Defining Shalom In The Bible

The word shalom carries a powerful and special meaning. 

Ancient Hebrews derived the concept of peace from the word "shalom," which meant wholeness, completeness, soundness, health, safety, and prosperity, with the connotation of eternal quality. It’s simple to hear the word shalom and think of our deep yearning for a true peace that’s beyond our human understanding. 

A shalom derived from Christ reassures believers that the peace they experience through Him is real, present, and greater than anything in the world. The warmth shalom brings to the heart and the comfort it brings to the spirit can be life-giving. But how is it that the word shalom can evoke such an emotional response?

In this article, we’ll discuss the meaning of the word shalom in the Bible.

Origins of the word shalom

Many people know the Hebrew word shalom, which is commonly used in Judaism. 

Shalom means "peace" in English, but what is its true meaning beyond that simple definition? According to western definitions, peace refers to the absence of conflict and war, but the term refers to much more in modern Hebrew.

Hebrew phrases containing shalom are numerous. Probably the most commonly recognized Hebrew greetings are shalom, or shalom aleichem, which means “peace be with you.” There’s also mah shlomcha, meaning “how are you,” for a man, and mah shlomech, for a woman.

The phrase “shabbat shalom” is a common greeting used during the Jewish Shabbat or Sabbath as well as Jehovah Shalom. 

Throughout the Torah and Christian scriptures, which encompass both The Old Testament and The New Testament, there are 237 instances of the word "Shalom." In most references, shalom means tranquility, security, peace, and well-being. 

However, shalom also means health, welfare, completeness, and safety.

There's disagreement among scholars about the word's origin. According to some sources, it’s related to the ancient Aramaic verb sh'la, meaning to calm down, be at ease, or even be thoughtless and careless. According to scholars, the root word for deception is ashlaya, which comes from the same root word.

Others believe that shalom is the same as the verb shalem, which means complete or whole. In the same way, it’s from this root that tashlum (payment) and shilumim (reparation) are derived. These are related and refer to the closing of a transaction.

Despite the similarities in origin, meaning, and sound between the Hebrew shalom and the Arabic salaam, the Hebrew term emphasizes wholeness. In contrast, the Arabic term resonates with Islam, which is about surrender.

Shalom meaning in the Bible

Among the names of God, you’ll find the Heavenly Father as the “giver of peace”. Although, humanity couldn't find real peace until Jesus came to Jerusalem and became King of the Jews. You’ll find references to peace, the central meaning of shalom, all throughout the Bible. 

Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). 

Jesus frequently says to his disciples in Israel, "Peace," after the resurrection. Viewed in these circumstances, it’s obvious that peace carries a great deal of significance to Christ. 

However, what is the peace the Messiah brings? Shalom contains many slants of meaning that are essential to understanding Jesus's words.

The Bible uses the word shalom as an image of peace to describe salvation. In the New Testament, shalom is revealed as the reconciliation of all things to God through the work of Christ. 

“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:19–20). 

Jesus is the prince of peace, and it’s through him that we can make peace with God. 

A person experiencing shalom has multifaceted and complete well-being in all dimensions. This includes physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual. This completeness is a product of their relationships with the Heavenly Father, themselves, and those around them set right.

In its most basic sense, shalom is a state of reconciliation with God. In His omnipotence, God can give or take peace from us.

How to apply shalom to your life

Often, "peace" is defined as the desirable condition of life. 

However, peace cannot be determined by our own prejudiced viewpoints or self-serving interests. Our society's norms cannot set our standards for peace either. 

So, how do we define and embrace peace so that it can become part of our lives?

Two major themes are woven throughout definitions of peace. The first focuses on the end of hostilities such as wars, conflicts, and hatred. In contrast, the other is concerned with inner peace.

Since peace transcends our personal flaws and situations, it isn't sourced from us. True lasting peace comes solely from God. Peace isn't something we can achieve on our own, yet, whoever looks to God for shalom is guaranteed wholeness, completeness, soundness, health, and safety.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We have to put on the whole armor of God to be ready for anything and everything life throws at us. Putting our trust in God means recognizing Him and giving Him a rightful place in our lives. 

Only then can we achieve true perfect peace.

Peace be with you

True shalom can only be found in God. 

To define peace, we must assume that there is a Creator whose standard we are to follow. Therefore, acceptance of God's way of revealing Himself to us is based on our relationship with Him. It’s only through our spiritual peace and faith that we truly know Him.

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