2 Corinthians 13:12
What does 2 Corinthians 13:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 13:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 13:12 means
“Salute one another with a holy kiss” calls for a culturally appropriate sign of familial affection, cleansed by holiness. The act is not romantic but communal—a tangible reminder that believers are set apart together and must treat one another with pure, welcoming warmth. In a church strained by conflict and suspicion, such gestures re-knit trust and affirm shared identity in Christ. Holiness guards the affection from impurity; affection guards holiness from coldness. Paul wants the gospel to shape not only beliefs and discipline but also the everyday ways Christians greet and value each other.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Salute one another with a holy kiss.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Greet one another with an holy kiss.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Salute one another with a holy kiss.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give one another a holy kiss.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862salute one another in an holy kiss;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the saints salute you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Salute one another with a holy kiss.
Context
After urging unity and peace, Paul moves to a practical expression of that unity. Verse 12 translates exhortations into embodied fellowship. It fits the chapter’s movement from potential severity to relational restoration. The greeting also prepares for verse 13, where the wider body of believers extends its greetings, reminding the Corinthians they belong to something larger than their local disputes. The flow builds a communal tone that culminates in the shared blessing of verse 14.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 5:14
Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace be unto you all that are in Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:26
Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.
- 1 Corinthians 16:20
All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.
- Romans 16:16
Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ salute you.
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