Kiss
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Kiss in the Bible?
The kiss functions as a multifaceted social gesture in ancient Near Eastern and biblical contexts, serving as a standard form of greeting, a sign of familial or platonic affection, a mark of respect or homage, and occasionally a component of ritualistic or idolatrous worship.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the diverse social functions of the kiss clarifies the relational dynamics and cultural etiquette depicted in biblical narratives, distinguishing between personal intimacy, formal respect, and ritualistic acts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Kiss. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Kiss in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Kiss clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Kiss." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/kiss/