Shalom
Many of today’s Christians have heard the word “Shalom”, either in a sermon or maybe while reading the Old Testament. In English, it means “peace”, and the common definition of peace is the absence of conflict or war. But in Hebrew it means much more, let’s take a couple of minutes and look at the Hebrew explanation of the word.
The root word of Shalom in Hebrew is “shalam” Below is what Strong’s Lexicon has for shalam and its relationship to shalom.
Strong’s Lexicon
Shalam: To be complete, to be sound, to make amends, to finish, to repay, to reward
Original Word: שָׁלַם
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: shalam
Pronunciation: shah-LAHM
Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-lam’)
Definition: To be complete, to be sound, to make amends, to finish, to repay, to reward
Meaning: to be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate
Word Origin: A primitive root
Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: – G591 (apodidōmi): To give back, to repay
– G4137 (plēroō): To make full, to complete
Usage: The Hebrew verb “shalam” primarily conveys the idea of completeness or wholeness. It is often used in contexts involving restitution, fulfillment of vows, or the completion of a task. The word can imply making peace or restoring a relationship, as well as the act of repaying or recompensing someone. In the context of the covenant, it can refer to fulfilling obligations or making things right.
Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israelite society, the concept of “shalom” (peace) was deeply rooted in the idea of wholeness and harmony in relationships, whether between individuals, communities, or with God. The verb “shalam” is closely related to “shalom” and reflects the actions necessary to achieve or restore this state of peace. In a culture where community and covenant relationships were central, making amends and fulfilling obligations were crucial for maintaining social and spiritual harmony.
Wholeness (Well-being)
In Genesis 43:27-28 , Joseph, unrecognized by his brothers, is asking about their health and his father’s health.
Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves.” Genesis 43:27-28 NKJV
In Hebrew, the word translated as well-being, well, and in good health is the same word – Shalom
How should we use the word Shalom today?
In greeting someone or saying goodbye to them, saying Shalom to them is a way of saying to them “May you be full of well-being” or “May health and prosperity be upon you”. It’s a blessing that can be used when coming in or going out. Paul ended his second letter to the Thessalonians by saying “Now may the lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Another greeting used today in the Hebrew language is “ma shalom,kha” which means “how are you?” Notice that the word shalom is in that phrase. What you are asking them is “how is your peace?” It is another way to bring up a person’s wholeness and health as you greet them.
Does Shalom Peace Mean the Absence of Conflict?
One of the most beautiful aspects of Shalom peace is its independence from present circumstances.
We all know someone walking through grief and sorrow, yet they exude an abiding calm and the peace of God. Others experience a lack of conflict and a season of prosperity, yet they carry a cloud of angst and discontent.
True shalom peace, found through a relationship with Christ, doesn’t mean we won’t have difficulties in our lives. It does mean that God will be with us—filling us with His power and presence. Romans 15:13 reads, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Shalom peace will never be depleted by hardship and sorrow. The God of hope enables us to overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is wonderful news! Even in tough seasons, God provides all we need, the perfect peace to face each life storm (Isaiah 26:3).
Where Does the Bible Mention Shalom?
Scripture is rich with the importance and promise of shalom peace. The following scriptures provide us with joy and hope as we seek God’s shalom:
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 (John 16:33).
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3).
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15).
Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble (Psalm 119:165).
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6).
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11).
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 26:24-26).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
“Shabbat Shalom” Meaning
A greeting that you would hear at the end of the week in Jewish communities is “Shabbat Shalom”. Now with a better understanding of Shalom, it’s a beautiful revelation when we combine it with the meaning of Shabbat. By putting them together, it brings new life to honoring the Sabbath.
The Hebrew word Shabbat comes from the Hebrew word Lishbot which means “to stop” or the Hebrew word Lashevet which means “to sit”. How appropriate! Our lives are on the move, especially today. There are always places to go and things to do. When we continue to live a non-stop lifestyle, things become stressful, priorities begin to shift and our focus on God can easily fade. The Lord knows that we need to stop and to sit, on a weekly basis. Not for His sake but for ours!
Peace and Rest
For those of us who like to “get things done”, this is a challenging decision. If we are honest, it’s often not a decision to take a day off, but a decision to trust God.
Do we trust Him enough to help us prioritize our lives and live the best life He designed for us?
When we try to do everything by ourselves, we are really struggling with trust issues. We often just work harder trying to keep the things in our lives that we are afraid to lose. In the long run, this rarely works. Enter the word, Shalom.
The True Meaning of Shabbat
What if one day a week, we focused on not just a day of rest but a day of getting our wholeness restored? What if weekly we could completely refill our tank in our bodies, hearts, and minds? That is what true shalom does if we allow it. When our peace is full and overflowing, we are able to trust Him to restore what may have been lost last week. We can confidently move forward in the hope that we will have all that we need in the week ahead. This is what Shabbat is for. Shabbat is for Shalom. Shabbat Shalom. This is more than a greeting. Its intent to encourage others to enter the weekly time of restoration and of “making things whole” that was appointed by God.
The idea for this post was inspired from:
The True Meaning of Shalom
- Exploring the Beauty of Psalms: Insights and Commentaries
- Monthly Breakdown of Our Blog Content
- Psalms Commentary: Faith and Inspiration
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
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