נְשִׁיקָה (ne.shi.qah)
ne.shi.qah
kiss
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun nešiqah simply means a kiss. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, yet each instance carries significant emotional weight. In Proverbs 27:5, it is part of a proverb contrasting open rebuke with hidden love, suggesting that honest correction from a friend is more valuable than deceptive affection.
The second occurrence is in Song of Solomon 1:2, where the speaker desires the kisses of a beloved. Here the word signifies intimate affection and romantic closeness rather than a formal greeting. The rarity of the term highlights its specific function as a marker of deep personal relationship, whether in the context of wise counsel or passionate love.
Translators consistently render nešiqah as "kiss," preserving the direct physical nature of the act. Its limited usage allows readers to focus on the relational dynamics at play: the tension between truth and flattery in Proverbs, and the longing for union in Song of Solomon.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nešiqah, meaning a simple kiss, appears only twice in the Old Testament. In Proverbs 27:6, it is paired with the wounds of a friend to show that honest correction is more valuable than the profuse kisses of an enemy. This reminds us that true care often involves difficult truths rather than just pleasant words.
In Song of Solomon 1:2, the same word expresses deep romantic longing. Here, a kiss represents intimate affection and closeness between lovers. Both uses highlight how physical gestures can carry heavy emotional weight, whether in friendship or marriage. We are invited to value relationships that are built on genuine connection and truth.
This rarity helps us see that not every gesture is equal. Some acts of affection mask hidden agendas, while others reveal a heart committed to the other person. It encourages us to seek friendships where honesty prevails over flattery, and love that is both tender and real.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ [the] kisses of1×
- [the] kisses of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְשִׁיק֥וֹת1×
- מִ/נְּשִׁיק֣וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 27:6
The wounds of a friend are faithful, although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
The word contrasts the deceptive abundance of an enemy's kisses with the faithful, though painful, correction of a true friend.
-
Song of Solomon 1:2
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth; for your love is better than wine.
The speaker uses this term to express a deep desire for intimate romantic closeness, comparing it favorably to wine.