In the ancient Near Eastern context, greeting rituals were an essential part of social interaction, reflecting respect, hospitality, and the acknowledgment of another's presence. The Bible provides numerous examples of greeting customs that were practiced by the Israelites and surrounding cultures, offering insight into the social and religious fabric of the time.

Old Testament Greetings

In the Old Testament, greetings often involved physical gestures, verbal expressions, and sometimes the exchange of gifts. One common form of greeting was the bowing of the head or body, a sign of respect and humility. For instance, when Abraham greeted the three visitors by the oaks of Mamre, he "bowed low to the ground" (Genesis 18:2). This act demonstrated both reverence and hospitality.

Verbal greetings were also significant. The Hebrew word "shalom," meaning peace, was a common greeting and blessing. In 1 Samuel 25:6, David instructs his men to greet Nabal with, "Peace be to you, and peace to your house, and peace to all that you have" . This greeting not only conveyed a wish for well-being but also established a tone of goodwill and harmony.

Gift-giving was another aspect of greeting rituals, often used to show honor or to seek favor. In Genesis 32:13-21, Jacob sends gifts ahead to Esau as a gesture of reconciliation and goodwill, hoping to find favor in his brother's eyes.

New Testament Greetings

The New Testament continues the tradition of meaningful greetings, emphasizing love, unity, and the Christian community's bond. The Apostle Paul frequently begins and ends his epistles with greetings that include blessings of grace and peace. For example, in Romans 1:7, Paul writes, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" . Such greetings were not mere formalities but conveyed deep theological truths about the believer's relationship with God.

Physical gestures, such as the "holy kiss," were also part of early Christian greetings. Paul instructs the believers in Romans 16:16, "Greet one another with a holy kiss" . This practice symbolized brotherly love and unity within the body of Christ, transcending social and cultural barriers.

Hospitality played a crucial role in greeting rituals, as seen in the account of Jesus visiting Mary and Martha. Martha's active service and Mary's attentive listening (Luke 10:38-42) reflect the importance of welcoming and honoring guests.

Cultural and Theological Significance

Greeting rituals in the Bible are rich with cultural and theological significance. They reflect the values of respect, peace, and community, which are central to biblical teaching. These rituals also serve as reminders of the importance of hospitality and the acknowledgment of others as bearers of God's image.

In the biblical narrative, greetings often set the stage for significant events or teachings. For example, the angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary in Luke 1:28, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" , introduces the announcement of the Incarnation, a pivotal moment in salvation history.

Overall, greeting rituals in the Bible underscore the importance of relationships, both human and divine, and the ways in which these relationships are expressed and nurtured through words and actions.