What Does the Bible Say About Kissing?
The Bible speaks about kissing in a variety of contexts, though it does not offer a singular theological directive about the act itself. Instead, kissing appears throughout the Scriptures as an expression of love, honor, friendship, betrayal, romance, and greeting. While modern cultures often associate kissing primarily with romantic affection, the Bible reveals a broader and deeper picture of what kissing meant in biblical times.
This article explores five key aspects of kissing as presented in the Bible, helping Christians understand how the act was viewed historically and how it might inform faithful living today.
1. Kissing in the Bible as a Greeting of Peace
One of the most common forms of kissing in the Bible is the "holy kiss" or a kiss of peace. This practice was a normal greeting among believers in the early church and is mentioned in several New Testament epistles.
Paul instructs the Roman church, “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Romans 16:16).
Similar commands appear in 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26.
This kiss was not romantic or intimate in the modern sense, but rather a public and customary sign of Christian fellowship, unity, and mutual affection. It demonstrated spiritual kinship and trust within the body of Christ.
While many churches today use different cultural expressions of greeting, such as handshakes or hugs, the principle behind the biblical kiss remains valuable: expressing peace and love among the members of Christ's body.
2. Romantic Kissing and Desire in Song of Solomon
The most passionate depiction of kissing in the Bible comes from the Song of Solomon, a poetic book that explores the love between a bride and groom. Here, kissing is clearly associated with romantic longing and marital affection.
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine” (Song of Solomon 1:2).
This expression of physical desire is not condemned or hidden but celebrated within the context of committed, covenantal love. The Bible affirms that physical affection, including kissing, has a proper place in the union of marriage.
This portrayal of kissing offers a biblical foundation for viewing romantic expression as part of God’s good design—when exercised within the covenant of marriage.
3. Kissing as a Sign of Family Affection
Kissing in the Bible is also commonly used to express familial affection and deep emotional bonds. This occurs between parents and children, siblings, and even extended family members.
Jacob kissed his son Joseph (Genesis 48:10).
Esau ran to meet Jacob, “embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him” (Genesis 33:4).
Naomi kissed her daughters-in-law in a tender farewell (Ruth 1:9).
These examples demonstrate that kissing was a culturally accepted and emotionally rich way to express love, reconciliation, or farewell among family members. The Bible does not present these moments as inappropriate, but as deeply human and meaningful.
4. Kissing as a Mark of Honor or Submission
In several biblical accounts, kissing is portrayed as a gesture of respect, submission, or reverence, often directed toward a ruler or spiritual authority.
In 1 Samuel 10:1, the prophet Samuel anoints Saul and kisses him, symbolizing the Lord’s appointment.
Psalm 2:12 says, “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry,” which is generally interpreted as a call to submit to the rule of the Lord’s Anointed.
In these contexts, the act of kissing goes beyond affection; it becomes a visible sign of surrender or honor. This kind of reverential kissing is most evident in expressions of worship or allegiance, especially in ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman cultures.
The Bible’s inclusion of this form of kissing helps us understand that physical gestures, when rightly ordered, can carry deep spiritual meaning.
5. Kissing as Betrayal and False Affection
Not all kissing in the Bible is positive. One of the most infamous acts in Scripture involves a kiss used as a tool of betrayal:
“Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.’ And he came up to Jesus at once and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ And he kissed him” (Matthew 26:48–49).
Judas’ kiss reveals that kissing, though normally associated with affection or respect, can also be used deceitfully. In this moment, Judas conceals malice behind a symbol of love. This story warns believers that not all outward signs of closeness reflect genuine devotion.
The Bible thus affirms that actions, even those that seem affectionate, must be tested by the heart’s intent. Outward signs do not always reveal inward truth.
Conclusion: What the Bible Teaches About Kissing
While the Bible does not contain a singular doctrine about kissing, it reveals a range of contexts where the act is used meaningfully—whether in romantic love, family ties, communal greeting, reverent submission, or even betrayal. Each use reflects a deeper spiritual or relational truth.
In a Christian worldview shaped by Scripture, kissing is not inherently sinful or virtuous; its moral and theological weight depends on the context and the heart behind the action. Whether it is a holy kiss among believers or an act of romantic love within marriage, the Bible invites believers to express affection in ways that are honorable, pure, and reflective of God's truth.
Ultimately, kissing—like all human actions—is to be submitted to the lordship of Christ. It can either reflect the self-giving love taught in the Gospel or, tragically, be twisted into a tool for harm. The believer's goal is not merely outward propriety but sincere affection rooted in the truth of the Bible and guided by the Spirit of God.
Bible verses about kissing:
Genesis 29:11 — “Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud.”
Song of Solomon 1:2 — “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine.”
Genesis 33:4 — “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.”
Ruth 1:9 — “The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.”
2 Samuel 15:5 — “And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.”
Luke 7:38 — “And standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.”
Romans 16:16 — “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:26 — “Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.”
Matthew 26:48–49 — “Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.’ And he came up to Jesus at once and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ And he kissed him.”
Psalm 2:12 — “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
