2 Samuel 20:9

Modern

“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him.

Traditional

And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

Literal

And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And with his right hand Joab held on to the beard of Amasa to kiss him.

Latin

Dixit itaque Joab ad Amasam: Salve mi frater. Et tenuit manu dextera mentum Amasæ, quasi osculans eum.

Hebrew

English

“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him.

to kiss him: This was a common greeting that showed respect and warmth. However, such greetings were not always sincere (compare 2 Samuel 14:33).

Theme notes and profiles

Luke 22:47–48
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him.
Matthew 26:48–49
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”
Micah 7:2
The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net.
Proverbs 26:24–26
A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart.
Psalm 55:21
His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.

Amasa: Military commander, son of Abigail (David's sister), killed by Joab Joab: Son of Zeruiah, commander of David's army