### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **aspasmós**, represented by `{{G783}}`, means a **greeting** or **salutation**. It appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses** in the New Testament. The term is derived from ἀσπάζομαι and is used to describe a greeting offered either in person or through written correspondence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the gospels, `{{G783}}` is used in two primary contexts. First, it signifies a powerful, personal greeting, such as the **salutation** of Mary to Elisabeth, which caused the babe to leap in her womb ([[Luke 1:41]], [[Luke 1:44]]). Mary herself was troubled by the angel's **salutation**, indicating that such greetings could carry profound weight [[Luke 1:29]]. Second, it is used in rebukes against the scribes and Pharisees who sought public honor through **greetings** in the markets ([[Matthew 23:7]], [[Mark 12:38]], [[Luke 20:46]]). In the epistles, Paul uses the word to provide a personal closing, authenticating his letters with a **salutation** written by his own hand ([[1 Corinthians 16:21]], [[Colossians 4:18]], [[2 Thessalonians 3:17]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and motive behind a **salutation**:
* `{{G5368}}` **philéō** (to be a friend to, have affection for): This word describes the motive of the hypocrites who **love** to pray publicly [[Matthew 6:5]] and the scribes who **love** greetings in the markets [[Luke 20:46]], indicating a desire for public affection and esteem.
* `{{G58}}` **agorá** (market-place, street): This term specifies the public location where religious leaders desired to receive greetings, highlighting their wish for open recognition ([[Matthew 23:7]], [[Mark 12:38]], [[Luke 11:43]]).
* `{{G5495}}` **cheír** (hand): This word is directly linked to the authenticity of a written salutation. Paul emphasizes that his greeting is "with mine own **hand**," making it a personal and verifiable sign ([[1 Corinthians 16:21]], [[2 Thessalonians 3:17]]).
* `{{G4410}}` **prōtokathedría** (chief seat): Often mentioned alongside the desire for greetings, this word denotes a sitting first or preeminence. The desire for both greetings and the **highest seats** in synagogues revealed a craving for status ([[Luke 11:43]], [[Luke 20:46]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G783}}` is revealed in how it is used.
* **Authenticity and Authority:** Paul's handwritten **salutation** served as a "token in every epistle," a personal signature to confirm the letter's origin and protect against forgeries [[2 Thessalonians 3:17]]. It was a mark of apostolic authority.
* **A Warning Against Pride:** The repeated condemnation of those who love greetings in public places serves as a stark warning. The issue was not the greeting itself, but the heart's desire for public honor and recognition from men rather than from God ([[Luke 11:43]], [[Matthew 23:7]]).
* **A Conduit of Spiritual Blessing:** A **salutation** is shown to be more than a social custom. Mary's greeting to Elisabeth was a moment of divine significance, prompting a reaction from John the Baptist in the womb and filling Elisabeth with the Holy Ghost [[Luke 1:41]]. This demonstrates that a greeting can be a vehicle for blessing.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G783}}` is a term that carries significant meaning beyond a simple "hello." It functions as a formal mark of authentication in written letters, a focus of temptation for those seeking public praise, and a powerful, spiritually charged interaction between individuals. Whether written by hand or spoken aloud, a **salutation** in scripture often reveals the character and motives of the one giving it.
TRV