Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, a salutation is a greeting or expression of goodwill, often used at the beginning or end of a letter or encounter. Salutations in the Bible are significant as they reflect cultural norms, convey respect, and often carry theological weight. They are found throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a means of communication and relationship-building among individuals and communities.Old Testament Salutations In the Old Testament, salutations often involve blessings and expressions of peace. For example, when Boaz greets the reapers in his field, he says, "The LORD be with you," to which they respond, "The LORD bless you" (Ruth 2:4). This exchange highlights the integration of faith into daily life and work, as well as the mutual respect between employer and employees. Salutations also appear in more formal settings, such as when the prophet Samuel greets Saul with a message from God. In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anoints Saul and says, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" This salutation is not merely a greeting but a declaration of divine appointment and authority. New Testament Salutations The New Testament contains numerous examples of salutations, particularly in the epistles. The Apostle Paul frequently begins his letters with a greeting that includes grace and peace, as seen in Romans 1:7: "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" . This salutation not only serves as a greeting but also encapsulates key theological themes of grace and peace, which are central to Paul's message. Jesus Himself uses salutations to convey peace and reassurance. After His resurrection, He appears to His disciples and greets them with, "Peace be with you" (John 20:19). This salutation is significant as it calms their fears and affirms His victory over death. Cultural and Theological Significance Salutations in the Bible often reflect the cultural context of the time. In ancient Near Eastern culture, greetings were an important part of social interaction, often involving physical gestures such as bowing or kissing. These actions conveyed respect and acknowledgment of the other person's status or relationship. Theologically, biblical salutations often include blessings or prayers, invoking God's presence and favor. They serve as reminders of the divine relationship between God and His people, as well as the communal bonds among believers. In the early Christian community, salutations were a means of expressing unity and shared faith, transcending social and ethnic boundaries. Practical Application For contemporary believers, biblical salutations offer a model for how to greet others with grace and respect. They encourage Christians to incorporate faith into everyday interactions, using greetings as opportunities to bless and encourage one another. The emphasis on peace and grace in New Testament salutations serves as a reminder of the core values of the Christian faith, urging believers to extend these virtues in their relationships. In summary, salutations in the Bible are more than mere formalities; they are expressions of faith, respect, and community. Whether in personal encounters or written correspondence, they reflect the heart of biblical teaching on love, peace, and grace. Easton's Bible Dictionary "Eastern modes of salutation are not unfrequently so prolonged as to become wearisome and a positive waste of time. The profusely polite Arab asks so many questions after your health, your happiness, your welfare, your house, and other things, that a person ignorant of the habits of the country would imagine there must be some secret ailment or mysterious sorrow oppressing you, which you wished to conceal, so as to spare the feelings of a dear, sympathizing friend, but which he, in the depth of his anxiety, would desire to hear of. I have often listened to these prolonged salutations in the house, the street, and the highway, and not unfrequently I have experienced their tedious monotony, and I have bitterly lamented useless waste of time" (Porter, Through Samaria, etc.). The work on which the disciples were sent forth was one of urgency, which left no time for empty compliments and prolonged greetings (Luke 10:4). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A greeting or expression of good will or courtesy; the act of saluting, or paying respect or reverence, by the customary words or actions; also, that which is uttered or done in saluting or greeting.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SALUTATIONsal-u-ta'-shun (aspasmos): A greeting which might be given in person, orally (Luke 1:29, 41, 44), or in writing, usually at the close of a letter (1 Corinthians 16:21 Colossians 4:18 2 Thessalonians 3:17; compare use of chairein, "greeting," "joy" in James 1:1). The Pharisaic Jews loved salutations in public places (Matthew 23:7 Mark 12:38, the King James Version "greeting," the Revised Version (British and American) "salutation"; Luke 11:43; Luke 20:46). Often these salutations were very elaborate, involving much time in prostrations, embracings, etc. When Jesus therefore sent out the Seventy, He forbade salutation by the way (Luke 10:4), though He ordinarily encouraged proper civilities of this sort (Matthew 5:47; Matthew 10:12). Greek 783. aspasmos -- a greeting, salutation ... a greeting, salutation. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: aspasmos Phonetic Spelling: (as-pas-mos') Short Definition: a greeting, salutation ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/783.htm - 6k 5463. chairo -- to rejoice, be glad Library The Salutation. Salutation. John's Salutation to the Churches. Thanks and Salutation. The Salutation. Praise of the Corinthians Before the Breaking ... The Salutation. Praise of the Corinthians Before The Apostolic Salutation. Peter's Salutation. Appion's Salutation. Peter's Salutation. Thesaurus Salutation (6 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary "Eastern modes of salutation are not unfrequently so prolonged as to become wearisome and a positive waste of time. ...SALUTATION. ... /s/salutation.htm - 10k Kiss (39 Occurrences) Hail (42 Occurrences) Nod (2 Occurrences) Neck (97 Occurrences) Greeting (19 Occurrences) Epaenetus (1 Occurrence) Babe (15 Occurrences) Timothy (28 Occurrences) Colossians (1 Occurrence) Resources Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? Who was the author of Hebrews? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Hebrews - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What is the Letter to Diognetus? | GotQuestions.org Salutation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Salutation (6 Occurrences)Luke 1:29 Luke 1:41 Luke 1:44 1 Corinthians 16:21 Colossians 4:18 2 Thessalonians 3:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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