciprocity; it is not a one-sided action but a shared practice among all members of the community. The crucial addition of "with an holy kiss" (Greek: _en hágios philḗma_) specifies the manner and character of this greeting. The preposition "with" (_en_) indicates the means or instrument, implying that the kiss is the vehicle for expressing this holy affection. The adjective "holy" transforms a common cultural practice into a spiritually significant act, demanding purity of intention, sincerity of affection, and recognition of the sacred bond shared by those who are in Christ. It is a physical manifestation of spiritual unity and sanctified love.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. Primarily, there is **Exhortation**, as Paul issues a direct command ("Greet ye one another") to the Corinthian church, urging them to practice a specific form of communal interaction. This is typical of his pastoral epistles where he moves from theological instruction to practical application. The phrase "holy kiss" itself functions as **Symbolism**. While a literal physical act, it symbolizes profound spiritual realities: the purity of Christian love, the unity of the body of Christ, and the sanctification of believers' relationships. It is not merely a social custom but a sign of their distinct identity in Christ. Furthermore, there is an element of **Cultural Adaptation and Transformation**, where Paul takes a common ancient greeting custom and imbues it with new, distinctively Christian meaning by adding the qualifier "holy." This transforms a secular practice into a sacred ritual, reflecting the pervasive influence of Christ's holiness on all aspects of a believer's life and communal interactions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The instruction to "greet one another with an holy kiss" is far more than a quaint historical custom; it encapsulates profound theological truths about the nature of the Christian community. It speaks to the intrinsic value of genuine, sanctified fellowship, where believers are called to express sincere affection and respect for one another, free from pretense or impurity. This practice underscores the reality that the church is not merely a collection of individuals but a spiritual family, bound by the Holy Spirit and united in Christ. The "holiness" of the kiss signifies that all interactions within the body of Christ should reflect God's character and the sanctifying work of His Spirit, fostering an environment of purity, trust, and authentic love. This mutual greeting serves as a visible affirmation of their shared identity as saints, set apart for God's purposes, and called to live in harmony and mutual edification.

* [Romans 16:16](/romans/16-16 "Romans 16:16 - The Holy Kiss")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:26](/1_thessalonians/5-26 "1 Thessalonians 5:26 - The Holy Kiss")
* [1 Peter 5:14](/1_peter/5-14 "1 Peter 5:14 - The Kiss of Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific cultural expression of a "holy kiss" may vary across different times and places, the timeless principles embedded in 1 Corinthians 16:20 remain profoundly relevant for Christian fellowship today. This verse challenges believers to cultivate a church culture marked by genuine warmth, sincere affection, and profound respect for one another. It calls us to move beyond superficial greetings to interactions that truly reflect the purity and unity of the Spirit. Our greetings, whether a handshake, a hug, or a word of welcome, should be infused with Christ-like love, free from hypocrisy, prejudice, or any form of impropriety. This means actively seeking to build up, encourage, and affirm fellow believers, recognizing them as beloved members of God's family. It's an invitation to intentionality in our fellowship, ensuring that our communal life is a vibrant testimony to the sanctifying power of the Gospel and the unifying love of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do my greetings to fellow believers reflect genuine "holiness" and sincerity, rather than mere formality?**
* **How can my interactions within the church community better demonstrate the unity and pure affection that Paul calls for?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster a more authentic, loving, and sanctified fellowship in my local church, even if a literal "holy kiss" is not culturally practiced?**
* **How does the concept of a "holy kiss" challenge me to examine the purity of my motives and intentions in all my relationships within the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Is the "holy kiss" a literal command for all Christians today?**

Answer: While the "holy kiss" was a literal cultural practice in the ancient world, the command in [1 Corinthians 16:20](/1_corinthians/16-20 "1 Corinthians 16:20 - Greet with a Holy Kiss") and similar passages ([Romans 16:16](/romans/16-16 "Romans 16:16 - Greet with a Holy Kiss"), [1 Thessalonians 5:26](/1_thessalonians/5-26 "1 Thessalonians 5:26 - Greet with a Holy Kiss"), [1 Peter 5:14](/1_peter/5-14 "1 Peter 5:14 - Greet with a Kiss of Love")) conveys a principle that transcends its specific cultural expression. The emphasis is on the "holy" aspect—meaning pure, sincere, and sanctified affection among believers. In cultures where a kiss is not a customary greeting, or where it might be misunderstood or lead to impropriety, the underlying principle is to express genuine, pure, and unifying Christian love through culturally appropriate means, such as a warm handshake, a hug, or a heartfelt word of welcome. The core message is to cultivate deep, authentic, and holy fellowship.

**What does "holy" mean in the context of the "holy kiss"?**

Answer: The term "holy" (Greek: _hagios_) in this context signifies that the greeting is to be set apart, pure, and consecrated to God. It means the kiss (or any form of Christian greeting) should be:
* **Pure in motive:** Free from any carnal, deceitful, or hypocritical intentions.
* **Genuine in affection:** Expressing sincere love, respect, and acceptance for fellow believers as brothers and sisters in Christ.
* **Reflective of sanctification:** A demonstration that even social interactions within the Christian community are brought under the lordship of Christ and are part of the believers' call to live lives set apart for God's glory. It distinguishes Christian fellowship from secular greetings, emphasizing the sacred bond shared by those in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The exhortation to "greet one another with an holy kiss" finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of holiness and the source of all sanctification, through whom believers are made "holy and blameless before him in love" ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ")). Christ's life demonstrated perfect love and purity in all His interactions, from embracing children to sharing meals with outcasts, always extending a genuine welcome that transformed lives. His sacrificial death on the cross not only atoned for sin but also broke down the dividing walls of hostility, creating one new humanity united in Him ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Therefore, the "holy kiss" is a tangible expression of the new community forged by Christ's redemptive work—a community characterized by the very love that Christ exemplified and commanded His followers to practice ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")). It is a visible manifestation of the Spirit's work in uniting diverse individuals into one body, reflecting the pure, self-giving love of the One who first loved us and made us holy through His blood ([Revelation 1:5-6](/revelation/1-5-6 "Revelation 1:5-6 - To Him Who Loves Us")). Thus, every "holy greeting" among believers is a small, yet profound, echo of Christ's unifying love and His ongoing work of sanctification within His church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 16:16

Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

1 Thessalonians 5:26

Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

1 Peter 5:14

Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Philemon 1:23

There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

Philemon 1:24

Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

2 Corinthians 13:12

Greet one another with an holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:13

All the saints salute you.