1 Thessalonians 5:26

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Thessalonians 5:26 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.
1 Thessalonians 5:26 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Thessalonians 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
26Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.] In opposition, to an unchaste and hypocritical one. His meaning is, that they would salute the members of the church in his name, and give his Christian love and affections to them. And his view is to recommend to them brotherly love to each other, and to stir them up to the mutual exercise of it more and more.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Hence it appears this Epistle was first handed to the elders, who communicated it to "the brethren." holy kiss--pure and chaste. "A kiss of charity" (Pe1 5:14). A token of Christian fellowship in those days (compare Luk 7:45; Act 20:37), as it is a common mode of salutation in many countries. The custom hence arose in the early Church of passing the kiss through the congregation at the holy communion [JUSTIN MARTYR, Apology, 1.65; Apostolic Constitutions, 2.57], the men kissing the men, and the women the women, in the Lord. So in the Syrian Church each takes his neighbor's right hand and gives the salutation, "Peace."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss - see the notes on Romans 16:16. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:26 a sacred kiss (see also Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Pet 5:14): Kissing on the cheek or forehead was a common form of greeting that reflected such sentiments as honor, friendship, and love among family members (Mark 14:44-45; Luke 7:36-47; 15:20; Acts 20:37).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Rom 16:16; Co1 16:20 1 Thessalonians 5:27”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification