"to kiss affectionately or with a semblance of affection, to kiss with earnest gesture, Mt. 26:49; Mk. 14:45; Lk. 7:38, 45; 15:20; Acts 20:37*"
Definition and meaning
to kiss affectionately or with a semblance of affection, to kiss with earnest gesture, Mt. 26:49; Mk. 14:45; Lk. 7:38, 45; 15:20; Acts 20:37*
In the original Greek the word is written: καταφιλέω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of kataphileo (G2705) across the King James Bible.
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
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Common questions
Strong's G2705 (kataphileo) is a Greek word that means: to kiss affectionately or with a semblance of affection, to kiss with earnest gesture, Mt. 26:49; Mk. 14:45; Lk. 7:38, 45; 15:20; Acts 20:37* It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word kataphileo (G2705) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2705 is kataphileo, a Greek word defined as: to kiss affectionately or with a semblance of affection, to kiss with earnest gesture, Mt. 26:49; Mk. 14:45; Lk. 7:38, 45; 15:20; Acts 20:37*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
kataphileo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.