Quick Answer: How to Say Peace in Hebrew
Peace in Hebrew is:
Meaning: Peace, wholeness, completeness, well-being
How to Pronounce Shalom
The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (shalom) is pronounced shah-LOHM.
Pronunciation Breakdown
- שָׁ (sha) - Sounds like "shah" (the "a" as in "father")
- לוֹם (lom) - Sounds like "LOHM" (the "o" as in "go", emphasis on this syllable)
Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable: shah-LOHM
Practice Saying Shalom
Try saying it slowly: shah (pause) LOHM
Then say it faster: shah-LOHM
Tip: The "sh" sound is like the beginning of "shoe" or "ship."
What Does Shalom Mean?
While שָׁלוֹם (shalom) is often translated as "peace," its meaning goes much deeper than the English word. Shalom encompasses:
🕊️ Peace
The absence of conflict and presence of harmony
🏥 Wholeness
Complete physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being
💰 Prosperity
Material and spiritual abundance and provision
🤝 Reconciliation
Restored relationships and harmony
Key Insight: Shalom comes from the root ש.ל.ם (sh.l.m), which means "to be complete, whole, or sound." This root meaning helps us understand that shalom is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of everything that makes life complete and whole.
How to Use Shalom
Shalom is one of the most versatile words in Hebrew. Here's how to use it in everyday situations:
1. As a Greeting
Shalom can be used to say both "hello" and "goodbye":
Hello: שָׁלוֹם (shalom)
Goodbye: שָׁלוֹם (shalom)
You can also say "shalom aleichem" (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם) which means "peace be upon you."
2. As a Blessing
Shalom is often used to bless others:
Peace be with you: שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם (shalom aleichem)
May you have peace: יְהִי לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (yehi lekha shalom)
3. In Biblical Context
Shalom appears over 250 times in the Hebrew Bible. Here are some famous examples:
Numbers 6:26:
וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם
veyasem lekha shalom
"And give you peace"
This is part of the Priestly Blessing, where God's shalom is invoked as a blessing.
Biblical Significance of Shalom
Shalom is central to the biblical understanding of God's ideal state for humanity. Here are key biblical concepts involving shalom:
Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace
שַׂר שָׁלוֹם
Sar Shalom
"Prince of Peace"
This Messianic title shows that the coming Messiah will be the ultimate source of complete wholeness and peace.
Psalm 34:14 - Seek Peace
בַּקֵּשׁ שָׁלוֹם וְרָדְפֵהוּ
Bakkesh shalom verodfehu
"Seek peace and pursue it"
Shalom is something we actively seek and pursue, not just something that happens to us.
Practical Tips for Using Shalom
How to Practice
- Practice pronunciation: Say "shah-LOHM" slowly, then faster
- Use it as a greeting: Try greeting friends with "Shalom!"
- Incorporate in prayer: Pray for shalom (complete wholeness) for yourself and others
- Study biblical passages: Look up verses containing shalom to see it in context
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