What Does the Bible Say About Kissing?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

The Bible mentions kissing, but it doesn’t explicitly label it as a sin. Kissing can be a sign of affection and love, but it’s important to keep it within the boundaries of God’s view and respect for others. Now, let’s dive deeper.

a stolen kiss in a romantic movie, a peck on the cheek from a friend, or a passionate embrace between lovers. Kissing is a universal expression of affection and love, but what does the Bible have to say about it?

What Does the Bible Say About Kissing?

The Bible does mention kissing, but it doesn’t provide a definitive list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to smooching. Instead, it offers principles and guidance that can help us navigate this intimate act.

In the Old Testament, we find verses like Song of Solomon 1:2, where it says, “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth.” This book is often seen as an allegory of the love between Christ and His church, emphasizing the beauty of love and intimacy in marriage.

In the New Testament, we see examples of affectionate greetings and farewell kisses among believers. In Romans 16:16, Paul encourages believers to “greet one another with a holy kiss.” This suggests that affectionate kisses among believers are not inherently sinful.

However, it’s crucial to remember that the Bible also warns against inappropriate behavior and impurity. In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul writes, “Flee from sexual immorality.” This implies that any form of physical affection, including kissing, should be within the boundaries of purity and God’s view.

Kissing becomes problematic when it leads to lustful desires or goes against God’s principles. If it tempts you or your partner to sin, it’s time to reconsider your actions.

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Ultimately, the Bible doesn’t label kissing as a sin but encourages us to engage in it with love, purity, and respect for God’s view. It’s essential to ensure that your physical expressions of affection align with God’s standards and do not lead you or others into sinful behavior.

Now, let’s explore some specific Bible verses that shed more light on this topic.

Bible Verses About Kissing

  1. Song of Solomon 1:2 – “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love is better than wine.”
  1. Romans 16:16 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.”
  1. 1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
  1. 1 Thessalonians 5:26 – “Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.”
  1. Proverbs 24:26 – “Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.”
  1. Luke 7:38 – “And standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.”
  1. Psalm 85:10 – “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”

These verses emphasize the importance of love, purity, and holy greetings in the context of kissing. Remember, it’s not the act of kissing itself that matters but the motives and boundaries that surround it in God’s view.