Greet one another with a holy kiss.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Corinthians 13:12
What does 2 Corinthians 13:12 mean?
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2 Corinthians 13:12
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This command isn't about a casual hug; the "holy kiss" speaks to a deep, respectful acknowledgment of the other person as someone God has touched. It was a sign of peace, reconciliation, and belonging within the early church community, a way to affirm shared faith in Christ.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is concluding his second letter to the Corinthians, and he's wrapping up a very direct and challenging message where he defends his apostolic authority and urges them to examine themselves. This final instruction to exchange a "holy kiss" is an expression of Christian fellowship and peace that he wants to seal their renewed commitment to one another and to him as their spiritual father. It’s a tangible sign of reconciliation and unity as he prepares to depart from them once more.
In a world where 'social distancing' is common, what did a 'holy kiss' really mean? It wasn't just a casual nod.
Paul's instruction to "greet one another with a holy kiss" was far from a minor detail. In ancient cultures, a kiss was a profound sign of deep affection, peace, and unity. It was a public declaration of belonging and acceptance within a community.
For early Christians, this wasn't just a cultural norm; it was a spiritual practice. It symbolized the peace they shared in Christ, a peace that transcended social barriers and united believers from all walks of life. It was a tangible expression of the body of Christ, where everyone was truly part of the family.
Why 'holy' kiss? What distinguished this greeting from any other embrace?
The key word here is 'holy.' This wasn't just any kiss; it was set apart for God and His people. It was meant to be a gesture of sacred love and brotherly affection, reflecting the purity and peace of the Gospel.
In contrast to the often sensual or casual greetings found in the wider culture, the 'holy kiss' was intended to be a pure expression of Christian love. It was a way of honoring God in their interactions and acknowledging the sacred bond they shared as fellow heirs of Christ's kingdom. This distinction highlights the transforming power of faith in everyday life.
Understand the original words
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philēmati hagiō · Greek Noun phrase
A sign of Christian affection and unity in the early church, signifying the removal of social barriers and the affirmation of brotherly/sisterly love within the covenant community.
The instruction for a 'holy kiss' was a common cultural practice for greeting in the ancient world, but Paul specifically directs it to be 'holy' as a way to maintain unity and spiritual connection within the Corinthian church, especially during a time of relational tension.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent about 18 months in Corinth during his second missionary journey, establishing a significant church community there.
c. AD 55-56
Writing the First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul likely wrote his first letter to the Corinthians around this time from Ephesus, addressing divisions and issues within the church.
c. AD 56-57— this verse
Writing the Second Letter to the Corinthians
Paul wrote this second letter, often called the 'sorrowful letter' or 'severe letter,' from Macedonia during a difficult period of ministry.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul made a third visit to Corinth, which proved to be a tense encounter, as he had warned them in his second letter.
This passage echoes the same instruction for greeting, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and mutual love within the early Christian communities.
Romans 16:16Here, Paul again links the 'holy kiss' with a 'holy greeting,' further solidifying the practice as a sign of Christian solidarity and peace.
1 Thessalonians 5:26This verse also calls for believers to greet each other with a 'holy kiss,' framing it within the context of brotherly love and spiritual encouragement.
John 13:34-35While not mentioning the kiss directly, Jesus' command to 'love one another' provides the foundational principle for such expressions of unity and affection among His followers.
This command isn't about a casual hug; the "holy kiss" speaks to a deep, respectful acknowledgment of the other person as someone God has touched. It was a sign of peace, reconciliation, and belonging within the early church community, a way to affirm shared faith in Christ.
Paul is concluding his second letter to the Corinthians, and he's wrapping up a very direct and challenging message where he defends his apostolic authority and urges them to examine themselves. This final instruction to exchange a "holy kiss" is an expression of Christian fellowship and peace that he wants to seal their renewed commitment to one another and to him as their spiritual father. It’s a tangible sign of reconciliation and unity as he prepares to depart from them once more.
Paul is concluding his second letter to the Corinthians, and he's wrapping up a very direct and challenging message where he defends his apostolic authority and urges them to examine themselves. This final instruction to exchange a "holy kiss" is an expression of Christian fellowship and peace that he wants to seal their renewed commitment to one another and to him as their spiritual father. It’s a tangible sign of reconciliation and unity as he prepares to depart from them once more.
"Greet one another with a holy kiss." — This command isn't about a casual hug; the "holy kiss" speaks to a deep, respectful acknowledgment of the other person as someone God has touched. It was a sign of peace, reconciliation, and belongin…
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Last reviewed October 2026