Understanding ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai) Strong’s G782: The Sacred Art of Biblical Greetings and Embraces

Pronunciation Guide: as-pad’-zom-ahee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G782: ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai) conveys the act of warmly greeting or welcoming someone, often with physical embrace or gestures of affection. It encompasses both the verbal expression of greeting and the physical demonstration of welcome, combining formal acknowledgment with heartfelt connection. This word beautifully captures the holistic nature of biblical hospitality and fellowship.

Etymology and Morphology

• Middle/Passive Deponent Verb
• Derived from ἀ (intensive) and σπάω (to draw, pull)
• Primary usage in narrative and epistolary literature
• Common in both formal and informal contexts
• Frequently used in letter closings

ἀσπάζομαι Morphology:

• ἀσπάζομαι (present indicative middle) – I greet/embrace
• ἀσπάσασθε (aorist imperative middle) – greet/embrace! (plural command)
• ἀσπάζεται (present indicative middle 3rd person) – he/she greets/embraces
• ἀσπασάμενοι (aorist participle middle nominative plural) – having greeted/embraced

Origin & History

The word ἀσπάζομαι has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it appears in works of Xenophon’s “Cyropaedia” describing formal court greetings and military salutations. The term evolved from simply meaning “to welcome” to encompassing a rich tapestry of greeting customs in the Hellenistic world.

In the Septuagint, ἀσπάζομαι appears in narratives of familial reunions, such as in Genesis 48:10 where Jacob embraces Joseph’s sons. The word carries forward the Hebrew concept of שָׁלוֹם (shalom), extending beyond mere greeting to conveying peace, wholeness, and blessing.

Early church fathers like Clement of Rome in his First Epistle to the Corinthians (96 CE) employed ἀσπάζομαι extensively in epistolary greetings, demonstrating its crucial role in expressing Christian fellowship and unity in the early church.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Formal greeting or salutation with respect and honor
• Embrace or physical demonstration of welcome
• Expression of joy at meeting or reunion
• Conveyance of good wishes and blessing
• Declaration of peace and fellowship

ἀσπάζομαι Translation Options:

• “Greet” – Best for formal or epistolary contexts
• “Embrace” – Appropriate when physical gesture is implied
• “Welcome” – Suitable for hospitality contexts
• “Pay respects to” – Fitting for formal or hierarchical situations
• “Send greetings to” – Ideal for third-party greetings in letters

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀσπάζομαι appears frequently in epistolary literature, particularly in Paul’s letters, where it serves as more than mere formality. The word creates bridges of fellowship between communities, expressing the deep bonds of Christian love and unity. It often appears in clusters at the end of letters, where multiple greetings are exchanged, highlighting the interconnected nature of early Christian communities.

The term also appears in narrative contexts, such as the angelic greeting to Mary (Luke 1:40) and Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, where the physical embrace carries profound theological significance.

Significant appearances include:

• “And if you greet [ἀσπάσησθε] your brethren only, what do you do more than others?” (Matthew 5:47)
• “Greet [ἀσπάσασθε] one another with a holy kiss.” (Romans 16:16)
• “Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste… and greeted [ἠσπάσατο] Elizabeth.” (Luke 1:39-40)
• “All the saints greet [ἀσπάζονται] you, especially those of Caesar’s household.” (Philippians 4:22)
• “Greet [ἀσπάσασθε] all your leaders and all the saints.” (Hebrews 13:24)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, greetings were far more than casual exchanges. The act of greeting (ἀσπάζομαι) often included the expression “Peace be with you” (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם, Shalom Aleichem), which was not merely a greeting but a blessing invoking God’s presence and favor. This practice reflected the understanding that every encounter was an opportunity for blessing and sharing God’s peace.

The physical aspect of ἀσπάζομαι often included the holy kiss (φίλημα ἅγιον), a practice that demonstrated the radical equality and familial bonds within the early church, transcending social, ethnic, and economic boundaries. This physical expression of greeting became a powerful testimony to the transformative nature of the gospel in a highly stratified Roman society.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀσπάζομαι in the New Testament reveals a profound theology of fellowship and unity in the Body of Messiah. When believers greet one another, they participate in a sacred act that reflects the welcome they have received from God through the Messiah Jesus. This greeting becomes a tangible expression of the reconciliation achieved through His sacrifice.

The angelic greeting to Mary (χαῖρε, κεχαριτωμένη – “Greetings, favored one”) employs a form of greeting that signifies divine visitation and the inauguration of God’s redemptive purposes. This elevated use of greeting language demonstrates how God’s interaction with humanity often begins with a holy greeting that precedes divine revelation.

The command to greet one another, particularly with a holy kiss, establishes a pattern of fellowship that transcends mere social convention. It becomes a prophetic act demonstrating the reality of the new covenant community where all are one in the Messiah Jesus.

Personal Application

When we understand the rich meaning of ἀσπάζομαι, our greetings can become powerful expressions of God’s love and welcome. Each greeting becomes an opportunity to extend shalom to others, recognizing that we are participating in a sacred tradition that dates back to the earliest believers.

Consider how your greetings might become more intentional expressions of God’s love. Whether through words, embrace, or simple presence, each greeting can carry the weight of divine welcome and the warmth of genuine fellowship in the Messiah.

Related Words

• χαίρω (chairo) – to rejoice, be glad – closely related to greetings of joy and celebration. See G5463
• εἰρήνη (eirene) – peace, the Greek equivalent of Hebrew shalom, often used in greetings. See G1515
• φιλέω (phileo) – to love, show affection, kiss – related to the physical expression of greeting. See G5368
• προσκυνέω (proskuneo) – to worship, bow down – a formal greeting showing reverence. See G4352

Did you Know?

• The practice of greeting with a holy kiss continued in the early church until the 13th century in some regions, and is still practiced in various Orthodox Christian communities today.
• In ancient Mediterranean culture, the manner of greeting could indicate social status, relationship, and even political allegiance. The early Christian practice of greeting all believers equally was therefore quite revolutionary.
• The word ἀσπάζομαι appears over 60 times in the New Testament, with nearly half of these occurrences in Paul’s letters, highlighting the importance of Christian fellowship in the early church.

Remember This

ἀσπάζομαι reminds us that every greeting is an opportunity to extend God’s peace, demonstrate His love, and strengthen the bonds of fellowship in the Body of Messiah.