Lexical Summary shelem: completed, deliver in full, put an end Original Word: שְׁלַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance deliver, finish (Aramaic) corresponding to shalam; to complete, to restore -- deliver, finish. see HEBREW shalam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to shalem Definition to be complete NASB Translation completed (1), deliver in full (1), put an end (1). Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Narrative Context1. Ezra 5:16 – The Persian governor recounts that the temple in Jerusalem “is not yet completed.” In each instance שְׁלַם marks the decisive moment when a matter is finished, fulfilled, or brought to its ordained conclusion. Historical Significance Ezra 5 and 7 place the word in the era of the Persian restoration. The rebuilding of the temple was the visible sign that covenant worship could resume, and שְׁלַם underscores the tension between the work begun (Ezra 5:16) and the divine intent for its completion (Ezra 7:19). By contrast, Daniel 5:26 occurs on the night Babylon falls; the same term that signals the temple’s future wholeness pronounces a pagan empire’s sudden finish. The shared vocabulary links restoration and judgment, reminding readers that the Lord brings His plans—whether of mercy or of reckoning—to their appointed end. Theological Themes Completion of Divine Purposes Fulfillment and Peace Though distinct from שָׁלוֹם, the concept of completion naturally points to the wholeness and peace God grants when His work is finished. Temple worship restored in Ezra prefigures the ultimate peace secured through the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:14). Judgment and Mercy Held Together The same verb that declares an end to Babylon simultaneously opens the way for Israel’s renewed worship. God’s acts of judgment clear the path for salvation history to advance. Ministry Implications Perseverance in God-Given Tasks Leaders today can look to Ezra’s example: though opposition delayed the project, the Lord intended it to reach fulfillment. Ministry that appears stalled is not necessarily abandoned; the call is to trust God’s timetable. Sobriety About Earthly Achievement Daniel’s use warns against presuming on longevity. Kingdoms, institutions, and even personal ministries last only as long as the Lord permits. Faithfulness, not permanence, is the measure of success. Hope Anchored in Divine Completion Believers labor with confidence that every promise of God will be brought to completion. As Jesus cried, “It is finished” (John 19:30), the deepest meaning of שְׁלַם is realized—redemption fully accomplished. Intercanonical Echoes • Genesis 2:2 – God “finished” His creative work, setting a pattern of divine completion. Devotional Reflection Meditating on שְׁלַם invites believers to rest in God’s faithfulness to finish what He begins. Whether confronting unfinished tasks, resisting pride in temporal success, or awaiting the consummation of all things, the word stands as a quiet but firm assurance: the Lord who numbers the days also perfects His purposes. Forms and Transliterations הַשְׁלֵ֕ם השלם וְהַשְׁלְמַֽהּ׃ והשלמה׃ שְׁלִֽם׃ שלם׃ haš·lêm hashLem hašlêm šə·lim šəlim sheLim vehashleMah wə·haš·lə·mah wəhašləmahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 5:16 HEB: מִתְבְּנֵ֖א וְלָ֥א שְׁלִֽם׃ NAS: it has been under construction and it is not [yet] completed.' KJV: and [yet] it is not finished. INT: has been under is not finished Ezra 7:19 Daniel 5:26 3 Occurrences |
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