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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJames Hastings Dictionary of the Bible: Kiss
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KISS (Heb. nĕîqah, Gr. Philçma).—Kissing is a mark of affection between parents and children (Gen_27:26 f., Rth_1:9, 1Ki_19:20 etc.), members of a family, or near connexions (Gen_29:13; Gen_45:15), and equals in rank (2Sa_20:9, Act_20:37). Guests are received with a kiss (Luk_7:45). A kiss from a superior marks condescension (2Sa_15:5; 2Sa_19:39). These kisses may he on the lips, but are usually on the cheek or neck. The kiss was a token of love (Son_1:2; Son_8:1), of homage and submission (Gen_41:40, Job_31:27, Psa_2:12), and was also an act of idolatrous worship (1Ki_19:18, Hos_13:2). The Moslems kiss the black stone at Mecca. Juniors and inferiors kiss the hands of seniors and superiors. A wife kisses the hand or beard of her husband. The hand, garments, even the feet of one appealed to may he kissed. Prohably Judas presumed to salute with the kiss of an equal (Mat_26:49 etc.). A kiss on the hand would have been natural. The ‘holy kiss,’ or ‘kiss of love’ (1Co_16:20, 1Pe_5:14), marked the tie that united Christians in a holy brotherhood.
W. Ewing.