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765. Kissing the Feet

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

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Luke 7:38³⁸And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. (Luke 7:38). Stood at his feet behind him...and kissed his feet.

This was no unusual practice among the Jews, and was also customary among the Greeks and Romans. It was a mark of affection and of reverence. It was also the practice of supplicants, and of those who had an important request to present. Kissing the feet of princes was a token of subjection and obedience. See also verse 45.

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Manners and Customs of the Bible

• 750. Writing Tablets

• 751. Swaddling Clothes - Manger - Inn

• 752. "The Consolation"

• 753. The First Day's Journey

• 754. Doctors and Disciples

• 755. Public Scripture Reading

• 756. Books of Prophecy

• 757. The Chazan - Posture of Teachers

• 758. Night Fishing

• 759. Tax Gathering

• 760. The "Bosom.”

• 761. Foundations

• 762. Synagogue Building

• 763. Customs at Funerals

• 764. The Bier

• 765. Kissing the Feet

• 766. Guiding the Plow

• 767. Formal Salutations

• 768. Formal Visiting

• 769. Neighbors

• 770. Use of Oil and Wine

• 771. Night Traveling

• 772. Family Bedroom

• 773. Neglected Tombs

• 774. Money Bags

• 775. Trees in Vineyards

• 776. Sabbath Feasting

• 777. Place of Honor at Feasts

• 778. Arrangement of Guests

• 779. Division of Property