1 Corinthians 16 20

1 Corinthians 16:20 kjv

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

1 Corinthians 16:20 nkjv

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

1 Corinthians 16:20 niv

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

1 Corinthians 16:20 esv

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

1 Corinthians 16:20 nlt

All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss.

1 Corinthians 16 20 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Rom 16:16Greet one another with a holy kiss.Holy kiss as greeting
1 Thess 5:26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.Mutual greeting among believers
Phil 4:21-22Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.Greetings from those in Christ
2 Cor 13:12-13All the saints send you their greetings.Universal greetings from saints
Acts 20:37-38And they all wept bitterly, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him.Expression of love and sorrow
John 13:34-35A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.Commandment to love one another
Gal 5:14For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”Love fulfills the law
1 Pet 5:14Greet each other with a kiss of love.Kiss of love
Col 1:4We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints.Love for fellow saints
1 John 4:7-8Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.Love originates from God
Heb 13:1Let brotherly love continue.Enduring brotherly love
1 John 3:16By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.Laying down life for brothers
Phil 1:27only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.Conduct worthy of the gospel
1 Cor 1:10I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected into the same mind and the same judgment.Unity and agreement
Eph 4:3Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.Unity of the Spirit
Rom 12:10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.Affectionate love
Col 3:12-14Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another... Above all, put on love, which is the bond of perfection.Attributes of Christian character
1 Thess 3:12May the Lord make your love increase and abound for one another and for all people...Love abounding towards all
1 John 2:9-11Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.Warning against hatred
Rev 3:20Behold, I stand at the door and knock.Christ knocking at the door

1 Corinthians 16 verses

1 Corinthians 16 20 Meaning

All the saints greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. This verse signifies the profound unity and fellowship within the early Christian church, characterized by mutual love and acknowledgment. It is a concluding benediction, emphasizing spiritual connection through personal greetings and the expression of love.

1 Corinthians 16 20 Context

This verse concludes the Apostle Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth. The chapter focuses on instructions for giving, Paul's travel plans, and final greetings. The Corinthian church was a complex community facing various issues, including divisions, immorality, and doctrinal disputes. Paul's letter aims to bring order, purity, and unity to the church. This specific verse serves as a final affectionate greeting and benediction from Paul and those with him to the believers in Corinth, underscoring the importance of mutual love and fellowship in Christ as a testament to their shared faith.

1 Corinthians 16 20 Word Analysis

  • Pantes (παντες): All. Emphasizes the universality of the saints who send greetings.
  • Hagioi (αγιοι): Saints. Those set apart by God for Himself, holy ones. It is not about sinlessness, but dedication to God.
  • Asapazesthe (ασπαζεσθε): Greet/Salute. A customary polite greeting.
  • Aypyylei (αλληλοις): One another. Highlights the reciprocal nature of greetings and love within the community.
  • Filimati (φιληματι): Kiss. In the ancient world, a kiss was a common and natural sign of affection and greeting among friends and family, often expressed publicly. A "holy kiss" or "kiss of love" indicates this greeting should be marked by purity and Christian love, distinct from sensual or worldly kisses. It signifies spiritual intimacy and acceptance.

1 Corinthians 16 20 Bonus Section

The practice of the "holy kiss" was common in the early church as described in the New Testament (Romans 16:16, 1 Peter 5:14, 2 Corinthians 13:12). It was a physical expression of spiritual unity and equality, especially in the context of worship. While the specific custom has largely faded in many Christian traditions, the underlying principle of expressing affectionate welcome and affirming one another’s spiritual standing remains a vital aspect of Christian community. It calls for us to find our own culturally appropriate ways to warmly and genuinely acknowledge and embrace fellow believers.

1 Corinthians 16 20 Commentary

The closing words of 1 Corinthians 16:20 powerfully reinforce the fundamental Christian ethic of love and mutual recognition. The "holy kiss" was a visible symbol of the pervasive brotherly love and unity that should characterize the body of Christ. It was a greeting of peace and fellowship, distinguishing believers from the secular world. This gesture served as a tangible expression of the spiritual bond shared by all who were "in Christ," a unity Paul tirelessly advocated for throughout his letter. It’s a call to affirm one another as beloved members of God's family, united in spirit despite any prior disagreements or imperfections.