On International Kissing Day, 9 times the Bible talks about kissing

It's International Kissing Day, and all over the world people are marking the occasion with anything from a peck to a smooch. The kiss can be either a simple greeting or a romantic gesture. In some cultures it's common for men to kiss each other; in others it isn't.

In the Bible, kissing provides a rich vocabulary, speaking of the whole range of human experience. Here are nine times the Bible talks about kissing.

A mother's kiss.Pixabay

1. The kiss of reconciliation

But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept (Genesis 33:4)

2. The parting kiss

At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her (Ruth 1:14).

3. The kiss of betrayal

Joab said to Amasa, 'How are you, my brother?' Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him (2 Samuel 20:9) – Joab stabs Amasa.

4. The kiss of pardon

Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other (Psalm 85:10).

5. The kiss of truthfulness

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips (Proverbs 24:26)

6. The kiss of passion

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth – for your love is more delightful than wine (Song of Songs 1:2).

7. The Judas kiss

Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed him (Matthew 26:49).

8. The kiss of devotion

You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet (Luke 7:45).

9. The kiss of fellowship

Greet one another with a holy kiss (2 Corinthians 13:12).