Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, salutations often carry deep spiritual significance, extending beyond mere greetings to convey blessings, peace, and divine favor. One of the most profound expressions used in biblical salutations is "Peace be with thee," a phrase that encapsulates the Hebrew concept of "shalom," which signifies not only peace but also completeness, welfare, and harmony.Old Testament Usage The roots of this salutation can be traced back to the Old Testament, where peace is a central theme in the relationship between God and His people. In Judges 6:23, the Lord reassures Gideon with the words, "Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die" (KJV). This divine greeting underscores the assurance and protection that comes from God’s presence. In 1 Samuel 25:6, David instructs his men to greet Nabal with a blessing of peace: "And thus you shall say to him who lives in prosperity: ‘Peace be to you, and peace to your house, and peace to all that you have!’" . This salutation reflects a desire for comprehensive well-being, extending peace to the individual, their household, and their possessions. New Testament Usage The New Testament continues this tradition, with Jesus Christ Himself frequently using the salutation "Peace be with you." In John 20:19, after His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples and greets them with, "Peace be with you" . This greeting is repeated in John 20:21 and John 20:26, emphasizing the peace that comes through His victory over sin and death. The Apostle Paul also incorporates this salutation in his epistles, often beginning and ending his letters with blessings of peace. For instance, in Romans 1:7, Paul writes, "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" . This greeting not only conveys a wish for peace but also highlights its divine source. Theological Significance The expression "Peace be with thee" is more than a customary greeting; it is a profound theological statement. It reflects the peace that God offers through His covenant relationship with His people. In Isaiah 9:6, the Messiah is prophesied as the "Prince of Peace," indicating that true peace is found in Him. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of God’s righteousness and justice. In the New Testament, the peace offered by Christ is a central aspect of the Gospel message. Ephesians 2:14 declares, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility" . This peace reconciles humanity to God and unites believers in the body of Christ. Cultural and Liturgical Context In Jewish culture, the greeting "Shalom" is still widely used today, carrying the same rich connotations of peace and well-being. In Christian liturgical practices, the "passing of the peace" is a tradition where congregants exchange greetings of peace, reflecting the unity and reconciliation found in Christ. The salutation "Peace be with thee" serves as a reminder of the peace that surpasses all understanding, as described in Philippians 4:7. It is a peace that guards the hearts and minds of believers, rooted in the assurance of God’s presence and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 19:20And the old man said, Peace be with you; howsoever let all your wants lie on me; only lodge not in the street. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 2, "The Harvest Truly is ... The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency Colossians i. 15-18 Appendix. Life in Persia. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Nile and Egypt The Reaction against Egypt Another Wonderful Record of 25. Resources What exactly is a holy kiss? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Hail Mary that Catholics say so often? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of 2 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Salutations: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salutations were Given by all Passers-By Salutations were Given by Brethren to Each Other Salutations were Given by Inferiors to Their Superiors Salutations were Given by Superiors to Inferiors Salutations were Given: On Entering a House Salutations: "Are You Well, My Brother?" Salutations: "May God be Gracious to You" Salutations: "Peace (Hebrew: Shalom) to This House" Salutations: "Peace to You" (Hebrew: Shalomleka) Salutations: "Peace" (Hebrew: Shalom) Salutations: Denied to Persons of Bad Character Salutations: Expressions Used as all Hail Salutations: Expressions Used as Art Thou in Health? Salutations: Expressions Used as Blessed be Thou of the Lord Salutations: Expressions Used as God be Gracious to Thee Salutations: Expressions Used as Hail Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace be to This House Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace be With Thee Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace to Thee, and Peace to Thine House, and Peace to All Salutations: Expressions Used as The Blessing of the Lord be Upon You, we Bless You in The Salutations: Expressions Used as The Lord be With You Salutations: Expressions Used as The Lord Bless Thee Salutations: from a Master to his Servants, "May the Lord be With You" Salutations: Given to Christ in Derision Salutations: Often Accompanied by Bowing Frequently to the Ground Salutations: Often Accompanied by Embracing and Kissing the Feet Salutations: Often Accompanied by Falling on the Neck and Kissing Salutations: Often Accompanied by Falling Prostrate on the Ground Salutations: Often Accompanied by Kissing the Dust Salutations: Often Accompanied by Laying Hold of the Bear With the Right Hand Salutations: Often Accompanied by Touching the Hem of the Garment Salutations: Often Sent by Letter Salutations: Often Sent Through Messengers Salutations: Persons in Haste Excused from Giving or Receiving Salutations: Servants to Their Masters, "May the Lord Bless You" Salutations: The Jews Condemned for Giving, Only to Their Countrymen Salutations: The Pharisees Condemned for Seeking, in Public Related Terms |
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