What does the Bible say about kissing? The Bible references kissing in various contexts, including greetings, shows of respect, expressions of love, and acts of betrayal. Within its pages, kissing is often depicted as a benign and common practice, represented in familial settings such as the affectionate reunion of Jacob with his relatives in Genesis, or in a respectful context as in the act of homage described in Psalms.
However, the biblical perspective on kissing is not limited to merely these cultural or relational demonstrations. The question of whether kissing before marriage is considered sinful is a subject of debate, hinging on broader biblical principles regarding purity and chastity. The caution against inciting lust or engaging in behaviors that could lead to sexual immorality suggests that the intention and context of kissing play a crucial role in its moral evaluation, as seen in passages such as those in Thessalonians that advise believers to abstain from all forms of sexual sin.
In drawing from the scripture, one finds that the Bible does not provide an explicit rule regarding kissing outside of marriage, but it frames the act within the larger call toward holiness and self-control among Christians, shaping the conversation around understanding and adhering to the spirit of the biblical teachings on love, respect, and fidelity.
Biblical Perspectives on Kissing
In the Bible, kissing holds various symbolic meanings, from cultural greetings to tokens of affection within familial and brotherly bonds. These acts are contextualized within specific relationships and circumstances throughout the scriptures.
Kissing as a Cultural Greeting
In biblical times, a kiss was often a common gesture of greeting, much like a handshake or a hug in contemporary society. For instance, Romans 16:16 refers to a “holy kiss” which was a way for early Christians to greet fellow believers, signifying their spiritual unity and friendship. This type of kiss, symbolizing peace and fellowship among members of the church, exemplifies the mutual respect and love expected to be shown within the Christian community.
Kissing as a Sign of Respect
Kissing also served as a sign of respect or honor in biblical narratives. In Luke 7:38, a sinful woman weeps at Jesus’ feet and kisses them, an act demonstrating deep reverence and penitence. Her kissing His feet can be interpreted as a powerful expression of humility and adoration towards Jesus, acknowledging His authority and divinity.
Kissing Among Friends and Family
The Bible depicts kisses among friends and family as expressions of genuine affection and love. Genesis 29:13 tells of Laban kissing his nephew Jacob upon his arrival, a warm welcome into his family. Similarly, in Genesis 45:15, Joseph, after revealing his identity to his brothers, kisses all of them, an act signifying forgiveness and familial reconciliation. These instances show that a kiss, within these contexts, represented a strong bond and love among family members and close friends.
Kissing in Romantic Relationships
Within the context of romantic relationships, the Bible presents various forms of kissing, ranging from greetings to demonstrations of affection. Kissing before marriage, marital affection, and the struggle against temptation and sexual immorality are all addressed.
Kissing Before Marriage
The Bible does not explicitly address kissing before marriage. However, it does advocate for purity and cautions against sexual immorality. Proverbs 7:13 denotes forwardness in a woman’s interactions with a man, which can be interpreted as a warning against engaging in lustful behavior. It encourages relationships to focus on love and affection without succumbing to lust.
Marriage and Marital Affection
Within the bounds of marriage, kissing is seen as an expression of love and affection. Hebrews 13:4 honors the sanctity of marriage, implying that all expressions of intimate love, including kissing, are to be enjoyed and honored exclusively within the context of marriage. Therefore, romantic kissing between spouses is seen as an integral part of the marital relationship.
Temptation and Sexual Immorality
The Bible warns believers to flee from sexual immorality, emphasizing the importance of self-control and purity. While kissing is not directly mentioned as a sin, it is clear that it should not lead to sexual immorality or be driven by lust outside of marriage. The goal is to uphold the purity of love and affection without opening the door to temptation.
Kissing in Religious Contexts
In the context of Christianity, the act of kissing holds various meanings, ranging from a gesture of greeting and affection among believers to an act of worship and reverence toward holy items. This section examines its use and implications in the New Testament and the broader religious practice.
Holy Kiss and Early Christians
Within the New Testament, the act of kissing is mentioned as a form of greeting among the early Christians. This “holy kiss” is referenced multiple times in the epistles as a customary and respectful sign of brotherly and sisterly love among believers. For example, the Apostle Paul encourages the church in Romans 16:16 to greet each other with a holy kiss. Similar exhortations can be found in 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, 1 Thessalonians, and 1 Peter. This greeting was to underscore the unity and the love that should exist within the body of Christ, the church.
Kiss of Worship
The Bible does not comprehensively address the act of kissing in the context of idolatry or worship of physical objects. However, Job 31:27 notes an instance where a kiss could be an act equated with such reverence, where Job rejects the idea of kissing his hand in a manner that would show worship to the moon or the sun, which would be a form of idolatry. Additionally, Hosea 13:2 now speaks symbolically of the Israelites’ sin of idolatry through a metaphor involving the works of their own hands, which might imply kiss-like gestures towards idols; these acts are condemned in the faith as contrary to the worship of God.
Symbolic Meanings of Kissing
In biblical scripture, kissing is often a symbolic act representing various concepts including peace and betrayal, with each context emphasizing different moral and cultural aspects.
Kiss of Peace
The “kiss of peace” is a gesture of greeting and fellowship among believers. Specifically, passages like Romans 16:16 and 1 Peter 5:14 mention this form of kiss, which is reflective of mutual respect and the unity of the faithful. It has nothing to do with romantic intentions and is not an expression of passion but rather one of brotherhood and spiritual peace.
Kiss of Betrayal
Conversely, the “kiss of betrayal” is infamously exemplified by Judas in the gospel of Mark. Here, Judas Iscariot’s kiss is a sign of grave deception, marking Jesus for arrest which ultimately leads to his crucifixion. This act portrays kissing as a complex social signal that could signify sin or morally reprehensible behavior when used to deceive or cause harm.
Lessons from Biblical Narratives
Biblical narratives offer practical insights into how various forms of kiss are perceived within the context of their stories.
Ruth’s Story
In the book of Ruth, the Moabite widow’s loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi is a central theme. When Ruth accompanies Naomi back to Bethlehem, she works in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. The interaction between Ruth and Boaz is one of respect and growing affection, culminating in their marriage. While kisses are not explicitly mentioned in Ruth’s narrative, the story accentuates values of loyalty, respect, family ties, and honorable intentions in relationships.
Jacob’s Reunion With Esau
In Genesis, Jacob’s reunion with his brother Esau is a powerful example of reconciliation and forgiveness. After many years of estrangement due to Jacob’s deception, he fears Esau’s response upon their encounter. However, Esau greets Jacob with a warm embrace and a kiss, signifying Esau’s genuine forgiveness and the restoration of their fractured relationship. This moment demonstrates the use of a kiss as a gesture of familial love and reconciliation in the Old Testament.
Moral and Ethical Discussions
In discussing the morality and ethics of kissing within a Christian context, it is pivotal to consider both the physical boundaries set by individuals and the broader moral implications guided by biblical principles.
Boundaries and Self-Control
Setting clear boundaries is essential for maintaining purity and self-control, as advised in Scriptures. Christians are encouraged to engage with each other in ways that uphold respect and love, avoiding actions that could lead to immorality or be misconstrued as such. The Bible cautions against behaviors that may fuel lust, emphasizing the importance of prudent judgment in expressions of affection.
Passion versus Immorality
While passion within a romantic relationship is a natural and God-given emotion, the distinction between healthy expressions of love and actions leading to sexual sin is significant. Within the Bible, 1 Corinthians advances the concept of love that is patient and kind, devoid of envy, boastfulness, and indecency. Balancing passion with righteousness requires a steadfast commitment to moral values, turning away from temptations that the enemy may present.
Practical Guidance for Believers
When seeking practical guidance on expressions of affection such as kissing, believers are encouraged to consider biblical principles, personal convictions, and advice from trusted mentors.
Interpersonal Relationships
Friendship and brotherly affection are greatly valued in Christian communities. The Bible references forms of greeting such as a “holy kiss” in Romans 16:16, which can be seen as an expression of love amongst friends and church members, not romantic in nature. Believers are advised to exercise discernment in their interactions, being conscious of the varied forms of kisses and their implications within a relationship.
Self-Expression and Purity
A believer’s journey includes maintaining purity and avoiding sexual immorality, as advised in the book of Matthew. The affection shared between individuals, particularly in a romantic relationship, should reflect Christ’s love and uphold integrity. While the Bible does not explicitly instruct on every detail, including French kissing, boundaries should be set to prevent actions that may lead to impurity. Affection, love, and intimacy should align with biblical teachings, ensuring that they honor both God and the relationship between individuals.
