The meaning of “שָׁלוֹם”
Understanding shâlôwm reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
or שָׁלֹם shâlôm (shaw-lome'); from שָׁלַם [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (...
שָׁלוֹם
or שָׁלֹם shâlôm (shaw-lome'); from שָׁלַם [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. - safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly - also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace 1) completeness, soundness, welfare, peace 1a) completeness (in number) 1b) safety, soundness (in body) 1c) welfare, health, prosperity 1d) peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment 1e) peace, friendship 1e1) of human relationships 1e2) with God especially in covenant relationship 1f) peace (from war) 1g) peace (as adjective)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 37:14 | “And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.” Word: שָׁלוֹם (shâlôwm) | |
| Judges 11:31 | “Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.” Word: שָׁלוֹם (shâlôwm) | |
| 2 Chronicles 18:27 | “And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the Lord spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people.” Word: שָׁלוֹם (shâlôwm) | |
| Ecclesiastes 3:8 | “A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Word: שָׁלוֹם (shâlôwm) | |
| Daniel 10:19 | “And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.” Word: שָׁלוֹם (shâlôwm) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Peace
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Peace, wholeness, prosperity
The Hebrew shalom (שָׁלוֹם) encompasses peace, wholeness, completeness, and welfare—not merely absence of conflict but positive flourishing. God is Jehovah-Shalom, 'the LORD is Peace' (Judges 6:24).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Peace, harmony
The Greek eirene (εἰρήνη) means peace or harmony—both the inner tranquility of reconciliation with God and relational harmony. Christ is 'our peace' (Ephesians 2:14), reconciling us to God.