### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word phílēma (`{{G5370}}`) is a noun derived from the verb phileō (`{{G5368}}`), which means "to love," "to be fond of," or "to kiss." At its most basic level, phílēma refers to a "kiss." However, its semantic range in the New Testament is significantly shaped by its consistent qualification as "holy" (hagios) or "of love" (agapē). Thus, while literally a physical act, it functions primarily as a symbol of greeting, affection, reconciliation, and, most importantly, the unique fellowship among believers. It is distinctly set apart from any romantic or profane connotations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Phílēma appears four times in the New Testament, always in the context of a greeting among believers, often referred to as the "holy kiss" or "kiss of love."
* **Romans 16:16:** "Greet one another with a holy kiss." [[Romans 16:16]] This instruction comes at the conclusion of Paul's letter, amidst a series of personal greetings and exhortations for unity. The "holy kiss" here signifies genuine affection and acceptance within the diverse community of believers in Rome.
* **1 Corinthians 16:20:** "Greet one another with a holy kiss." [[1 Corinthians 16:20]] In a letter addressing significant divisions and moral issues within the Corinthian church, this command serves as a powerful call to reconciliation and mutual affection, emphasizing the need for unity and genuine fellowship.
* **2 Corinthians 13:12:** "Greet one another with a holy kiss." [[2 Corinthians 13:12]] Again, in a context where Paul is addressing ongoing tensions and challenges in Corinth, the "holy kiss" acts as a final plea for the church members to demonstrate their unity and love for one another as a sign of their renewed commitment to Christ and each other.
* **1 Thessalonians 5:26:** "Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss." [[1 Thessalonians 5:26]] This general instruction highlights the communal nature of the early church and the expectation of mutual affection and respect among all members, reinforcing the bond of brotherhood (adelphos, `{{G80}}`).
* **1 Peter 5:14:** "Greet one another with a kiss of love." [[1 Peter 5:14]] Peter's usage of "kiss of love" (phílēma agapēs) is particularly significant. By explicitly linking the kiss to agapē (`{{G26}}`), the divine, selfless, and unconditional love, Peter elevates the meaning beyond a mere social custom. It becomes an embodiment of the Spirit-empowered love that ought to characterize believers.
In the ancient world, a kiss was a common form of greeting among family and close friends. The New Testament's addition of "holy" or "of love" transforms this social custom into a distinct Christian practice, symbolizing the unique spiritual bond and shared identity in Christ that transcended social, ethnic, and gender barriers.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **phileō (`{{G5368}}`):** The root verb for phílēma, denoting affection, friendship, and the act of kissing. The connection underscores that the "holy kiss" is an expression of genuine, brotherly love, not a perfunctory gesture.
* **agapē (`{{G26}}`):** As seen in 1 Peter 5:14, the "kiss of love" directly associates phílēma with *agape* love. This is crucial as *agape* represents God's unconditional love, suggesting that the mutual affection among believers should reflect this divine quality.
* **adelphos (`{{G80}}`):** "Brother." The recipients of the "holy kiss" are consistently referred to as "brothers," emphasizing the familial nature of the church and the bond that unites believers as children of God.
* **Unity (henōsis `{{G1775}}`, homothymadon `{{G3676}}`):** The practice of the holy kiss served as a physical manifestation of the spiritual unity that the apostles exhorted believers to maintain. It was a tangible expression of their shared identity in Christ and their commitment to living in harmony.
* **Hospitality (philoxenia `{{G5381}}`):** While not a direct synonym, the holy kiss was part of the broader pattern of Christian hospitality and welcome, especially for traveling believers, signifying their acceptance into the community.
### Theological Significance
The phílēma, particularly as the "holy kiss" or "kiss of love," holds profound theological significance for the early Christian community and beyond:
* **Symbol of Christian Fellowship:** It became a distinctive mark of early Christian community, a visible and tactile expression of the profound spiritual bond uniting believers in Christ. It transcended social status, ethnicity, and gender, demonstrating a new kind of family formed by the Holy Spirit.
* **Expression of *Agape* Love:** By explicitly linking the kiss to *agape* love, the practice was elevated from a mere social custom to an embodiment of divine, selfless love. It signified that the affection among believers was not merely human sentiment but a Spirit-empowered reflection of God's own love poured into their hearts.
* **Affirmation of Reconciliation and Unity:** In churches grappling with internal divisions, such as Corinth, the command to greet with a holy kiss served as a powerful call to reconciliation. It was a visible affirmation of their shared identity and unity in Christ, a practical outworking of the command to love one another.
* **Sacred Act:** The adjective "holy" (hagios) attached to the kiss indicates that it was set apart for a sacred purpose, reflecting the sanctity of the community and its members. It was not a casual or profane act but one imbued with spiritual meaning and reverence.
* **Anticipation of the Eschatological Community:** The unity and love expressed through such greetings foreshadowed the perfect fellowship of the redeemed in God's eternal kingdom, where all barriers will be removed and love will reign supreme.
### Summary
Phílēma (`{{G5370}}`) denotes a "kiss," but its New Testament usage, consistently qualified as "holy" or "of love," transforms it into a potent symbol of Christian fellowship and unity. Derived from phileō (`{{G5368}}`) and explicitly linked to agapē (`{{G26}}`) in 1 Peter, the phílēma served as a tangible expression of the deep, Spirit-empowered affection that ought to characterize the body of Christ. It was a sacred greeting, commanded by the apostles, affirming reconciliation, mutual respect, and the shared identity of believers as a family in God. This practice underscored the unique bond within the early church, demonstrating a love that transcended societal norms and reflected the divine love of God.
TRV