All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 16:20
What does 1 Corinthians 16:20 mean?
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1 Corinthians 16:20
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This isn't just a casual sign-off; the "holy kiss" was a profound act of communal affirmation, signifying a deep, spiritual unity and fellowship within the church. It was a visible symbol of belonging and mutual respect, a radical expression of Christ's love shared openly among believers.
All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, dealing with various issues like worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. After giving instructions about giving, he moves to personal greetings and final exhortations, urging them to maintain unity and love as they await Christ's return. This final section emphasizes the importance of community and mutual affection within the church.
Ever wondered what Paul meant by a 'holy kiss'? It wasn't just a casual greeting. This practice was a deep expression of Christian fellowship and unity.
In the ancient world, a kiss was a common greeting, much like a handshake or hug today. But Paul calls it a holy kiss, elevating it beyond mere social custom.
More Than a Greeting
Paul begins and ends this chapter with greetings. Why is this so important? These personal notes reveal the profound emphasis the early church placed on connection and mutual care.
The inclusion of greetings, like "All the brothers send you greetings," wasn't just a friendly sign-off. It was a powerful reminder that believers are part of a larger body, interconnected and mutually supportive.
The Church as One Body
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Understand the original words
adelphoi · Greek Noun
A term used to describe those who share the same spiritual Father through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the familial bond of the Christian community.
philēmati hagiō · Greek Noun phrase
A cultural and religious gesture of the early church that signified reconciliation, familial affection, and purity within the community of believers.
The instruction for a 'holy kiss' was a common cultural practice for greeting in the ancient Mediterranean world, imbued with Christian meaning within the community of believers as a sign of peace and unity.
c. AD 44-50
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul establishes the church in Corinth, facing significant opposition but also seeing many believe. This is the foundational period for the Corinthian church.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Extended Stay in Corinth
Paul lived and ministered in Corinth for about 18 months, strengthening the believers and addressing early issues within the community.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
During this extensive journey, Paul would have heard reports from Corinth and likely sent further correspondence to address ongoing problems.
c. AD 55— this verse
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Ephesus in response to troubling reports about divisions, immorality, and doctrinal issues within the Corinthian church.
c. AD 56
Writing of 2 Corinthians
Later correspondence from Paul to the Corinthians, likely reflecting on the reception of his first letter and further addressing their spiritual maturity.
This verse also instructs believers to greet one another with a holy kiss, highlighting the consistent practice and expectation within the early church.
Romans 16:16Paul uses the same phrase, 'holy kiss,' in his greetings to the Roman church, indicating this was a standard expression of fellowship and love among believers.
2 Corinthians 13:12Similar to 1 Corinthians, this passage concludes with a command for believers to 'greet one another with a holy kiss,' underscoring its significance as a mark of unity and peace.
1 Peter 5:14Peter also calls for a 'kiss of love' to all who are in Christ Jesus, showing this practice was widespread across different apostolic ministries and churches.
This isn't just a casual sign-off; the "holy kiss" was a profound act of communal affirmation, signifying a deep, spiritual unity and fellowship within the church. It was a visible symbol of belonging and mutual respect, a radical expression of Christ's love shared openly among believers.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, dealing with various issues like worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. After giving instructions about giving, he moves to personal greetings and final exhortations, urging them to maintain unity and love as they await Christ's return. This final section emphasizes the importance of community and mutual affection within the church.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, dealing with various issues like worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. After giving instructions about giving, he moves to personal greetings and final exhortations, urging them to maintain unity and love as they await Christ's return. This final section emphasizes the importance of community and mutual affection within the church.
"All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss." — This isn't just a casual sign-off; the "holy kiss" was a profound act of communal affirmation, signifying a deep, spiritual unity and fellowship within the church. It was a visible symbol of belongin…
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Last reviewed October 2026