Kiss
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
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.
What 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
- Why did the biblical author mention Kiss in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Kiss clarify?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.