King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 13:12 Mean?

2 Corinthians 13:12 in the King James Version says “Greet one another with an holy kiss.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Greet one another with an holy kiss.”

2 Corinthians 13:12 · KJV

Context

10

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

11

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

12

Greet one another with an holy kiss.

13

All the saints salute you.

14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.

Read 2 Corinthians 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Greet one another with an holy kiss—The philēmati hagiō (φιλήματι ἁγίῳ, "holy kiss") was a customary Christian greeting (Rom 16:16, 1 Cor 16:20, 1 Thess 5:26, 1 Pet 5:14), signifying familial affection and reconciliation within the Christian community. The qualifier holy (hagiō, ἁγίῳ, "sacred/set apart") distinguishes Christian affection from erotic or merely social gestures—this is covenantal, sanctified love among God's people.

After chapters of confronting sin, factionalism, and false apostles, Paul commands visible reconciliation. The kiss requires physical proximity, mutual vulnerability, and public affirmation—precisely what fractured relationships resist. By commanding this, Paul pushes beyond intellectual agreement to embodied unity, making abstract reconciliation concrete and communal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean culture used kisses as greeting (family members, honored guests). Early Christians adopted this practice as distinctive Christian expression, visible marker of their new family identity transcending biological kinship, social status, and ethnic boundaries. By the second century, the "kiss of peace" became formalized in liturgy, part of Eucharistic worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the 'holy kiss' teach about Christian community being embodied, not merely intellectual?
  2. How do we practice the principle of visible, tangible reconciliation and affection in contemporary church culture?
  3. Why does Paul command this greeting after confronting serious sin—what's the connection between discipline and restored fellowship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 5 words
ἀσπάσασθε1 of 5

“Greet”

G782

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

ἀλλήλους2 of 5

“one another”

G240

one another

ἐν3 of 5

“with”

G1722

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

ἁγίῳ4 of 5

“an holy”

G40

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

φιλήματι5 of 5

“kiss”

G5370

a kiss

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 13:12 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 2 Corinthians 13:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 16:161 Peter 5:141 Thessalonians 5:261 Corinthians 16:20

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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