Lexical Summary shelam: peace Original Word: שְׁלָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance peace (Aramaic) corresponding to shalowm; prosperity -- peace. see HEBREW shalowm NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to shalom Definition welfare, prosperity NASB Translation peace (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs שְׁלָם noun masculineDan 3:31 welfare, prosperity; — in greetings: absolute Ezra 4:17 prosperity! emphatic שְׁלָמָא Ezra 5:7; suffix שְׁלָֽמְכוֺן יַשְׂגִּיא Daniel 3:31; Daniel 6:26. Topical Lexicon Overview Primarily found in the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, the term denotes the state of wholeness, welfare, and tranquility conveyed in official correspondence from royal courts. Its four appearances frame communications that move from political protocol to theological proclamation, providing a small but significant window into how “peace” functioned in the life of exiled Judah and in the revelation of God’s sovereignty to the nations. Occurrences and Literary Setting 1. Ezra 4:17 – The Persian king replies to local officials opposing the temple rebuild: “Peace. And now…”. In each instance the word fronts a formal greeting that resembles the later New Testament epistolary formula “Grace and peace to you.” Historical Backdrop • Persian Administration: The post-exilic period was marked by strict protocols of diplomacy. Standardized greetings assured the king of a sender’s loyalty and paved the way for petitions or decrees. Theological Significance • Peace Under Sovereignty: The letters in Ezra intend to halt or permit temple work, yet every outcome ultimately serves God’s plan to restore worship in Jerusalem (Ezra 6:14). True peace is linked to submission to His decrees. Christological Connection Daniel’s narratives anticipate the Prince of Peace who will rule every kingdom (Isaiah 9:6–7). When Gentile kings unwittingly pronounce peace to the world, they prefigure the angelic announcement at Bethlehem and the risen Christ’s greeting, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). Practical Ministry Applications • Gospel Introduction: As ancient letters led with peace, believers today may open conversations with a genuine wish for the hearer’s welfare, modeling heavenly priorities before addressing deeper matters. Related Old Testament Words Shalom (peace), Shelah (rest), Shalvah (prosperity). Key Takeaway Even in brief formal greetings, Scripture weaves the promise of divine wholeness through the corridors of empires, reminding God’s people that lasting peace is neither circumstantial nor political but rooted in His unchanging rule and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations שְׁלָ֖ם שְׁלָמְכ֥וֹן שְׁלָמָ֥א שלם שלמא שלמכון šə·lā·mā šə·lā·mə·ḵō·wn šə·lām šəlām šəlāmā šəlāməḵōwn sheLam shelaMa shelameChonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:17 HEB: עֲבַֽר־ נַהֲרָ֛ה שְׁלָ֖ם וּכְעֶֽת׃ ס NAS: the River: Peace. And now KJV: the river, Peace, and at such a time. INT: beyond the River Peace and now Ezra 5:7 Daniel 4:1 Daniel 6:25 4 Occurrences |
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