2 Corinthians 13 12

2 Corinthians 13:12 kjv

Greet one another with an holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 nkjv

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 niv

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 esv

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 nlt

Greet each other with a sacred kiss.

2 Corinthians 13 verses

2 Corinthians 13 12 Meaning

This verse is a direct exhortation to the Corinthian believers to extend a greeting to one another characterized by holiness and purity, an outward expression of their inward spiritual unity and shared bond in Christ. It calls for authentic Christian fellowship free from hypocrisy, division, or carnal intent, reflecting the sacred nature of their relationship within the body of Christ.

2 Corinthians 13 12 Context

The verse appears in the closing salutations and final instructions of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. Paul has spent the preceding chapters defending his apostolic authority, lamenting the moral issues and divisions within the Corinthian church, and exhorting them to repentance and self-examination (2 Cor 12-13). Chapter 13 culminates in Paul's stern warnings, expressing his desire to visit them one last time to bring spiritual correction and restoration. Amidst these calls for self-examination, obedience, and spiritual restoration (2 Cor 13:5-10), Paul transitions to a series of final admonitions in verses 11-13, urging them to mend their ways, encourage one another, be of one mind, and live in peace (2 Cor 13:11). The command to "greet one another with a holy kiss" flows directly from this call for peace and unity, serving as a tangible symbol of the genuine, purified fellowship he desires for them as they resolve their disputes and live in concord. Historically and culturally, a kiss was a common form of greeting in the ancient Near East, used between friends, family, and sometimes by disciples towards their teachers, signifying affection, respect, or brotherhood. The specific addition of "holy" (ἁγίῳ) distinguishes this Christian practice from merely secular custom or carnal expressions.

2 Corinthians 13 12 Word analysis

• Greet (ἀσπάσασθε - aspasasthe): This is an aorist imperative verb, meaning it is a direct command. It signifies a warm salutation, a gesture of welcome, and an expression of affection. It is more than a casual "hello"; it often implies an embrace or physical interaction that acknowledges mutual respect and relationship. The plural form emphasizes that this is a collective action and responsibility for all within the community.
• one another (ἀλλήλους - allēlous): This reciprocal pronoun emphasizes mutuality. The command is not for a select few, but for every believer to actively engage in this pure greeting with every other believer. It underscores the communal and interdependent nature of the Christian fellowship.
• with a holy kiss (ἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ - en philēmati hagio):
  • Kiss (φιλήματι - philēmati): The noun philema (from phileo, "to love, have affection for") refers to a kiss, a common gesture of affection, greeting, respect, or reconciliation in ancient society. It signifies personal affection and bonding. It is distinct from eros (erotic love) or agape (unconditional divine love), emphasizing the warmth of human affection within a loving community.
  • Holy (ἁγίῳ - hagio): This adjective (dative masculine singular, modifying philēmati) is crucial. Hagios means set apart, sacred, consecrated to God, pure, or unblemished. Its application here transforms a common social custom into a uniquely Christian act. It implies that the kiss must be free from all impurity, hypocrisy, carnal lust, or worldly sentiment. It's a sign of their sanctification and a demonstration of pure, brotherly/sisterly affection appropriate for those belonging to God. The purity of their spiritual state should be reflected even in their physical interactions.
  • "with a holy kiss" (phrase): This phrase elevates a normal social practice into a spiritual observance. It's a concise summary of Christian community life—love, purity, unity, and respect for the sacredness of the relationship believers share in Christ. It's an expression that transcends social or hierarchical distinctions, uniting believers as equal members of God's holy family. It challenges any underlying tensions, factions, or insincerity that may have been present among the Corinthians, urging genuine, sanctified fellowship.

2 Corinthians 13 12 Bonus section

The "holy kiss" was widely practiced in the early church and often performed during liturgical services, sometimes preceding the Lord's Supper, signifying reconciliation and unity before communion with Christ and one another. Some historical texts suggest that men kissed men, and women kissed women, in accordance with social proprieties of the time while still maintaining brotherly/sisterly affection. Over centuries, in various cultures, the literal physical kiss transformed into other forms of chaste greeting (like handshakes or hugs), but the underlying principle—pure, sincere affection among believers—has remained a cornerstone of Christian fellowship. It's an important reminder that external forms of practice, while significant, should always be evaluated against the purity and holiness of the inward spirit they are meant to express. The command implicitly combats disunity and coldness within the church, compelling believers towards active and sincere demonstration of their shared love.

2 Corinthians 13 12 Commentary

Paul's instruction to "greet one another with a holy kiss" is more than a social custom; it's a profound ethical and spiritual command. It encapsulates the core values of early Christian community: authentic love, genuine unity, and personal holiness. This outward act served as a tangible manifestation of the inward spiritual bond shared by believers, signifying their mutual affection and acceptance in Christ, devoid of any worldly or carnal motivations. The descriptor "holy" is paramount, setting this Christian greeting apart from secular practices or any suggestion of impurity or hypocrisy. It demanded sincerity and a reflection of the sanctified status of those who were set apart for God. In a Corinthian context riddled with divisions, immorality, and challenges to authority, this greeting was a potent symbol, urging reconciliation, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect, and emphasizing their shared identity as a holy people. It underscored that their interactions, even seemingly simple ones, should be consecrated and reflect their calling as saints. This injunction continues to represent the call for believers to cultivate deep, pure, and unified fellowship, even if the specific cultural expression has evolved into other forms like a handshake or hug in many contemporary contexts. The spirit of the command—a sincere, pure expression of Christ-like love and unity—remains eternal.