Introduction

The term "shalom" is a Hebrew word commonly translated as "peace" in English. It holds a significant place in biblical texts and the cultural practices of the ancient Israelites. More than just the absence of conflict, shalom encompasses a holistic sense of well-being, completeness, and harmony. This entry explores the multifaceted concept of shalom as it appears in the Bible, its theological implications, and its role in the life of believers.

Biblical Usage

In the Old Testament, "shalom" appears frequently, reflecting its importance in the Hebrew language and culture. It is used in various contexts, including greetings, farewells, and blessings. For instance, in Numbers 6:24-26, the Aaronic blessing concludes with a prayer for peace: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace" .

Shalom is also associated with God's covenantal promises. In Isaiah 54:10, God assures His people of His enduring peace: "Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken, says the LORD, who has compassion on you" . Here, shalom signifies the steadfastness of God's commitment to His people.

Theological Significance

Theologically, shalom is deeply connected to the character of God and His redemptive plan for humanity. It reflects God's desire for His creation to live in harmony with Him, with one another, and with the world. The fall of humanity disrupted this peace, but the biblical narrative points toward its ultimate restoration through the Messiah.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a coming Savior who would establish true shalom. In John 14:27, Jesus offers His peace to His disciples: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid" . This peace is not merely a temporary respite from trouble but a profound, enduring state of reconciliation with God.

Practical Implications for Believers

For believers, shalom is both a present reality and a future hope. It is experienced through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God and grants us peace with Him. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" .

Moreover, Christians are called to be peacemakers, reflecting God's peace in their interactions with others. Matthew 5:9 declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" . This involves actively seeking reconciliation, promoting justice, and living in harmony with others.

Conclusion

Shalom is a rich and profound concept that permeates the biblical narrative. It encapsulates God's desire for wholeness and harmony in His creation, fulfilled through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. As believers embrace this peace, they are called to extend it to others, embodying the transformative power of shalom in a broken world.1 Samuel 25:6
And thus shall you say to him that lives in prosperity, Peace be both to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have.
Nave's Topical Index

3073. Yhvh Shalom -- Jehovah is peace; Jehovah-Shalom
... Jehovah is peace; Jehovah-Shalom From Yhovah and shalowm; Jehovah (is) peace;
Jehovah-Shalom, a symbolical name of an altar in Palestine: see HEBREW Yhovah. ...
/hebrew/3073.htm - 6k

7965. shalom -- completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
... be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare,
(X all is, be) well, X wholly. see HEBREW shalam. 7964, 7965. shalom. 7966 ...
/hebrew/7965.htm - 6k

53. Abishalom -- "my father is peace," two Israelites
... Word Origin from ab and shalom Definition "my father is peace," two Isr. ... ab-shaw-
lome'}; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace (ie Friendly ... see HEBREW 'ab. ...
/hebrew/53.htm - 6k

8017. Shelumiel -- "peace of God," a Simeonite
... Word Origin from shalom and el Definition "peace of God," a ... From shalowm and 'el;
peace of God; Shelumiel, an Israelite -- Shelumiel. see HEBREW shalowm. ...
/hebrew/8017.htm - 6k

1312. Bishlam -- perhaps "son of peace," a Pers.
... Word Origin perhaps from ben and shalom Definition perhaps "son of peace," a Pers.
NASB Word Usage Bishlam (1). Bishlam. Of foreign derivation; Bishlam, a Pers. ...
/hebrew/1312.htm - 6k

8001. shelam -- welfare, prosperity
... to shalom Definition welfare, prosperity NASB Word Usage peace (4). peace. (Aramaic)
corresponding to shalowm; prosperity -- peace. see HEBREW shalowm. ...
/hebrew/8001.htm - 6k

Peace
... innumerable triumphs]. The Hebrew word shalom, peace, comprehends all
blessings; it is the glory of a kingdom. A prince's crown ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

Gideon's Altar
... THE BOOK OF JUDGES GIDEON'S ALTAR. 'Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord,
and called it Jehovah- shalom [God is peace].'"Judges 6:24. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gideons altar.htm

April 1 Evening
... APRIL 1 EVENING. Jehovah-shalom: (The Lord send peace.)"JUDG.6:24. Behold,
a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/april 1 evening.htm

Jehovah
... Banner. Jehovah-shalom, ie, The Lord our Peace. Jehovah-tsidkenu, ie, The Lord
our Righteousness. ... Jehovah-shalom, ie, "I am thy peace. I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 6 jehovah.htm

Jehovah. The "I Am. "
... Jehovah "Nissi"The Lord is my banner, He giveth the Victory (Exodus 17). Jehovah
shalom, the Lord is Peace. He is our Peace (Judges vi). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/jehovah the i am.htm

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ...
... transcript of the Rabbinic Chas lecha ({hebrew}). See Levy, Neuhebr. W??rterb. vol.
ii, p. 85. The commoner expression is Chas ve Shalom, mercy and peace,' viz ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvii the great confession.htm

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles ...
... Palestine (in Rome, and other places), written in bad Greek or Latin, containing,
perhaps, a Hebrew word, and generally ending with shalom, peace,' and adorned ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxi the death and.htm

Our Stronghold
... has been war within and war without, but you have run into your strong tower, for
you have said, "His name is Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord send peace;" or else the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/our stronghold.htm

Traditionalism, Its Origin, Character, and Literature - the ...
... life (such as contracts), is written, not in Hebrew, but in ... regards learned students;
and, lastly, the Pereq ha Shalom, [519] which is a eulogy on peace. ...
/.../chapter viii traditionalism its origin.htm

The Doctrine of God
... Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord our Peace (Judges 6 ... The Hebrew word for "one" (yacheed)
in the absolute sense, and which is used in such expressions as "the only ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of god.htm

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