1 Thessalonians 5:26

KJV

Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

KJV (with Strong's)

Greet {G782} all {G3956} the brethren {G80} with {G1722} an holy {G40} kiss {G5370}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

Berean Standard Bible

Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

American Standard Version

Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul's concise command in 1 Thessalonians 5:26 instructs believers to "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss," serving as a concluding practical exhortation that underscores the profound importance of Christian fellowship, unity, and pure affection within the early church community. This directive, while culturally specific to its time, encapsulates timeless principles of brotherly love, mutual respect, and the sanctified nature of relationships among those who share faith in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the conclusion of Paul's first epistle to the Thessalonians, following a series of comprehensive practical instructions and exhortations that begin in [1 Thessalonians 4:1](/1_thessalonians/4-1 "1 Thessalonians 4:1 - Live to Please God"). Chapters 4 and 5 shift from theological teaching to ethical living, covering topics such as sexual purity, brotherly love, living a quiet life, the coming of the Lord, and various spiritual duties within the community. Specifically, [1 Thessalonians 5](/1_thessalonians/5 "1 Thessalonians 5 - Living in Light of the Lord's Coming") includes admonitions regarding vigilance for the Lord's return, respecting leaders, encouraging the faint-hearted, helping the weak, being patient with everyone, and always pursuing good. The command to "greet all the brethren with an holy kiss" is part of Paul's final, rapid-fire directives, appearing just before his concluding benediction and personal remarks, emphasizing a tangible expression of the unity and love he has been urging throughout the letter. It serves as a practical, relational capstone to his ethical instructions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Greco-Roman world, a kiss was a common and versatile form of greeting, signifying various relationships from familial bonds to social respect, and was not exclusively romantic. Among Jews, it was a customary greeting between relatives and close friends, often on the cheek or hand. Early Christians adopted this practice, imbuing it with distinct spiritual meaning. The addition of the adjective "holy" (Greek: _hagios_) was crucial, distinguishing this Christian greeting from ordinary social customs. It underscored that this embrace was an expression of pure, consecrated love and unity within the community of believers, free from any worldly or impure connotations. This "kiss of peace" or "kiss of charity" became a distinctive mark of Christian identity and fellowship, practiced in gatherings and often preceding the Eucharist, symbolizing the reconciliation and unity of believers in Christ before partaking in the Lord's Supper.
* **Key Themes:** The command to "greet all the brethren with an holy kiss" contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Thessalonians and Pauline theology. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **Christian Unity and Fellowship**, emphasizing the active and tangible expression of belonging within the body of Christ, as seen in the call to "encourage one another and build one another up" in [1 Thessalonians 5:11](/1_thessalonians/5-11 "1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Mutual Encouragement"). It also highlights **Brotherly Love (Philadelphia)**, a central tenet of Christian ethics, where believers are called to genuine affection and care for one another, a theme Paul introduces earlier in [1 Thessalonians 4:9-10](/1_thessalonians/4-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 - Love for One Another"). The inclusion of "holy" underscores the theme of **Sanctification and Purity**, reminding believers that their relationships, like their lives, are to be set apart for God and reflect His holiness, a concept foundational to the entire epistle, particularly in [1 Thessalonians 4:3-7](/1_thessalonians/4-3-7 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 - God's Will for Sanctification"). Finally, the instruction to greet "all" the brethren speaks to **Inclusivity**, emphasizing that this expression of fellowship should extend universally to every member of the community, regardless of status or background, fostering a truly egalitarian and accepting environment within the church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Greet (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** This verb, derived from a particle of union and a presumed form meaning "to draw," literally means "to enfold in the arms." By implication, it means "to salute" or "to welcome." In this context, it signifies a warm, personal, and embracing welcome, more than a mere acknowledgement. It suggests a genuine, heartfelt reception of another person into one's presence and fellowship.
* **holy (Greek, _hágios'_):** This adjective, meaning "sacred," "pure," "morally blameless," or "ceremonially consecrated," is crucial. It transforms a common social custom into an act imbued with spiritual significance. It indicates that the kiss is not just a polite gesture but one that is set apart for God, reflecting the sanctified nature of the Christian community and its relationships, free from any impurity or worldly connotation.
* **kiss (Greek, _phílēma'_):** This noun simply means "a kiss." While the word itself is straightforward, its meaning is profoundly shaped by the preceding adjective "holy." It refers to the physical act of kissing, which in the ancient world was a common form of greeting among close associates. When combined with "holy," it designates a specific, consecrated form of this greeting within the Christian community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Greet all the brethren":** This is an imperative command, indicating a direct instruction from Paul. The verb "greet" (aspázomai) implies a warm, embracing welcome, not just a casual nod. The inclusion of "all" (pas) is significant, emphasizing the universal nature of this command within the Christian community; no one is to be excluded. "The brethren" (adelphos) refers to fellow believers, highlighting the familial bond shared by those in Christ. This clause establishes the recipients and the nature of the required interaction: a comprehensive, inclusive welcome to every member of the spiritual family.
* **"with an holy kiss":** This specifies the manner or instrument of the greeting. The preposition "with" (en) here denotes the means by which the greeting is to be performed. The "kiss" (phílēma) itself is the physical act, but it is qualified by "holy" (hágios). This adjective elevates the act from a mere social custom to a sacred expression. It denotes purity, sanctity, and a spiritual purpose, ensuring that the physical expression of affection is understood within a consecrated framework, reflecting the set-apart nature of the church and its relationships.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Thessalonians 5:26](/1_thessalonians/5-26 "1 Thessalonians 5:26 - Greet with a Holy Kiss") is **Imperative Mood**, as Paul issues a direct command ("Greet"). This highlights the authoritative nature of his instruction and the expectation for immediate obedience from the Thessalonian believers. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is central to the verse. The "holy kiss" is not merely a physical act but a potent symbol of Christian unity, brotherly love, and the purity of fellowship. It outwardly manifests an inward spiritual reality, representing the deep, sanctified bond shared by those in Christ. The adjective "holy" functions as a **Modifier**, transforming the common noun "kiss" into a distinctively Christian practice, emphasizing its consecrated nature and distinguishing it from secular greetings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to "greet all the brethren with an holy kiss" transcends a mere social custom, serving as a profound theological statement about the nature of the Christian community. It underscores the reality that believers are not merely individuals who share a common belief, but members of a new spiritual family, united by their shared faith in Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This greeting, therefore, is an outward expression of an inward spiritual reality: the _koinonia_ (fellowship) that binds believers together in purity and love. It reflects the call to a sanctified life that extends to all relational interactions within the church, emphasizing that even the most basic forms of human connection are to be consecrated to God and reflect His character. It is a tangible demonstration of the new humanity forged in Christ, where distinctions are transcended by the unifying power of divine love.

* [Romans 16:16](/romans/16-16 "Romans 16:16 - Greet One Another with a Holy Kiss")
* [1 Corinthians 16:20](/1_corinthians/16-20 "1 Corinthians 16:20 - Greet One Another with a Holy Kiss")
* [1 Peter 5:14](/1_peter/5-14 "1 Peter 5:14 - Greet One Another with a Kiss of Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal practice of a "holy kiss" may not be culturally appropriate or customary in all contemporary societies, the enduring principle embedded in [1 Thessalonians 5:26](/1_thessalonians/5-26 "1 Thessalonians 5:26 - Greet with a Holy Kiss") remains profoundly relevant for believers today. The verse calls us to cultivate and express genuine, pure, and inclusive affection for one another within the body of Christ. This means actively seeking to acknowledge, affirm, and welcome every member of our spiritual family, ensuring that no one feels overlooked, isolated, or unloved. In modern contexts, this might manifest as a warm, sincere handshake, a genuine hug, a welcoming smile, a thoughtful word of encouragement, or any culturally appropriate gesture that conveys Christian love, unity, and acceptance. The spirit of this command encourages us to be intentional in building strong, loving, and holy relationships, reflecting the very love of God to each other and, by extension, to a watching world that desperately needs to see authentic community. It challenges us to move beyond superficial interactions to foster deep, Christ-centered bonds that honor God and strengthen the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively "greet all the brethren" in my local church community, ensuring that no one feels excluded or unloved?**
* **How can my expressions of affection and welcome within the church reflect a "holy" (pure, set-apart) love that honors Christ?**
* **What cultural expressions of greeting in my context can best embody the principles of unity, purity, and brotherly love found in this verse?**
* **How does the emphasis on "all" the brethren challenge me to extend my welcome beyond my immediate circle of friends within the church?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: While [1 Thessalonians 5:26](/1_thessalonians/5-26 "1 Thessalonians 5:26 - Greet with a Holy Kiss") and similar verses in other epistles ([Romans 16:16](/romans/16-16 "Romans 16:16 - Greet One Another with a Holy Kiss"), [1 Corinthians 16:20](/1_corinthians/16-20 "1 Corinthians 16:20 - Greet One Another with a Holy Kiss"), [2 Corinthians 13:12](/2_corinthians/13-12 "2 Corinthians 13:12 - Greet One Another with a Holy Kiss"), [1 Peter 5:14](/1_peter/5-14 "1 Peter 5:14 - Greet One Another with a Kiss of Love")) describe a literal practice in the early church, the emphasis is on the underlying principles of pure, sincere, and inclusive Christian fellowship. The "holy kiss" was a culturally specific expression of these principles. For Christians today, the command's essence is to express genuine, sanctified love and unity through culturally appropriate means. In cultures where a literal kiss between non-familial members might be misunderstood or cause discomfort, other gestures like a warm handshake, a hug, or a welcoming smile can fulfill the spirit of the command, ensuring that the love and purity of Christ are communicated effectively and without offense. The key is the "holy" nature of the greeting and the "all" inclusiveness, not necessarily the specific physical act itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The command to "greet all the brethren with an holy kiss" finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ, who is the very source and embodiment of our unity, holiness, and love. It is through Christ that we are made "brethren" in the first place, adopted into God's family ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption Through Christ")). Our ability to extend a "holy kiss"—or any pure expression of love—stems from the holiness imputed to us by Christ's sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")) and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). The unity that this greeting symbolizes points directly to Christ's prayer for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one ([John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")). Furthermore, the "love" (agape) that undergirds this holy greeting is a direct reflection of Christ's sacrificial love for us, which serves as the new commandment for His disciples ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment: Love One Another")). Thus, the "holy kiss" is not merely a social custom, but a Christ-empowered and Christ-reflecting act, testifying to the new life and new community established by His atoning work and ongoing presence.

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 Corinthians 16:20

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