What is the meaning of the Hebrew word shalom?

Answer

Commonly translated as “peace” and used as both a greeting and farewell, shalom holds profound significance in Hebrew. While “peace” is a fitting translation, shalom conveys more than just the absence of conflict. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, shalom signifies “completeness, soundness, welfare, peace.” It is rendered as “success” and forms part of a divine blessing in 1 Chronicles 12:18. Shalom pertains to external peace between various entities—be it individuals or nations—and to an internal tranquility within oneself.

The ESV and NRSV entitle Isaiah 54 as “The Eternal Covenant of Peace.” In this chapter, God assures, “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you. . . . All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace” «For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. », (Isaiah 54:10,13) «And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children. », (Isaiah 54:10,13). One of God’s names is Yahweh-Shalom «Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites. », (Judges 6:24), signifying the Lord our Peace. Jesus is referred to as the Prince of Peace «For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. », (Isaiah 9:6).

By God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).

True peace comes only from God. Paul explains, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. . . . But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:1-3, 8-10). We are no longer God’s enemies, but He has made peace with us through the blood of Christ.

Furthermore, in God, we are made complete. Second Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” First Thessalonians 5:23-24 says, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” Philippians 1:6 assures us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

As we await that final completion, we can trust God for our welfare. Jesus encouraged His disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” «These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.», John 16:33).