1 Thessalonians 5:26 Meaning: What is the Holy Kiss in ?
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.
salute all the brethren in an holy kiss;
Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
Meaning in one sentence
Discover the meaning of the 'holy kiss' in 1 Thessalonians 5:26 and how Christians can show warm affection today.
Context
Paul is closing his first letter to the Thessalonians. He has just asked them to pray for him. Now he gives a series of brief final instructions. First, greet all the believers with a holy kiss. Then he charges them to read this letter to the whole church. The letter ends with a blessing of grace. In the early church, a kiss was a common greeting among family and close friends. Paul calls for it to be holy, set apart from any improper motive. He wants the Thessalonians to express their unity in Christ through this simple, affectionate act.
Key Words
The word for greet here (aspazomai) means to draw someone close, to welcome them joyfully. It is not a distant nod. Paul wants a greeting that pulls people in. The noun kiss (philēma) comes from the verb for love (phileō). It is a kiss born of family affection, not romance. And then holy (hagios) sets it apart as something set apart for God, pure and undefiled. Together these words paint a picture: Christians are to greet each other with a warmth that is both genuine and sacred.
How Christians Read This Verse
Eastern Orthodox churches continue to exchange a kiss of peace during the liturgy, men with men and women with women. Western churches largely replaced this practice with a handshake or embrace. Early Christian writers like Justin Martyr describe the kiss as a sign of fellowship before communion. Some Christians today see the verse as a cultural instruction that can be adapted, while others observe it literally where local custom allows. Both groups agree that the heart of the command is sincere, pure affection among believers.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that Paul institutes a ritual that must be performed literally in every church service. In fact, Paul is using a common cultural practice of his day to express Christian love. The principle is to greet one another warmly and sincerely, not necessarily with a physical kiss. What matters is the holy affection behind the greeting.
Living This Out
This week, when you gather with other believers, make a point to greet them with genuine warmth. Whether it is a handshake, a hug, or a kind word spoken by name, let your greeting show that you truly love them as family in Christ. You do not need to copy the first century custom to obey the heart of this verse. You just need to offer a greeting that is set apart by love.
Main takeaway: Christian fellowship should be marked by affectionate and sincere greetings that reflect our unity in Christ.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul said to greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. That means we should be friendly and loving to other Christians. You can show love with a smile or a kind hello.
For ages 9, 12
In the early church, people greeted each other with a kiss on the cheek, like friends do in some cultures today. Paul wanted them to remember that this greeting should be holy, meaning pure and loving. We can show the same love by greeting our church family with warmth and respect, even if we use a different way to say hello.
Questions People Ask
Why did Paul say to greet with a holy kiss?
In the first century, a kiss was a common greeting among family and friends. Paul used this familiar practice to encourage believers to show genuine affection and unity.
Should we still greet with a kiss today?
In many cultures a kiss is not the usual greeting. The principle is to greet one another with sincere love, using appropriate cultural expressions.
Did the early church practice the holy kiss?
Yes, it was a regular part of worship services, especially at communion. Some Christian traditions still maintain this practice.
What does 'holy' mean in this verse?
It means set apart, pure, not the same as a kiss between romantic partners. It was a chaste sign of Christian brotherhood.
How can I apply this verse without a literal kiss?
You can greet other believers with warmth, perhaps a handshake or hug, and a genuine word of welcome, showing the same love Paul encouraged.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study