KISS

Romantic kisses are mentioned infrequently in the Bible, whether genuinely loving or seductive . The most common type of kiss, however, was that between relatives . A kiss could serve either as a greeting or a farewell . It can even express one's anticipation of departure by death . The family kiss was extended in the New Testament to apply to the Christian family <1 Cor. 16:20; 1 Pet. 5:14>.

Friends might kiss in greeting <1 Sam. 20:41; 2 Sam. 19:39> although occasionally such a kiss could be given insincerely . Kissing also has figurative meaning when righteousness and peace are pictured as harmonious friends kissing each other . A kiss can also mean betrayal. Judas' treachery is eternally symbolized by a kiss .

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)


Copyright 2000 Gibson Productions