### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun nᵉshîyqâh (נְשִׁיקָה, `{{H5390}}`) is derived from the verbal root nāshaq (נָשַׁק, `{{H5401}}`), which means "to kiss" or "to touch." As a feminine noun, nᵉshîyqâh specifically refers to "a kiss." Its semantic range, while narrow in terms of direct occurrences, encompasses the primary physical act of kissing and its associated implications. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a kiss could signify:
* **Affection and Love:** Expressing familial, romantic, or platonic fondness.
* **Reconciliation:** A gesture of peace and forgiveness.
* **Homage or Submission:** Kissing the ground, a ruler's feet, or an idol as an act of veneration or subservience.
* **Farewell:** A parting gesture.
* **Approval or Delight:** A metaphorical expression of appreciation for words or actions.
In the Hebrew Bible, the noun nᵉshîyqâh is notably rare, appearing only twice, and in both instances, it conveys deep personal affection or approval.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun nᵉshîyqâh (`{{H5390}}`) appears in two distinct contexts within the Masoretic Text, each highlighting a different facet of its meaning:
1. **[[Song of Solomon 1:2]]**: "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine."
* Here, nᵉshîyqâh (in its plural form, נְשִׁיקוֹת, "kisses") is employed in a highly intimate and passionate context. It expresses the intense longing and desire of the beloved for physical and emotional union with her lover. This verse sets the tone for the entire book, which celebrates the beauty and intensity of romantic love and physical intimacy between a man and a woman. The multiplicity implied by the plural "kisses" suggests an abundance and fervor of affection.
2. **[[Proverbs 24:26]]**: "He who gives a right answer kisses the lips."
* In this proverbial context, nᵉshîyqâh is used metaphorically. The "kissing of the lips" signifies approval, affirmation, or delight in a wise, truthful, and appropriate response. It suggests that a well-reasoned and honest answer is as pleasing and welcome as a kiss, earning favor and respect. This proverb underscores the value of discerning speech and the positive reception it garners.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root from which nᵉshîyqâh is derived:
* **nāshaq (נָשַׁק, `{{H5401}}`)**: This verb, meaning "to kiss," is far more common in the Hebrew Bible and encompasses a broader range of applications than the noun. Examples include:
* **Affection and Reconciliation:** Jacob kissing Esau upon their reunion ([[Genesis 33:4]]), Joseph kissing his brothers ([[Genesis 45:15]]), David kissing Absalom ([[2 Samuel 14:33]]).
* **Farewell:** Naomi kissing her daughters-in-law ([[Ruth 1:9]]).
* **Homage and Submission:** Samuel kissing Saul upon anointing him ([[1 Samuel 10:1]]), the command to "kiss the Son" in [[Psalm 2:12]] (often interpreted as an act of homage to the Messiah).
* **Idolatry:** Kissing calves or idols as an act of worship ([[1 Kings 19:18]], [[Hosea 13:2]]).
Other related concepts include:
* **ahavah (אַהֲבָה, `{{H160}}`)**: The general term for "love," encompassing various forms of affection.
* **dodim (דּוֹדִים, `{{H1730}}`)**: Often translated as "loves" or "caresses," particularly prominent in the Song of Solomon, referring to intimate expressions of affection.
* **chesed (חֶסֶד, `{{H2617}}`)**: "Steadfast love" or "loyal kindness," describing a deeper, covenantal bond.
The act of kissing is a form of physical touch and intimacy, connecting nᵉshîyqâh to the broader biblical understanding of human relationships and expressions of affection.
### Theological Significance
Though infrequent, the occurrences of nᵉshîyqâh offer valuable theological insights:
1. **Affirmation of Human Intimacy:** The use of nᵉshîyqâh in the Song of Solomon provides a divine endorsement of passionate, physical love within the context of a committed relationship. It portrays human desire and intimacy as a beautiful and sacred aspect of God's creation, reflecting the Creator's design for relational flourishing. This challenges any ascetic or Gnostic tendencies that might devalue physical affection.
2. **Value of Wisdom and Truthful Speech:** The metaphorical "kiss" in Proverbs highlights the profound value placed on wisdom, discernment, and truthful communication within the biblical framework. It suggests that words spoken with integrity and insight are pleasing not only to fellow humans but also, implicitly, to God, who is the source of all wisdom. This reinforces the ethical dimension of speech and its capacity to build up or tear down.
3. **Symbolic Depth of Human Action:** While nᵉshîyqâh itself is concrete, the broader act of kissing (as seen with the verb nāshaq) carries significant symbolic weight in Scripture, representing concepts from deep affection and reconciliation to homage and even betrayal. The specific choice of nᵉshîyqâh in these two verses emphasizes the personal, affective, and appreciative aspects of the kiss, rather than its more formal or ritualistic dimensions.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun nᵉshîyqâh (נְשִׁיקָה, `{{H5390}}`) precisely denotes "a kiss," derived from the verb nāshaq (`{{H5401}}`). Its rare appearances in the Hebrew Bible are highly impactful. In [[Song of Solomon 1:2]], it powerfully expresses the passionate and intimate longing between lovers, affirming the beauty and sanctity of physical affection within a marital bond. In [[Proverbs 24:26]], it functions metaphorically, symbolizing the profound approval and delight that accompanies a wise and truthful response. Consequently, nᵉshîyqâh underscores the biblical affirmation of human intimacy, the high value placed on discerning and truthful speech, and the rich symbolic potential inherent in human actions. It points to a divine perspective that embraces both the depth of human affection and the pursuit of wisdom.
TRV