Original Word: φίλημα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: philéma
Pronunciation: fee'-lay-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (fil'-ay-mah)
Definition: a kiss.
Meaning: A kiss; an expression of love, greeting, or reverence.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb φιλέω (phileō), meaning "to love" or "to show affection."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for φίλημα, the concept of a kiss as a greeting or sign of affection can be found in the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew word נָשַׁק (nashaq), Strong's Hebrew 5401, is often used to describe a kiss, as seen in passages like Genesis 27:26-27 and 2 Samuel 20:9.

Usage: The term φίλημα is used in the New Testament to denote a kiss, often as a sign of greeting, affection, or betrayal. It appears in contexts that highlight both genuine affection and deceit.

Context: The Greek word φίλημα (philēma) is a noun that appears in the New Testament to describe a kiss, which is a common cultural expression of greeting, affection, or respect in the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman worlds. In the New Testament, φίλημα is used in various contexts, reflecting both positive and negative connotations.

• Positive Connotations: In several passages, φίλημα is associated with a holy or affectionate greeting among believers. For example, in Romans 16:16, Paul instructs the church to "Greet one another with a holy kiss," emphasizing unity and love within the Christian community. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26, the holy kiss is a symbol of fellowship and mutual affection among Christians.

• Negative Connotations: The term also appears in the context of betrayal. In Luke 22:48, Jesus addresses Judas with the words, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" Here, the φίλημα is used ironically, as Judas's kiss is a sign of betrayal rather than genuine affection.

The use of φίλημα in the New Testament reflects the cultural practices of the time, where a kiss was a customary greeting among friends and family. In the early Christian context, the holy kiss became a ritualized expression of love and unity, transcending social and cultural barriers within the body of Christ.

5370 phílēma (from 5368 /philéō, "share warm affection") – a kiss to show respect or affection between friends – i.e. people sharing a deep (common) bond.

Word Origin
from phileó
Definition
a kiss
NASB Translation
kiss (7).

STRONGS NT 5370: φίλημα

φίλημα, φιληματος, τό, from Aeschylus down, a kiss (see φιλέω, 2): Luke 7:45; Luke 22:48 (Proverbs 27:6; Song of Solomon 1:2); ἅγιον, the kiss with which, as a sign of fraternal affection, Christians were accustomed to welcome or dismiss their companions in the faith: Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; it is also called φίλημα ἀγάπης, 1 Peter 5:14. Cf. Kahle, De osculo sancto (Regiom. 1867); (B. D., under the word Kiss; also Dict. of Christ. Antiq. under the word Kiss).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

kiss.

From phileo; a kiss -- kiss.

see GREEK phileo

Forms and Transliterations

φιλημα φίλημά φιλήματα φιληματι φιλήματι φιλημάτων philema philēma phílemá phílēmá philemati philēmati philḗmati

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts