I was recently writing a post for my Wedding Traditions and Meanings blog about the wedding kiss and the New Year’s kiss, and learned historically kisses held many meanings that were not romantic in nature. This brought to mind the biblical phrase “Holy Kiss.” Every time I read that phrase in Scripture, like in Romans 16:16 or 1 Corinthians 16:20, I wondered about it. What did it really mean?
After writing that post, I realized I needed to look into the holy kiss more deeply. And then there’s Judas’ kiss, a betrayal so infamous it’s practically a cautionary tale. But how deep does that betrayal go based on the meaning of the kiss? Could it somehow be connected to the Holy Kiss, or are they completely different in meaning and intent?
That curiosity is the reason for this blog. Over the years, as I’ve studied Scripture and explored the historical context, I’ve discovered that the Holy Kiss was a sacred gesture of love, peace, and unity, while Judas’ kiss shows how the same outward gesture can carry the opposite intent.
What the Bible Says About the Holy Kiss
The New Testament mentions the Holy Kiss several times, often in Paul’s letters to the churches:
- Romans 16:16 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:20 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
- 2 Corinthians 13:12 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:26 – “Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.”
- 1 Peter 5:14 – “Greet one another with a kiss of love.”
When I read these passages, I realized the Holy Kiss wasn’t a one-off custom. It was a recurring practice in the early Church. But why did early Christians do this, and what did it signify?
But before I get into the meaning and purpose of the Holy Kiss let's answer another question. Was the kiss on the lips or the cheek?
Was the Holy Kiss on the Lips or Cheek?
The Bible doesn’t specify exactly where the Holy Kiss was placed. Scholars believe it was usually on the cheek among believers, though in close, private settings, a kiss on the lips may have occurred. The key point is that it was a sacred, spiritual greeting, not romantic. It was meant to show love, unity, and fellowship.
The Meaning and Purpose of the Holy Kiss
From my study, I see that the Holy Kiss had several important spiritual purposes:
1. A Sign of Love and Fellowship
The Holy Kiss was a tangible way for believers to express genuine love and care for one another. I imagine it like a spiritual hug—a small gesture carrying a big message.
2. A Symbol of Peace
In a culture where greetings often involved a kiss, the word “holy” elevated it to a sacred act. It was a way to say, “I see you, I respect you, and we are one in Christ.”
3. A Reminder of Community and Equality
Everyone in the church—rich, poor, slave, free, shared the same gesture. I love that sense of humility and equality, a reminder that we’re all brothers and sisters in Christ.
Cultural Context: Kissing in the Ancient World
Kissing was a common form of greeting in the Mediterranean world. Families, friends, and even political allies often kissed to show respect or goodwill. What fascinated me is how the early Church transformed a common social gesture into a sacred, spiritual act.
Understanding the Difference: The Holy Kiss vs. Judas’ Kiss
When I first read about the Holy Kiss, I couldn’t help but think of Judas’ infamous kiss. On the surface, both involve a kiss, but the meaning behind them is worlds apart. Let's bring it into focus:
1. Intent
- Holy Kiss: Expressed love, peace, and unity among believers.
- Judas’ Kiss: A deliberate act of betrayal and deceit.
2. Audience
- Holy Kiss: Shared with fellow believers in the church.
- Judas’ Kiss: Used to identify Jesus to the soldiers who came to arrest Him.
3. Symbolism
- Holy Kiss: A visible expression of spiritual fellowship and community.
- Judas’ Kiss: A symbol of treachery and the contrast between outward appearance and inner intent.
4. Heart Behind the Gesture
- Holy Kiss: Came from genuine love and humility.
- Judas’ Kiss: Came from deceit and personal gain.
This helped me see it wasn’t the gesture itself that mattered. It was the heart behind it. One is a sacred, unifying act; the other, a betrayal that changed the course of history.
Is the Holy Kiss Practiced Today?
You might wonder if the Holy Kiss is still practiced. In most churches today, it’s not common, but the spirit of the practice lives on. Handshakes, hugs, or even verbal greetings like “Peace be with you” can express the same love, unity, and fellowship that the Holy Kiss once did.
Not Just a Quaint Custom It Was a Sacred Expression
Learning about the Holy Kiss has helped me understand this custom. It wasn’t romantic, and it certainly wasn’t just a quaint custom, it was a sacred expression of love, peace, and unity. Contrasting it with Judas’ betrayal shows how the same outward gesture can carry dramatically different meaning depending on the heart behind it.
For me, the takeaway is clear: whether through a hug, handshake, or heartfelt greeting, let’s greet one another with love, peace, and genuine fellowship, just as the early Church did.