Overview
Salutations in Scripture encompass both verbal greetings and physical gestures of respect. Whether bowing, embracing, or speaking words of blessing, these customs reflected the social hierarchy, spiritual reverence, and relational warmth valued in biblical culture. Proper greetings honored God's design for human interaction.
Key Scriptures
"And behold, Jesus met them and said, 'Greetings!' And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him" (Matthew 28:9, ESV).
"When Abram saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth" (Genesis 18:2, ESV).
"Blessed are you by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first" (Ruth 3:11, ESV).
Application
Christians should greet others with genuine warmth and respect, using salutations that honor both God and the image-bearer before you.
✦ Scripture References 40 references
✦ Topical Scripture Breakdown 87 verses
All hail
Antiquity of
Art thou in health?
Blessed be thou of the Lord
Bowing frequently to the ground
By all passers-by
By bowing
By brethren to each other
By inferiors to their superiors
By kissing
By letter
By superiors to inferiors
Denied to persons of bad character
Embracing and kissing the feet
Falling on the neck and kissing
Falling prostrate on the ground
From a master to his servants, »The Lord be with you«
Given to Christ in derision
God be gracious to thee
Hail
Kissing the dust
Laying hold of the bear with the right hand
Often perfidious
Often sent by letter
Often sent through messengers
On entering a house
Peace be to this house
Peace be with thee
Peace to thee, and peace to thine house, and peace to all that thou hast
Persons in haste excused from giving or receiving
Servants to their masters, »The Lord bless thee«
The blessing of the Lord be upon you, we bless you in the name of the Lord
The Jews condemned for giving, only to their countrymen
The Lord be with you
The Lord bless thee
The Pharisees condemned for seeking, in public
Touching the hem of the garment