καταφιλέω (kataphileō)
kataphileō
to kiss
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kataphileō describes a kiss that is fervent and affectionate, often implying intensity or repetition. In the New Testament, it appears six times, primarily in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as well as once in Acts. The word conveys more than a casual greeting; it signals deep personal emotion, whether that be betrayal disguised as intimacy or genuine, tearful reunion.
Its usage highlights dramatic contrasts in human relationships. Judas uses this affectionate gesture to identify Jesus for arrest in Matthew 26:49 and Mark 14:45, turning a sign of love into an instrument of treachery. Conversely, the prodigal father kisses his returning son repeatedly in Luke 15:20, demonstrating overwhelming joy and forgiveness. Similarly, Mary wipes Jesus’ feet with her tears and kisses them in Luke 7:38, while Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders with many tears and embraces in Acts 20:37.
Etymologically, the prefix kata- intensifies the base verb for kissing, suggesting an action done thoroughly or downward upon someone. This linguistic weight underscores the physical closeness involved. Translators typically render it simply as "kiss," but the context always reveals a passion that goes beyond social convention, marking moments of critical emotional significance in the biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kataphileō captures a kiss that is far more than a polite greeting. It describes an intense, affectionate embrace, often repeated, that reveals the true state of the heart. In Scripture, this gesture marks moments of critical emotional significance, whether in betrayal or in profound forgiveness.
Consider the prodigal son’s return in Luke 15:20. His father did not wait for a formal apology; he ran to his son and kissed him. This act showed that grace precedes perfection. It reminds us that God’s welcome is immediate and overwhelming, not conditional on our performance.
Yet this same word appears when Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss in Matthew 26:49. The contrast is stark. A gesture of love can become a tool for treachery if the heart is not aligned with truth. This duality invites us to examine our own relationships, ensuring that our outward affection matches our inner commitment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he kissed2×
- was kissing1×
- they were kissing1×
- kissing1×
- kissed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατεφίλησεν3×
- κατεφίλουν1×
- κατεφίλει1×
- καταφιλοῦσά1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 15:20
“He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him.
This verse highlights the father’s immediate compassion and forgiveness, using the kiss to seal reconciliation before any words of repentance are spoken.
-
Matthew 26:49
Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Here the kiss serves as a prearranged signal for arrest, illustrating how a sign of intimacy can be weaponized by betrayal.
-
Luke 7:38
Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
The woman’s repeated kisses on Jesus’ feet demonstrate deep humility and gratitude, contrasting sharply with the host’s lack of courtesy.