2 Corinthians 13:12

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers at the close of his letter, immediately following his exhortations to pursue harmony, encouragement, and peace. He issues this final communal instruction before the closing benediction.

The words — ἁγίῳ (hagiō) translates as holy, and φιλήματι (philēmati) translates as kiss. The imperative Ἀσπάσασθε (aspasasthe) commands the active greeting of one another.

The thread — The directive appears in Romans 16:16, 1 Peter 5:14, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26. Each passage links the greeting to a broader communal exchange of peace among the saints.

Why it lands — The text demands a tangible expression of fellowship that physically enacts the unity and peace previously commanded. It requires believers to convert theological harmony into a concrete, mutual practice.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

ἈσπάσασθεAspasasthedo greet ἀλλήλουςallēlousone another ἐνenwith ἁγίῳhagiōa holy φιλήματι.philēmatikiss.ἈσπάζονταιAspazontai[13] Greet ὑμᾶςhumasyou οἱhoithe ἅγιοιhagioisaints πάντες.¶pantesall.

King James Version

Greet one another with an holy kiss.

Cross-references

Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.
1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.