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 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 16:16 | Greet one another with a holy kiss. | Sign of fellowship |
| 1 Cor 16:20 | All the brothers send you greetings. | Community greeting |
| 1 Thess 5:26 | Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. | Command for community |
| Acts 18:27 | Apollos was eager to visit Achaia. | Mutual encouragement |
| 1 Pet 5:14 | Greet one another with a kiss of love. | Expression of love |
| John 13:34-35 | A new commandment I give to you... | Basis of love for others |
| Gal 5:13 | By love serve one another. | Principle of service |
| Phil 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition... | Attitude for greetings |
| Col 3:13 | Bearing with one another and... | Forgiveness undergirds peace |
| 1 John 4:7-8 | Beloved, let us love one another... | Love from God |
| Eph 4:2-3 | ...showing tolerance for one another... | Unity requires forbearance |
| Matt 22:39 | You shall love your neighbor as yourself. | Love command |
| Acts 2:42 | They devoted themselves to... | Early church fellowship |
| Heb 12:14 | Strive for peace with everyone... | Pursuit of peace |
| 1 Pet 1:22 | Love one another earnestly from a pure heart | Pure love |
| 1 John 3:18 | Let us not love in word or talk but in deed | Action-oriented love |
| Acts 20:37 | They were weeping, falling on Paul's neck | Emotional farewells |
| Mark 14:45 | Jesus, approached and kissed him. | Betrayal through a kiss |
| Phil 4:10 | You have revived your thinking of me. | Remembering and appreciating |
| Phlm 1:23 | Epaphras, my fellow prisoner... | Greetings from associates |
| Rom 1:12 | That we may be mutually encouraged... | Mutual encouragement goal |
2 Corinthians 13 verses
2 Corinthians 13 12 Meaning
The verse emphasizes the importance of mutual greetings in the Christian community, specifically instructing believers to greet one another with a "holy kiss." This act signifies brotherly love, peace, and unity within the body of Christ. It is a tangible expression of affection and fellowship, rooted in the early church's practices.
2 Corinthians 13 12 Context
Second Corinthians concludes a letter that addresses pastoral concerns, reconciliations, and the apostle Paul's defense of his ministry. Chapter 13 focuses on preparing the Corinthian church for Paul's impending third visit, urging them to examine themselves and to repent. He intends to use his apostolic authority with severity if necessary, but his ultimate desire is their spiritual well-being and maturity. The instruction for mutual greetings comes as Paul is nearing the end of his letter, offering a practical demonstration of the restored unity and peace he desires for them. This verse encapsulates the loving, relational aspect of the church community Paul sought to foster.
2 Corinthians 13 12 Word Analysis
All (Pantes) - Emphasizes completeness; this applies to every believer within the church body.
the saints (hoi hagioi) - Refers to believers, set apart by God through Christ; highlights their holy calling and spiritual status.
with (en) - In, by, or with. Indicates the medium or manner of greeting.
a holy (hagia) - Sacred, pure, set apart. This adjective modifies the kiss, signifying its distinctness from worldly affections.
kiss (philemati) - From phileō, meaning "to love." In this context, it refers to a kiss of affection and greeting.
All the saints greet you. - This phrase acts as a collective endorsement from the entire community, signifying that the reconciliation and unity Paul desired are already operative among them. It's a tangible representation of their shared spiritual bond and commitment to one another.
2 Corinthians 13 12 Bonus Section
The concept of a "holy kiss" is symbolic of a deeper reality: the manifestation of God's love within the community. While the specific practice may have faded or transformed in many cultures, the principle behind it—of warm, affectionate, and pure greeting among believers—remains foundational to Christian fellowship. This affectionate greeting was intended to affirm their common identity in Christ and to embody the new covenant love commanded by Jesus (John 13:34). It was an outward sign of inward grace, a visible demonstration of their unity and mutual commitment under God.
2 Corinthians 13 12 Commentary
This closing benediction serves as a final pastoral charge to the Corinthians. The "holy kiss" was a common cultural expression of greeting and affection in the ancient Near East, particularly within religious communities. For Christians, it was to be devoid of sensual or worldly connotations, instead representing a pure, Christ-like love (agape) and a sincere desire for peace and unity (shalom). It underscored the spiritual intimacy and brotherhood they shared as believers, encouraging them to actively express this love. Paul's instruction frames relational greetings not merely as polite gestures but as significant acts of fellowship and spiritual encouragement, vital for maintaining the health and unity of the church.