Luke 7:45
Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean greeting kiss signified friendship and respect. Men kissed male friends; family kissed family. The absence of greeting kiss from Simon suggested cool reception. Judas's betrayal kiss (Luke 22:48) perverted this custom. The woman's foot-kissing exceeded normal practice, demonstrating extravagant humility. Early Christians greeted with 'holy kiss' (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20), maintaining the custom with sacred significance. The contrast between Simon's absent kiss and the woman's continuous kisses illustrated different love levels.
Questions for Reflection
- How do cultural expressions of honor and affection translate into worship practices?
- What does sustained, continuous worship (not just momentary emotion) reveal about love's depth?
- How might we neglect 'greeting' Jesus appropriately through prayer, worship, or obedience?
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Analysis & Commentary
Second contrast: 'Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet' (Greek 'philēma moi ouk edōkas: hautē de aph' hēs eisēlthon ou dielipen kataphilousa mou tous podas'). Greeting kiss was customary among friends—typically cheek-to-cheek. Simon's omission showed coldness. The woman's continuous kissing (present participle—kept kissing) of Jesus's feet (far more humble than cheek kiss) demonstrated passionate devotion. The verb 'kataphilousa' intensifies simple 'phileo'—fervently kissing. Her love manifested in sustained, humble, self-forgetting worship. Reformed theology sees here that genuine conversion produces observable transformation—from self-centered living to Christ-centered devotion.