"a kiss, Lk. 7:45; 22:48; Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Pet. 5:14*"
Definition and meaning
a kiss, Lk. 7:45; 22:48; Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Pet. 5:14*
In the original Greek the word is written: φίλημα
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
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 philema (G5370) across the King James Bible.
Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
Greet one another with an holy kiss.
Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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Common questions
Strong's G5370 (philema) is a Greek word that means: a kiss, Lk. 7:45; 22:48; Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Pet. 5:14* It appears 7 times in the King James Bible.
The word philema (G5370) appears 7 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5370 is philema, a Greek word defined as: a kiss, Lk. 7:45; 22:48; Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Pet. 5:14*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
philema is a Greek word found in the New Testament.