King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:20 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:20 in the King James Version says “All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.”

1 Corinthians 16:20 · KJV

Context

18

For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

19

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

20

All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

21

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

22

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

Read 1 Corinthians 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All the brethren greet you—This corporate greeting, broader than the Asian churches (v. 19), likely includes Paul's ministry team in Ephesus and perhaps converts from across his mission field. The repetition of greetings emphasizes relational connectivity across the early Christian network.

Greet ye one another with an holy kiss—Philēma hagion (φίλημα ἅγιον, "holy kiss") appears five times in the New Testament (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14). The kiss was a standard Mediterranean greeting between family and friends; Paul sanctifies it as hagion (ἅγιον, "holy"), set apart for Christian fellowship. This physical expression of unity and affection countered Corinthian factionalism. The church is family, not merely an organization, and physical affection expresses spiritual reality.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The kiss greeting, common in Mediterranean culture, was adopted by Christians as a liturgical practice in worship services. Early church fathers (Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria) describe the holy kiss as part of Christian worship. By the medieval period it evolved into the "kiss of peace" still practiced in some liturgical traditions. The kiss demonstrated reconciliation and equality, shocking in a stratified society.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul repeatedly command Christians to greet with a holy kiss—what theological or pastoral purpose does it serve?
  2. How do physical expressions of affection (handshake, embrace, kiss) incarnate spiritual realities of Christian unity?
  3. What contemporary practices serve the same function as the holy kiss in expressing reconciliation and fellowship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Ἀσπάσασθε1 of 10

“Greet ye”

G782

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

ὑμᾶς2 of 10

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

οἱ3 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοὶ4 of 10

“the brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

πάντες5 of 10

“All”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

Ἀσπάσασθε6 of 10

“Greet ye”

G782

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

ἀλλήλους7 of 10

“one another”

G240

one another

ἐν8 of 10

“with”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

φιλήματι9 of 10

“kiss”

G5370

a kiss

ἁγίῳ10 of 10

“an holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 16:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 16:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 16:161 Thessalonians 5:261 Peter 5:14Hebrews 13:242 Corinthians 13:12-13Philippians 4:22

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