Lexical Summary eirénopoios: Peacemaker Original Word: εἰρηνοποιός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance peacemaker. From eirenopoios and poieo; pacificatory, i.e. (subjectively) peaceable -- peacemaker. see GREEK eirenopoios see GREEK poieo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1518 eirēnopoiós (from 1517 /eirēnopoiéō, "make peace") – properly, a peacemaker, bravely declares God's terms which makes someone whole (used only in Mt 5:9). See 1515 (eirēnē). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom eiréné and poieó Definition peacemaking, a peacemaker NASB Translation peacemakers (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1518: εἰρηνοποιόςεἰρηνοποιός, ἐιρηνοποιον, masculine a peace-maker (Xenophon, Hell. 6, 3, 4; Dio Cassius); pacific, loving peace: Matthew 5:9; (others (cf. A. V.) dispute this secondary meaning; see Meyer at the passage). Topical Lexicon Definition and Biblical Setting Strong’s Greek 1518, εἰρηνοποιοί, designates those who actively cultivate and maintain peace. In the sole New Testament use—Matthew 5:9—it appears within the Beatitudes, identifying a distinguishing characteristic of citizens of the kingdom of Heaven. Occurrences and Context Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Jesus situates the term in the Sermon on the Mount, the manifesto of kingdom ethics. The position of this beatitude—after purity of heart (Matthew 5:8) and before persecution (Matthew 5:10-11)—underscores that genuine peace-making flows from inner holiness and may provoke opposition from a world at odds with divine righteousness. Old Testament Background Though the noun εἰρηνοποιός is absent from the Septuagint, the concept saturates the Hebrew Scriptures. Aaron’s benediction invokes shalom upon Israel (Numbers 6:24-26). The wise are exhorted: “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy” (Proverbs 12:20). Messianic prophecy anticipates the ultimate Peacemaker: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, proclaiming peace” (Isaiah 52:7), a text later applied to gospel heralds (Romans 10:15). Historical Relevance First-century Palestine languished under Roman occupation, with the Pax Romana enforced by military might. Against that backdrop, Jesus offered a radically different peace rooted in reconciliation with God and neighbor (John 14:27). Early Christians adopted this identity; Tertullian noted, “We are a society of peace.” Theological Significance 1. Trinitarian Echo: The Father ordains peace (Hebrews 13:20), the Son secures it through the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16), and the Spirit produces it as fruit (Galatians 5:22). Practical Ministry Application • Personal Relationships: “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Believers pursue reconciliation, refuse retaliation, and speak truth in love. Christological Fulfillment Jesus embodies εἰρηνοποιός. By His blood He “made peace” (Colossians 1:20), reconciling Jews and Gentiles into “one new man” (Ephesians 2:15). Disciples imitate His self-sacrificial pattern, bearing crosses rather than swords (Matthew 26:52). Ecclesiological Implications Church leadership must be “peaceable” (1 Timothy 3:3). Discipline aims at restoration (2 Corinthians 2:5-8). The Lord’s Supper proclaims peace accomplished at Calvary and nurtures unity (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Eschatological Hope Peacemakers anticipate the consummation when the Prince of Peace reigns universally (Isaiah 9:6-7). Swords will be beaten into plowshares (Micah 4:3), and the new creation will be characterized by perfect shalom (Revelation 21:1-4). Summary Strong’s 1518 highlights an active, redemptive ministry rooted in God’s character and secured by Christ’s atonement. Peacemakers serve as signs of the coming kingdom, declaring and demonstrating the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) until it fills the earth. Forms and Transliterations ειρηνοποιοι ειρηνοποιοί εἰρηνοποιοί eirenopoioi eirenopoioí eirēnopoioi eirēnopoioíLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |