Kiss, Kiss of Peace

A common way to show love and fellowship in biblical times.

Kissing appears in the Bible in many different contexts:

Kisses were shared among relatives and friends as a sign of affection (Genesis 29:11; 33:4).

Sometimes kisses had a sensual meaning (Proverbs 7:6–13; Song of Solomon 1:2).

Kissing was also a way to show respect or worship (1 Samuel 10:1; Job 31:27), though it could be seen as wrong in certain situations (1 Kings 19:18; Hosea 13:2).

A kiss could be used to betray someone, as seen in the story of Jesus' betrayal (Matthew 26:48–49).

In the New Testament, there are five mentions of a “holy kiss,” also known as the “kiss of peace:”

Romans 16:16

1 Corinthians 16:20

2 Corinthians 13:12

1 Thessalonians 5:26

1 Peter 5:14

This kiss was a symbol of Christian love and unity. Although the Bible doesn’t give detailed instructions, it was a gesture of friendship and commitment among early Christians (1 Thessalonians 5:25–27).

By the late second century, this practice became a part of church liturgy. Justin Martyr described it as a kiss exchanged among the congregation after prayer. Over time, it was moved to before Holy Communion and eventually replaced by a simple bow in many churches. Today, some churches still have different forms of this practice.