In biblical times, greetings and salutations were more than mere formalities; they were expressions of respect, peace, and goodwill. The Bible provides numerous examples of how greetings were used to convey blessings, establish relationships, and demonstrate hospitality.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, greetings often involved physical gestures such as bowing or prostration, as seen in Genesis 33:3, where Jacob bows to the ground seven times as he approaches his brother Esau. Greetings were also verbal, often invoking peace or blessings. For instance, Boaz greets his harvesters with, "The LORD be with you," to which they respond, "The LORD bless you" (Ruth 2:4).

The Hebrew word "shalom," meaning peace, was a common greeting and farewell, reflecting a desire for the recipient's well-being and prosperity. This is evident in 1 Samuel 25:6, where David instructs his men to greet Nabal with, "Peace be to you, and to your house, and to all that you have."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, greetings continue to hold significant importance. Jesus instructs His disciples on how to greet households, saying, "If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you" (Matthew 10:13). This underscores the spiritual weight of a greeting, as it could convey divine peace.

The Apostle Paul frequently begins his epistles with greetings that combine grace and peace, such as in Romans 1:7: "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" . This formula reflects the dual heritage of Jewish and Greek cultures, merging the Hebrew "shalom" with the Greek "charis" (grace).

Cultural and Theological Significance

Greetings in the Bible often reflect cultural norms and theological truths. They serve as a means of expressing love and unity within the body of Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 5:26, Paul exhorts believers to "Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss" , a practice that symbolized familial affection and spiritual kinship.

The act of greeting also serves as a reminder of the believer's identity and mission. In 2 John 1:10, believers are cautioned against extending a greeting to those who do not bring the teaching of Christ, highlighting the importance of discernment in fellowship.

Hospitality and Greetings

Hospitality is closely linked with greetings in biblical narratives. Abraham's warm reception of the three visitors in Genesis 18 exemplifies the ancient Near Eastern custom of welcoming strangers with generosity and respect. Similarly, in the New Testament, hospitality is a hallmark of Christian virtue, as seen in 1 Peter 4:9: "Show hospitality to one another without complaining" .

Conclusion

Greetings and salutations in the Bible are rich with cultural, relational, and spiritual significance. They serve as expressions of peace, love, and unity, reflecting the heart of God towards His people and the world.