φίλημα. The ordinary salutation of respect in the East, where the first greeting when two friends meet and wish to do each other honour is to try to kiss each other’s hands. The kiss on the cheek is between equals and may also be given to inferiors. Absalom, to gain favour, kissed every man who came near him to do him obeisance; 2 Samuel 15:5. “The king kissed Barzillai,” id. Luke 19:39. Hence this was a natural signal of recognition for the traitor to give; Matthew 26:49. See Acts 20:37. For the osculum pacis see Romans 16:16, &c.

εἰσῆλθον. There is another reading, εἰσῆλθεν, ‘she came in’ (L and some versions), which is probable, for the woman only ascertained that Jesus was at the house after He had entered it.

45. καταφιλοῦσα. ‘Tenderly’ or ‘repeatedly kissing,’ Luke 15:20; Acts 20:37; Matthew 26:49.

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Old Testament