Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, greetings hold significant cultural and spiritual importance, reflecting the values and social norms of the times. The act of greeting is more than a mere exchange of pleasantries; it often conveys respect, peace, and a sense of community among individuals.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, greetings are often associated with blessings and expressions of peace. For instance, when Boaz greets the reapers in his field, he says, "The LORD be with you," and they respond, "The LORD bless you" (
Ruth 2:4). This exchange highlights the integration of faith into daily interactions and the desire for God's presence and favor in the lives of others.
The Hebrew word "shalom," often used in greetings, encompasses a wide range of meanings, including peace, completeness, and welfare. It is a word that signifies a deep sense of well-being and harmony, both with God and with others.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, greetings continue to play a vital role in the life of the early Christian community. The Apostle Paul frequently begins and ends his epistles with greetings that include blessings of grace and peace. For example, in his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (
Romans 1:7). This greeting not only serves as a salutation but also as a theological statement, emphasizing the source of grace and peace as divine.
Jesus Himself addressed the importance of greetings in His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers, "And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?" (
Matthew 5:47). Here, Jesus challenges His disciples to extend love and kindness beyond their immediate circle, promoting a radical inclusivity that reflects the kingdom of God.
Cultural and Social ImplicationsGreetings in biblical times were often accompanied by physical gestures, such as a kiss or a bow, which signified respect and affection. The "holy kiss" mentioned by Paul in several of his letters (e.g.,
Romans 16:16,
1 Corinthians 16:20) was a common form of greeting among early Christians, symbolizing unity and brotherly love within the body of Christ.
The manner of greeting could also reflect social hierarchies and relationships. For instance, when Jacob meets Esau after many years, he bows to the ground seven times before his brother (
Genesis 33:3), demonstrating humility and a desire for reconciliation.
Spiritual SignificanceGreetings in the Bible often carry a spiritual dimension, serving as a reminder of the believer's identity and mission. They are opportunities to express the love of Christ and to affirm the shared faith and hope within the Christian community. The apostolic greetings found in the New Testament epistles are not mere formalities but are imbued with theological depth, often encapsulating the core message of the gospel.
In summary, biblical greetings are rich in meaning and purpose, reflecting the cultural, social, and spiritual dynamics of the times. They serve as a testament to the enduring values of respect, peace, and community that are central to the biblical narrative.
Greek
5463. chairo -- to rejoice, be glad... verb Definition to rejoice, be glad NASB Word Usage am glad (1), glad (7), gladly
(1), greeted* (1), greeting (2),
greetings (4), hail (4), joyfully (1), make
...783. aspasmos -- a greeting, salutation
... Word Origin from aspazomai Definition a greeting, salutation NASB Word Usage greeting
(5),greetings (4), salutation (1). greeting, salutation....
4899. suneklektos -- chosen together with
... divinely- () -- a theme elaborated on earlier in the epistle (1 Pet 1:1,2). 1 Pet
5:13: "She who is in Babylon, (4899 ) with you, sends yougreetings, and so...
782. aspazomai -- to welcome, greet
... Word Usage acclaim (1), give...your greeting (1), greet (41), greeted (3), greeting
(1), greets (5), paid their respects to (1), sends...greetings (4), taken...
Library
The Risen Lord'sGreetings and Gifts
... Litt. D.; ST. MATTHEW Chaps. XVIII to XXVIII THE RISEN LORD'SGREETINGS AND
GIFTS. 'And as... same day. Both are ordinarygreetings. The...
To the Smyrnaeans
... received during his stay. The number ofgreetings at the conclusion indicate
the warm welcome he had been given. It is worthy of...
To Polycarp
... Heartiestgreetings from Ignatius, the "God-inspired," to Polycarp, who is bishop
of the church at Smyrna"or rather who has God the Father and the Lord Jesus...
To the Trallians
... THE TEXT. Full heartygreetings in apostolic style, [215] and every good wish from
Ignatius, the "God-inspired," to the holy church at Tralles in Asia....
The Epistle to Philemon
... for him lodging. Withgreetings of his fellow-laborers and a final salutation
he ends his letter. CHARACTERISTICS. 1. This letter...
The Second and Third General Epistles of John
... Warning Gajus against that evil example, he commends Demetrius, mentions an intended
visit, and closes the Epistle withgreetings, 11-14. CHARACTERISTICS....
To the Romans
...Greetings in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, from Ignatius, the "God-inspired,"
to the church that is in charge of affairs in Roman quarters [228] and...
Peace, Love, and Faith
... 6:23. The numerous personalgreetings usually found at the close of Paul's
letters are entirely absent from this Epistle. All which...
Ways of Showing Love
... Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be men, be strong! Let all that you do be
done in love. The churches of the province in Asia send yougreetings....
Epistle xxvii. To Rusticiana, Patrician .
... Her family, to whomgreetings are always sent, being her children either by birth
or marriage, were Appio and Eusebia, Eudoxius and Gregoria, the former, and...
Thesaurus
Greetings (48 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Greetings (48 Occurrences). Matthew 23:7 And
greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. (KJV WBS NAS).
...Greeting (19 Occurrences)
... In Ecclesiasticus 6:5 it is said "a fair-speaking tongue will increase kindgreetings,"
the Revised Version (British and American) "multiply courtesies...
Meets (17 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Romans 16:5Greetings, too, to the Church that meets at their
house.Greetings to my dear Epaenetus, who was the earliest...
Sends (94 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Romans 16:21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends yougreetings, and so
do my countrymen Lucius, Jason and Sosipater. (WEY BBE NIV)....
Dear (120 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:5Greetings, too, to the Church that meets at their house.... Romans
16:8Greetings to Ampliatus, dear to me in the Lord; (WEY BBE)....
Marketplaces (6 Occurrences)
... Mark 12:38 In his teaching he said to them, "Beware of the scribes, who like to
walk in long robes, and to getgreetings in the marketplaces, (WEB KJV ASV DBY...
Greets (9 Occurrences)
... Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a bondservant of Jesus Christ,
sendsgreetings to you, always wrestling on your behalf in his prayers, that...
Places (610 Occurrences)
... Mark 12:38 In his teaching he said to them, "Beware of the scribes, who like to
walk in long robes, and to getgreetings in the marketplaces, (Root in WEB KJV...
Christian (41 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 16:12Greetings to those Christian workers, Tryphaena and Tryphosa;
also to dear Persis, who has laboured strenuously in the Lord's work. (WEY)....
Province (66 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:5Greetings, too, to the Church that meets at their house.... (ASV). Revelation
1:4 John sendsgreetings to the seven Churches in the province of Asia....
Resources
Who was Claudia in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs there supposed to be only one church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)? | GotQuestions.orgGreetings: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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