Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Corinthians 13:12-13
What does 2 Corinthians 13:12-13 mean?
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2 Corinthians 13:12-13
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Paul's simple instruction to "greet one another with a holy kiss" isn't just about a polite hello; it's a radical call for authentic community and acceptance. This wasn't a casual peck on the cheek but a deep expression of fellowship, implying a shared spiritual life and a love that transcended social barriers. It's a reminder that our greetings and interactions, even the seemingly small ones, should reflect the sacred bond we have in Christ.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, a church he's had a complex relationship with. He's been addressing ongoing issues, offering encouragement, and now he's giving final instructions and greetings. This verse, along with the verses immediately before and after, serves as a warm, personal closing to his passionate message.
In a world where physical touch can be complicated, what did a 'holy kiss' really mean to the early church? It wasn't just a casual hello.
A Sign of Belonging
The 'holy kiss' (or 'kiss of love') was a common practice in the ancient world, signifying peace, friendship, and reconciliation. For the early Christians, it took on a deeper meaning, becoming a visible symbol of their unity in Christ and their shared status as God's children.
It was an expression of their deep familial bond, a way to show that they were truly 'one in the Lord.' This wasn't a romantic gesture, but a sacred one, meant to reinforce the love and acceptance they shared within the church community.
Paul doesn't just talk about spiritual truths; he grounds them in practical actions. What does it mean to make even a simple greeting 'holy'?
Sanctified Interactions
Paul's instruction to greet with a 'holy' kiss reminds us that our everyday interactions should reflect our faith. 'Holy' means set apart, dedicated to God. So, this wasn't just any kiss; it was a greeting imbued with reverence and consecrated by Christ's love.
It was a call to ensure that their fellowship was not merely social but spiritual, marked by purity and mutual respect. Every interaction, no matter how small, was an opportunity to live out the reality of their new life in Christ and to honor God.
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.
hagioi · Greek Noun
Refers to those set apart by God for His service; all believers are holy because they have been cleansed by Christ and belong to God's community.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent about 18 months establishing the church in Corinth, a bustling Roman port city. This was a period of intense ministry and the formation of the community to whom he would later write.
c. AD 53-57
First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul likely wrote his first letter to the Corinthians from Ephesus around this time. This letter addressed numerous issues within the church, including divisions and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts.
c. AD 55-57
The Painful Visit and Second Letter
Paul made at least one more difficult visit to Corinth, which seems to have caused him great distress. He then wrote what is often considered the 'second' letter (which may be compiled from multiple letters) to address the ongoing issues and reaffirm his apostolic authority.
c. AD 57— this verse
Composition of 2 Corinthians
Paul writes his letter known as 2 Corinthians, likely from Macedonia, after his difficult experiences in Corinth. This letter is deeply personal, defending his ministry and expressing his love for the believers, despite their challenges.
c. AD 57
The 'Holy Kiss' as a Salutation
In the closing of 2 Corinthians, Paul instructs the believers to greet each other with a holy kiss. This was a common cultural practice in the ancient Near East, used among friends and family to express affection and peace.
Paul also instructs the believers in Rome to greet each other with a holy kiss, showing this was a common practice of fellowship in the early church.
1 Thessalonians 5:26This passage echoes the instruction in 2 Corinthians, urging believers to 'greet all the brothers with a holy kiss,' emphasizing its importance in maintaining unity and peace.
1 Peter 5:14Peter's mention of greeting 'one another with a kiss of love' highlights the affectionate and relational aspect of this greeting among believers, signifying peace and reconciliation.
Paul's simple instruction to "greet one another with a holy kiss" isn't just about a polite hello; it's a radical call for authentic community and acceptance. This wasn't a casual peck on the cheek but a deep expression of fellowship, implying a shared spiritual life and a love that transcended social barriers. It's a reminder that our greetings and interactions, even the seemingly small ones, should reflect the sacred bond we have in Christ.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, a church he's had a complex relationship with. He's been addressing ongoing issues, offering encouragement, and now he's giving final instructions and greetings. This verse, along with the verses immediately before and after, serves as a warm, personal closing to his passionate message.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, a church he's had a complex relationship with. He's been addressing ongoing issues, offering encouragement, and now he's giving final instructions and greetings. This verse, along with the verses immediately before and after, serves as a warm, personal closing to his passionate message.
"Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you." — Paul's simple instruction to "greet one another with a holy kiss" isn't just about a polite hello; it's a radical call for authentic community and acceptance. This wasn't a casual peck on the cheek b…
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Last reviewed October 2026