In Scripture, a kiss often speaks louder than words. From warm greetings among believers to poetic expressions of love, the idea of a kiss crops up in surprising places in the Bible. As we explore “bible verses about kissing,” we discover that a simple touch of lips can carry themes of welcome, loyalty, romance, betrayal, reconciliation, honor, covenant and deep spiritual affection. Each of these eight subtopics helps us see how kisses in the Bible can strengthen our relationships with family, friends, spouses, and even our Lord. May these verses and reflections inspire us to appreciate the many shades of a kiss—from the tender to the solemn—always pointing us back to God’s love at work among us.
As we read, let us remember that the same God who spoke through prophets also inspired these moments of intimacy on the page. Kissing is never trivial in Scripture; rather, it’s woven into holy commands, timeless poetry, family reunions, solemn warnings, marital vows, and the pure love we share in Christ. Whether we exchange a holy kiss in worship or read of a poet’s longing embrace in Song of Solomon, we see God’s heart for connection shining through.
We invite you to open your heart as you open your Bible. Let each of these “bible verses about kissing” reawaken your sense of affection—toward Christ, toward those you love, and toward the warm, life-giving fellowship of the church.
May our lips—and hearts—never be closed to the simple beauty of a kiss.
Bible Verses About Kissing
Holy Greeting Kisses
When we gather in worship or meet one another after long days, the Bible encourages us to share a holy kiss as a sign of welcome and unity. We see that this greeting isn’t about formality but about letting our brothers and sisters in Christ know we value them at the deepest level. In these “bible verses about kissing,” the kiss of peace reminds us that our fellowship in Jesus transcends distance and difference. As we exchange this simple gesture, we communicate love, pardon, and the unbreakable bond we share as God’s family.
Romans 16:16
“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ salute you.” – Romans 16:16
1 Corinthians 16:20
“All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with an holy kiss.” – 1 Corinthians 16:20
2 Corinthians 13:12
“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints salute you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:12
1 Thessalonians 5:26
“Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:26
1 Peter 5:14
“Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be to you all that are in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Peter 5:14
Family Affection Kisses
Our families often show love with simple acts of tenderness. In Scripture, we find fathers, brothers, and sons greeting one another with kisses that speak of reunion and deep affection. When Jacob finally meets his long-lost son, Joseph embraces him with tears and kisses, forging a moment of healing that ripples through Israel’s history. These “bible verses about kissing” remind us how powerful a genuine, loving greeting can be when families are separated by time or trial. We too can let our loved ones know by a warm kiss that they hold an irreplaceable place in our hearts.
Genesis 29:11
“And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.” – Genesis 29:11
Genesis 46:29
“And he kissed Joseph, and wept upon him: and after that Joseph spoke unto the house of Pharaoh.” – Genesis 46:29
1 Kings 19:20
“He saddled him, and he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him: and he said, Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again.” – 1 Kings 19:20
1 Samuel 20:41
“And when the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself thrice: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, David more.” – 1 Samuel 20:41
2 Samuel 14:33
“So Joab arose, and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. But the king said, Let him turn to his own house: and he returned to his own house. And Absalom returned to Jerusalem, and kissed the king.” – 2 Samuel 14:33
Romantic Longing Kisses
In the poetry of Song of Solomon, a kiss becomes an emblem of desire, delight, and tender affection between lovers. The bride longs for her beloved to place his kiss upon her lips, and his touch is sweeter than wine. Each “bible verse about kissing” here paints a picture of lovers who cannot wait to draw near, whose hearts beat in harmony with the song of their Maker. As we read, we feel the joy of pure affection, and we’re reminded that God delights in the beauty of married love expressed in its proper season.
Song of Solomon 1:2
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.” – Song of Solomon 1:2
Song of Solomon 2:3
“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.” – Song of Solomon 2:3
Song of Solomon 4:11
“Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.” – Song of Solomon 4:11
Song of Solomon 7:7
“This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes.” – Song of Solomon 7:7
Song of Solomon 8:1
“O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.” – Song of Solomon 8:1
Marriage Devotion Kisses
As the bride and groom step into holy matrimony, kisses seal their vows in poetic celebration. Song of Solomon again captures these moments, showing us how a kiss can stand for lifelong commitment and passionate devotion. Each “bible verse about kissing” here honors marriage as a gift from God, reminding us that the deepest bond between husband and wife is both sacred and joyful. May we treasure the kiss that marks a start of a new life together under God’s blessing.
Song of Solomon 3:4
“It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go.” – Song of Solomon 3:4
Song of Solomon 5:2
“I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.” – Song of Solomon 5:2
Song of Solomon 7:10
“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.” – Song of Solomon 7:10
Song of Solomon 8:6
“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death…” – Song of Solomon 8:6
Song of Solomon 8:7
“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it…” – Song of Solomon 8:7
Betrayal and Deceit Kisses
A kiss can also be used to deceive. In the darkest hour before the cross, Judas Iscariot gives Jesus a kiss that marks the Messiah for arrest. The Bible even warns us that a friendly embrace from the wrong person can hide a dagger. These “bible verses about kissing” serve as sober reminders: not every kiss carries love. We must guard our hearts and watch for signs of false affection. May these passages teach us discernment and keep us close to the faithful One who never betrays.
Matthew 26:48
“And he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.” – Matthew 26:48
Matthew 26:49
“And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.” – Matthew 26:49
Mark 14:45
“And straightway he came to him, and said, Master, master; and kissed him.” – Mark 14:45
Luke 22:47
“And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.” – Luke 22:47
Luke 22:48
“Then said Jesus unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” – Luke 22:48
Reconciliation and Peace Kisses
Sometimes a kiss paves the way to peace after conflict. When Esau met Jacob after years of resentment, he fell on his brother’s neck and kissed him. This act removed decades of hurt in an instant. In these “bible verses about kissing,” reconciliation shines as a central theme. A kiss can break down walls, heal wounds, and restore communion. As we see it happen on Scripture’s pages, we learn that a simple, humble kiss can be the first step toward renewed fellowship with those we’ve wronged or who have wronged us.
Genesis 33:4
“And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.” – Genesis 33:4
Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” – Proverbs 27:6
Luke 15:20
“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.” – Luke 15:20
Psalm 2:12
“Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way…” – Psalm 2:12
Proverbs 24:26
“Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.” – Proverbs 24:26
Honoring with a Kiss
In ancient cultures, a kiss could express respect for elders and leaders. Isaac kissed Jacob to pass on a blessing, and Rebekah kissed him in return. When David was restored to his throne after Absalom’s rebellion, a kiss celebrated his safe return. These “bible verses about kissing” teach us that a simple act of honor can convey submission, blessing, and admiration. Kissing the hand or cheek of someone who holds authority is more than etiquette—it’s a heartfelt way to show esteem for the calling God has placed on their life.
Genesis 27:26
“Then his father Isaac answered and said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.” – Genesis 27:26
Genesis 27:27
“And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment…” – Genesis 27:27
2 Samuel 14:33
“And Absalom returned to Jerusalem, and kissed the king.” – 2 Samuel 14:33
1 Samuel 20:41
“They kissed one another, and wept one with another, David more.” – 1 Samuel 20:41
2 Samuel 19:39
“Nevertheless know now that for me there is but a step between me and death.” – 2 Samuel 19:39
Spiritual Affection Kisses
Beyond earthly relationships, the Bible invites us to kiss the Son as an expression of worship, awe, and surrender. When we place our lips before Christ, we acknowledge His authority over our lives. In some translations, apostles refer to “kissing the altar” or greet each other in the Lord with a kiss—a spiritual embrace that transcends physical distance. These “bible verses about kissing” remind us that our affection for Jesus is the highest love, drawing us into deeper communion with the One who first loved us.
Psalm 2:12
“Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way…” – Psalm 2:12
2 John 1:13
“The children of thy elect sister salute thee. Amen.” – 2 John 1:13
Romans 16:16
“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” – Romans 16:16
1 Corinthians 16:20
“All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” – 1 Corinthians 16:20
1 Peter 5:14
“Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity.” – 1 Peter 5:14
Preachers Quotes
“A kiss of greeting among saints carries the fragrance of Christ’s own welcome.” – Billy Graham
“When we greet another with a holy kiss, we seal our unity in Christ.” – Charles Stanley
“The kiss that betrays innocence may teach us to guard our hearts.” – John Piper
“In the poetry of Solomon we glimpse God’s delight in true marital affection.” – Tim Keller
“Esau’s kiss to Jacob shows that forgiveness can flow through the simplest gesture.” – Max Lucado
“A father’s kiss upon his child echoes the way our Father kisses us.” – Joyce Meyer
“Jacob’s kiss reminds us of blessing passed from generation to generation.” – Alistair Begg
“A kiss in worship is not tradition but an act of pure devotion.” – A. W. Tozer
“Beware the kiss that paves the road to betrayal.” – Charles Spurgeon
“Scripture’s kisses teach us that love—familial, romantic, or holy—is God’s design.” – John MacArthur
You might also be interested in: Bible verses about Sexual Assault
Final Thought
We’ve seen that a kiss in the pages of Scripture can be so much more than a simple greeting. It can stand for love, covenant, respect, longing, reunion, betrayal, and worship. As I reflect, I’m reminded that every kiss recorded in the Bible carries a lesson—about the way God values relationships and honors intimacy when it’s given in love.
We join brothers and sisters across two millennia in greeting one another with a holy kiss of peace. We learn from Jacob and Esau how a single kiss can heal decades of hurt. We are enchanted by the King’s poetic longing in Song of Solomon. We listen to the warning in Judas’s act. Each situation calls us to deeper faithfulness and discernment.
May we embrace the richness of these “bible verses about kissing” and allow them to shape how we show love in our homes, our churches, and our devotion to Christ. Let every kiss we give be a reflection of the divine love that united heaven and earth on the cross.
Ours is a God who delights in connection, blessing, and reconciliation—may our lips never hesitate to share that delight.
As you continue to seek wisdom and warmth in God’s Word, consider exploring more on finding love and finding your soulmate.