Kiss

Of affection (Gen. 27:26, 27; 29:13; Luke 7:38, 45); reconciliation (Gen. 33:4; 2 Sam. 14:33); leave-taking (Gen. 31:28, 55; Ruth 1:14; 2 Sam. 19:39); homage (Ps. 2:12; 1 Sam. 10:1); spoken of as between parents and children (Gen. 27:26; 31:28, 55; 48:10; 50:1; Ex. 18:7; Ruth 1:9, 14); between male relatives (Gen. 29:13; 33:4; 45:15). It accompanied social worship as a symbol of brotherly love (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Pet. 5:14). The worship of idols was by kissing the image or the hand toward the image (1 Kings 19:18; Hos. 13:2).

Kissing the lips by way of affectionate salutation was customary among near relatives of both sexes, in both patriarchal and later times. (Genesis 29:11; Song of Solomon 8:1) Between individuals of the same sex, and in a limited degree between those of different sexes, the kiss on the cheek as a mark of respect or an act of salutation has at all times been customary in the East, and can hardly be said to be extinct even in Europe. In the Christian Church the kiss of charity was practiced not only as a friendly salutation, but as an act symbolical of love and Christian brotherhood. (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 5:14) It was embodied in the earlier Christian offices, and has been continued in some of those now in use. Among the Arabs the women and children kiss the beards of their husbands or fathers. The superior returns the salute by a kiss on the forehead. In Egypt an inferior kisses the hand of a superior, generally on the back, but sometimes, as a special favor, on the palm also. To testify abject submission, and in asking favors, the feet are often kissed instead of the hand. The written decrees of a sovereign are kissed in token of respect; even the ground is sometimes kissed by Orientals int he fullness of their submission. (Genesis 41:40; 1 Samuel 24:8; Psalms 72:9) etc. Kissing is spoken of in Scripture as a mark of respect or adoration to idols. (1 Kings 19:18; Hosea 13:2)

KISS, a salutation of respect and affection used in most nations and from the earliest times. It was an established custom in Jacob's day. It is especially common in the East. It is spoken of between parents and children. Gen 27:26; Gen 31:28, Gen 31:55; Gen 48:10; Gen 50:1; Ex 18:7; Ruth 1:9, 2 Kgs 22:14; 2 Sam 14:33; 1 Kgs 19:20; Luke 15:20; between male relatives or friends. Gen 29:13; Gen 33:4; Gen 45:15; Ex 4:27; 1 Sam 20:41; between persons of equal rank, given sometimes honestly, sometimes deceitfully. 2 Sam 20:9; Ps 85:10; Prov 27:6; Luke 7:45; Luke 22:48; Acts 20:37. It was used as a mark of condescension, 2 Sam 15:5; 2 Sam 19:39; of respect, Luke 7:38, 1 Chr 2:46; 1 Sam 10:1; of reconciliation, Gen 33:4; 2 Sam 14:33; of leavetaking. Gen 31:55; Ruth 1:14; Acts 20:37; of homage, Ps 2:12; as an act symbolical of Christian love and brotherhood. Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Thess 5:26; 1 Pet 5:14. Kissing the lips was a token of love; on the cheek or forehead or beard, a kiss was a sign of respect or a salute; on the hands or feet, of submission or inferiority, Luke 7:45. Sometimes the writing of the king was received with a kiss, and even the ground was kissed where the superior had stepped. Ps 72:9; Isa 49:23. Respect or adoration of idols was shown by kissing the image or the hand toward the image. 1 Kgs 19:18; Hos 13:2. In the Christian Church the kiss of peace or holy kiss accompanied social worship during and long after apostolic days. The Greek and Russian Catholics kiss sacred images. The Hebrew word is translated "ruled," Gen 41:40; "armed," 1 Chr 12:2; 2 Chr 17:17 and Ps 78:9; "touched." Eze 3:13. The Greek word translated "kiss" in Matt 26:48, and the parallel passages, Mark 14:44 and Luke 22:48, is translated "love" in all other places. This extreme sign of affection and most familiar act has been used constantly in worship. The character of the act and its association gave a peculiar aggravation to the kiss with which the traitor saluted our Lord.

KISS, a salutation of respect and affection used in most nations and from the earliest times. It was an established custom in Jacob's day. It is especially common in the East. It is spoken of between parents and children. Gen 27:26; Gen 31:28, Gen 31:55; Gen 48:10; Gen 50:1; Ex 18:7; Ruth 1:9, 2 Kgs 22:14; 2 Sam 14:33; 1 Kgs 19:20; Luke 15:20; between male relatives or friends. Gen 29:13; Gen 33:4; Gen 45:15; Ex 4:27; 1 Sam 20:41; between persons of equal rank, given sometimes honestly, sometimes deceitfully. 2 Sam 20:9; Ps 85:10; Prov 27:6; Luke 7:45; Luke 22:48; Acts 20:37. It was used as a mark of condescension, 2 Sam 15:5; 2 Sam 19:39; of respect, Luke 7:38, 1 Chr 2:46; 1 Sam 10:1; of reconciliation, Gen 33:4; 2 Sam 14:33; of leavetaking. Gen 31:55; Ruth 1:14; Acts 20:37; of homage, Ps 2:12; as an act symbolical of Christian love and brotherhood. Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Thess 5:26; 1 Pet 5:14. Kissing the lips was a token of love; on the cheek or forehead or beard, a kiss was a sign of respect or a salute; on the hands or feet, of submission or inferiority, Luke 7:45. Sometimes the writing of the king was received with a kiss, and even the ground was kissed where the superior had stepped. Ps 72:9; Isa 49:23. Respect or adoration of idols was shown by kissing the image or the hand toward the image. 1 Kgs 19:18; Hos 13:2. In the Christian Church the kiss of peace or holy kiss accompanied social worship during and long after apostolic days. The Greek and Russian Catholics kiss sacred images. The Hebrew word is translated "ruled," Gen 41:40; "armed," 1 Chr 12:2; 2 Chr 17:17 and Ps 78:9; "touched." Eze 3:13. The Greek word translated "kiss" in Matt 26:48, and the parallel passages, Mark 14:44 and Luke 22:48, is translated "love" in all other places. This extreme sign of affection and most familiar act has been used constantly in worship. The character of the act and its association gave a peculiar aggravation to the kiss with which the traitor saluted our Lord.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A salutation with the lips, as a token of affection, respect, etc.; as, a parting kiss; a kiss of reconciliation. Last with a kiss, she took a long farewell. Dryden. Dear as remembered kisses after death. Tennyson.

2. A small piece of confectionery.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To salute with the lips, as a mark of affection, reverence, submission, forgiveness, etc. He . . . kissed her lips with such a clamorous smack, That at the parting all the church echoed. Shak.

2. To touch gently, as if fondly or caressingly. When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees. Shak.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To make or give salutation with the lips in token of love, respect, etc.; as, kiss and make friends.

2. To meet; to come in contact; to touch fondly. Like fire and powder, Which as they kiss consume. Shak. Rose, rose and clematis, Trail and twine and clasp and kiss. Tennyson. Kissing comfit, a perfumed sugarplum to sweeten the breath. [Obs or Prov. End.] Shak.