φίλημα
a kiss
Definition
φίλημα (philēma) specifically means a kiss, a physical gesture of greeting, affection, or respect. In the New Testament, it is used in both positive and negative contexts. Positively, it denotes a warm, holy greeting among believers, as a sign of Christian love and fellowship (Romans 16:16, 1 Peter 5:14). Negatively, it appears in the profound betrayal of Jesus by Judas, whose kiss was a hypocritical signal of false affection (Luke 22:48). It also appears in a narrative where Jesus contrasts the lack of a welcoming kiss from a host with the affectionate actions of a forgiven woman (Luke 7:45).
Biblical Usage
The word is used seven times, primarily in epistolary contexts instructing believers to greet one another with a 'holy kiss' (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26). This establishes it as a formal, affectionate practice in early church gatherings. The two uses in Luke's Gospel provide narrative contrast: one highlights a lack of customary hospitality (Luke 7:45), and the other marks history's most infamous betrayal (Luke 22:48).
Etymology
Derived from the verb φιλέω (phileō, G5368), meaning 'to love, to have affection for.' The noun φίλημα is formed with the -μα suffix, indicating the result or object of the action—thus, 'a kiss' is the tangible expression of that affection or greeting.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it transforms a common cultural gesture into a sacred symbol within the Christian community. The command to exchange a 'holy kiss' (Romans 16:16) ritualizes brotherly love (philadelphia) and marks believers as a distinct, familial body. Understanding the Greek highlights the stark contrast between the holy, unifying kiss of the church and the deceitful, betraying kiss of Judas, deepening our appreciation for the sincerity and purity required in Christian relationships.
In the Greco-Roman world, a kiss was a common greeting among family and close friends, similar to a handshake or hug today. It could signify respect, familial ties, or reconciliation. The New Testament command to make it 'holy' (ἅγιον) sanctified this everyday practice, setting it apart from casual or romantic kisses and infusing it with spiritual meaning for the church community.
καταφιλέω (kataphileō, G2705) — to kiss earnestly or repeatedly; a more intense, fervent form of kissing, as seen when the father welcomes the prodigal son (Luke 15:20).
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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