Strong's Lexicon kataphileó: To kiss fervently, to kiss affectionately Original Word: καταφιλέω Word Origin: From the Greek preposition "kata" (κατά), meaning "down" or "intensifying," and "phileó" (φιλέω), meaning "to love" or "to kiss." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "kataphileó," the concept of kissing as a sign of affection or respect can be found in Hebrew words like "נָשַׁק" (nashaq), which also means "to kiss." Usage: The verb "kataphileó" is used in the New Testament to describe an action of kissing with great affection or intensity. It conveys a sense of deep emotional connection and warmth, often used in contexts of greeting, farewell, or expressions of love and devotion. Cultural and Historical Background: In the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman cultures, kissing was a common form of greeting and a sign of respect, affection, or reconciliation. It was not only a gesture of romantic love but also of familial affection and friendship. The act of kissing could signify loyalty, submission, or a covenantal relationship. In the context of the early Christian community, such gestures were imbued with spiritual significance, reflecting the love and unity among believers. HELPS Word-studies 2705 kataphiléō (from 2596 /katá, "down," intensifying 5368 /philéō, "to kiss") – properly, kiss down, i.e. "kiss passionately and fervently" (with the same in the papyri, MM); "kiss repeatedly" (A. T. Robertson, WP at Lk 7:38). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and phileó Definition to kiss fervently NASB Translation kiss (1), kissed (4), kissing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2705: καταφιλέωκαταφιλέω, καταφίλω; imperfect κατεφίλουν; 1 aorist κατεφίλησα; to kiss much, kiss again and again, kiss tenderly (Latindeosculor, etc.): τινα, Matthew 26:49; Mark 14:45; Luke 7:38, 45; Luke 15:20; Acts 20:37. (Tobit 7:6; 3Macc. 5:49; Xenophon, Cyril 6, 4,10; 7, 5, 32; Polybius 15, 1, 7; Josephus, Antiquities 7, 11, 7; Aelian v. h. 13, 4; Plutarch, Brut. 16; Lucian, dial. deor. 4, 5; 5, 3; φιλεῖν and καταφίλειν are distinguished in Xenophon, mem. 2, 6, 33; Plutarch, Alex c. 67. The Sept. for נָשַׁק, properly, to join mouth to mouth.) Cf: Fritzsche on Matthew, p. 780; Winer's De verb. comp. etc. Part ii., p. 18, note{21}. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance kiss. From kata and phileo; to kiss earnestly -- kiss. Forms and Transliterations καταφιλήσαι καταφιλήσας καταφιλήσω καταφιλουσα καταφιλούσά καταφιλοῦσά καταφλεγήσεται καταφλέγον κατάφοβοι κατεφιλει κατεφίλει κατεφίλησαν κατεφίλησε κατεφιλησεν κατεφίλησεν κατεφιλουν κατεφίλουν κατέφλεξεν kataphilousa kataphiloûsá katephilei katephílei katephilesen katephilēsen katephílesen katephílēsen katephiloun katephílounLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 26:49 V-AIA-3SGRK: ῥαββί καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν NAS: Hail, Rabbi! and kissed Him. KJV: master; and kissed him. INT: Rabbi and kissed him Mark 14:45 V-AIA-3S Luke 7:38 V-IIA-3S Luke 7:45 V-PPA-NFS Luke 15:20 V-AIA-3S Acts 20:37 V-IIA-3P Strong's Greek 2705 |