Greeting

Spoken greetings

Formal greetings

2 Samuel 8:9–10 parallel 1 Chronicles 18:9–10 See also Genesis 14:17–20, Genesis 47:7; 1 Samuel 25:14; Matthew 10:11–15, Matthew 23:7 parallels Mark 12:38, Luke 20:46; Luke 11:43

When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, he sent his son Joram to greet King David and bless him for fighting and defeating Hadadezer, who had been at war with Toi. Joram brought with him articles of silver and gold and bronze,

Less formal greetings

Exodus 18:7 See also Genesis 33:4, Genesis 46:29; Judges 18:15; 1 Samuel 10:3–4, 1 Samuel 13:10, 1 Samuel 17:22, 1 Samuel 30:21; 2 Kings 10:12–15; Isaiah 14:9; Matthew 5:47, Matthew 26:49 Judas betrays Jesus Christ; Matthew 28:9; Mark 9:15; Luke 1:39–41 Mary visits Elizabeth; Acts 18:22, Acts 21:7, Acts 21:19

So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.

Examples of spoken greetings

Ruth 2:4 See also 1 Samuel 25:4–6

Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, “The LORD be with you.” “The LORD bless you,” they replied.

Written greetings

Greetings at the beginning of letters

1 Thessalonians 1:1 See also Ezra 4:17, Ezra 5:7, Ezra 7:12; Acts 15:23, Acts 23:26; Romans 1:1–7; 1 Corinthians 1:1–3; 2 Corinthians 1:1–2; Galatians 1:1–5; Ephesians 1:1–2; Philippians 1:1–2; Colossians 1:1–2; 2 Thessalonians 1:1–2 1 Timothy 1:1–2; 2 Timothy 1:1–2; Titus 1:1–4; Philemon 1:1–3; James 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1–2; 2 Peter 1:1–2; 2 John 1:1–3; 3 John 1:1; Jude 1:1–2

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

Greetings at the close of letters

Ephesians 6:23–24 See also Romans 16:3–27; 1 Corinthians 16:19–24; 2 Corinthians 13:12–14; Philippians 4:21–23; Colossians 4:10–18; 1 Thessalonians 5:25–28; 2 Thessalonians 3:16–18; 2 Timothy 4:19–22; Titus 3:15; Philippians 1:23–25; Hebrews 13:24–25; 1 Peter 5:13–14; 2 John 1:12–13; 3 John 1:13–14

Peace to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Messengers forbidden to greet fellow travellers

2 Kings 4:29 See also Luke 10:1–4

So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.”