What is Shalom?
When most people think of the Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (shalom), they think of "peace." But shalom is so much more than the absence of conflict. It's one of the most profound and multi-layered words in the Hebrew language, encompassing a state of perfect completeness, wholeness, and divine blessing.
Shalom in a Nutshell
Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם (shalom)
Transliteration: shalom
Basic Meaning: Peace, wholeness, completeness, well-being
Root: ש.ל.ם (sh.l.m) - "to be complete, whole, sound"
Shalom appears over 250 times in the Hebrew Bible, making it one of the most significant words in Scripture. It's used as a greeting, a blessing, a description of God's ideal state for humanity, and a promise of what God will bring to His people.
Etymology and Root Meaning
To truly understand shalom, we need to explore its root meaning. The word comes from the Hebrew root ש.ל.ם (sh.l.m), which means "to be complete, whole, or sound."
Words from the ש.ל.ם Root
| Hebrew Word | Transliteration | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| שָׁלוֹם | shalom | peace, wholeness | Greeting, blessing, state of being |
| שָׁלֵם | shalem | complete, whole | Describing completeness |
| שֻׁלַּם | shulam | paid in full | Financial completion |
| הִשְׁלִים | hishlim | to complete, fulfill | Action of completing |
This root meaning of "completeness" helps us understand why shalom is so much richer than our English word "peace." It's not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of everything that makes life whole and complete.
Understanding the Root
Think of shalom as the opposite of brokenness. When something is שָׁלֵם (shalem - complete), it has all its parts working together in harmony. Shalom is that state of perfect harmony and completeness.
Biblical Usage of Shalom
Shalom appears throughout the Hebrew Bible in various contexts, each revealing a different aspect of its rich meaning. Let's explore how it's used in Scripture:
Shalom as a Greeting
One of the most common uses of shalom is as a greeting, similar to how we might say "hello" or "goodbye."
Genesis 29:6: וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם הֲשָׁלוֹם לוֹ
Transliteration: Vayomer lahem hashshalom lo
Translation: "And he said to them, 'Is it well (shalom) with him?'"
Shalom as a Blessing
Shalom is often used as a blessing, invoking God's wholeness and completeness upon others.
Numbers 6:26: יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם
Transliteration: Yissa Adonai panav eilekha veyasem lekha shalom
Translation: "The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (shalom)"
Shalom as a State of Being
Shalom describes a state of complete well-being and harmony.
Psalm 34:14: בַּקֵּשׁ שָׁלוֹם וְרָדְפֵהוּ
Transliteration: Bakkesh shalom verodfehu
Translation: "Seek peace (shalom) and pursue it"
Layers of Meaning
Shalom has multiple layers of meaning that build upon each other. Understanding these layers helps us grasp the full biblical concept of peace.
🕊️ Peace
The absence of conflict and the presence of harmony between people, nations, and with God.
Example: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you" (John 14:27)
🏥 Wholeness
Complete physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Nothing is missing or broken.
Example: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast" (Isaiah 26:3)
💰 Prosperity
Material and spiritual abundance, not just wealth but complete provision.
Example: "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace" (Psalm 29:11)
🤝 Reconciliation
Restored relationships and harmony between people and with God.
Example: "For he himself is our peace" (Ephesians 2:14)
Key Biblical Passages
Let's examine some of the most important passages where shalom appears in Scripture, understanding how each reveals a different aspect of this profound word.
Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace
שַׂר שָׁלוֹם (Sar Shalom) - "Prince of Peace"
שַׂר (Sar) - "prince, ruler, leader"
שָׁלוֹם (Shalom) - "peace, wholeness"
This title shows that the Messiah will be the ultimate source and ruler of complete wholeness and peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 - The Priestly Blessing
וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם (Veyasem lekha shalom) - "and give you peace"
יָשֵׂם (Yasem) - "he will place, set, give"
לְךָ (Lekha) - "to you"
שָׁלוֹם (Shalom) - "peace, wholeness"
This blessing culminates in the gift of shalom - complete wholeness and well-being from God.
Psalm 34:14 - Seeking Peace
בַּקֵּשׁ שָׁלוֹם (Bakkesh shalom) - "seek peace"
וְרָדְפֵהוּ (Verodfehu) - "and pursue it"
Shalom is something we actively seek and pursue, not just something that happens to us.
Shalom in the New Testament
While the New Testament was written in Greek, the concept of shalom appears throughout, translated as "eirene" (εἰρήνη). Understanding the Hebrew concept of shalom helps us grasp the deeper meaning of these New Testament passages.
John 14:27 - Peace I Leave With You
Eirene (εἰρήνη) - "peace" (Greek translation of shalom)
Context: Jesus is speaking to His disciples before His crucifixion, promising them His shalom—not just absence of conflict, but complete wholeness and well-being that comes from relationship with Him.
When Jesus says "my peace," He's referring to the complete shalom that comes from being in right relationship with God—wholeness, completeness, and divine blessing.
Ephesians 2:14 - He Himself Is Our Peace
He eirene hemon (ἡ εἰρήνη ἡμῶν) - "our peace"
Context: Paul describes how Jesus brings shalom between Jews and Gentiles, creating wholeness and reconciliation where there was division.
Jesus doesn't just bring shalom—He IS shalom. He is the embodiment of complete wholeness, reconciliation, and divine blessing.
Romans 5:1 - Peace With God
Eirenen echomen (εἰρήνην ἔχομεν) - "we have peace"
Context: Through faith in Christ, we have shalom with God—not just the absence of hostility, but complete reconciliation and right relationship.
This shalom with God is the foundation of all other shalom—when we're in right relationship with God, we can experience wholeness in every area of life.
Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God
He eirene tou theou (ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ θεοῦ) - "the peace of God"
Context: Paul describes God's shalom as something that surpasses human understanding and guards our hearts and minds.
This is the shalom that comes from God—complete wholeness and well-being that goes beyond what we can comprehend or achieve on our own.
Understanding Eirene Through Shalom
When you read "peace" (eirene) in the New Testament, remember that it's translating the Hebrew concept of shalom. This means it's not just about the absence of conflict, but about:
- Complete wholeness and well-being
- Right relationship with God and others
- Divine blessing and provision
- Reconciliation and harmony
- Everything that makes life complete and good
Shalom in Modern Hebrew
Shalom is not just a biblical word—it's a living part of modern Hebrew and Israeli culture. Understanding how it's used today helps us appreciate its ongoing significance and practical application.
Common Greetings
In modern Hebrew, shalom is the most common greeting, used both for "hello" and "goodbye."
Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) - "Hello" or "Goodbye"
Usage: Used in both formal and informal settings. When you meet someone, you say "Shalom!" When you leave, you also say "Shalom!"
Meaning: By greeting with shalom, you're invoking God's complete blessing—wholeness, well-being, and peace—upon the person.
Shalom Aleichem
A traditional greeting meaning "Peace be upon you," often used in more formal or religious contexts.
Shalom Aleichem (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם) - "Peace be upon you"
Pronunciation: shah-LOHM ah-ley-KHEM
Response: Aleichem Shalom (עֲלֵיכֶם שָׁלוֹם) - "And upon you peace"
Usage: This greeting is commonly used in Jewish communities and is also the name of a traditional Friday evening song welcoming the Sabbath.
This greeting is a beautiful exchange of blessing, where each person invokes shalom upon the other.
Everyday Conversation
Shalom appears in many common Hebrew phrases and expressions.
Ma shlomkha? (מַה שְׁלוֹמְךָ?) - "How are you?" (to a male)
Ma shlomekh? (מַה שְׁלוֹמֵךְ?) - "How are you?" (to a female)
Literal meaning: "What is your peace?" or "What is your well-being?"
B'shalom (בְּשָׁלוֹם) - "In peace" or "safely"
Usage: "Lech b'shalom" (לֵךְ בְּשָׁלוֹם) means "Go in peace" or "Go safely."
Cultural Significance
In modern Israel, shalom is more than just a word—it's a cultural value and aspiration.
National Aspiration: The name "Israel" itself is connected to shalom, and the pursuit of shalom is deeply embedded in Israeli culture and Jewish tradition.
Religious Context: Shalom is central to Jewish prayers and blessings, especially the Priestly Blessing and Sabbath greetings.
Everyday Life: Using shalom as a greeting is a daily reminder of the value of peace, wholeness, and well-being in relationships and community.
Cultural and Historical Context
Understanding how shalom was used in ancient Israelite culture and Jewish tradition helps us appreciate its full significance and ongoing importance.
Shalom in Ancient Israelite Culture
In ancient Israel, shalom was central to how people related to one another and to God.
Peace Treaties: When nations made peace treaties, they established "shalom" between them—not just an end to hostilities, but a covenant relationship of mutual well-being.
Inquiry of Well-being: When people met, they asked "Ma shlomkha?" (How is your peace?)—inquiring about the other's complete well-being, not just their health.
Blessing Exchange: Greeting with shalom was a way of invoking God's blessing and expressing desire for the other's complete wholeness.
Shalom in Jewish Tradition
Shalom holds a special place in Jewish religious practice and tradition.
Shalom Aleichem: The traditional Friday evening song "Shalom Aleichem" welcomes the Sabbath angels and the Sabbath itself—a time of shalom.
Prayer for Peace: Many Jewish prayers end with requests for shalom, recognizing it as God's ultimate gift and the ideal state for humanity.
Messianic Hope: Jewish tradition looks forward to the Messianic age as a time of ultimate shalom—complete wholeness, peace, and divine blessing for all creation.
Shalom and Covenants
Shalom is closely connected to the concept of covenant in Scripture.
Covenant Relationship: When God makes a covenant with His people, it establishes shalom—a relationship of complete wholeness and mutual blessing.
Peace Treaties: In ancient times, peace treaties were covenant agreements that established shalom between parties, ensuring mutual well-being and protection.
New Covenant: The New Covenant in Christ brings ultimate shalom—complete reconciliation with God and the promise of eternal wholeness.
Shalom and the Messianic Age
Scripture promises that the Messianic age will be characterized by complete shalom.
Isaiah's Vision: Isaiah prophesies of a time when "the wolf will live with the lamb" and "they will neither harm nor destroy" (Isaiah 11:6-9)—a vision of complete shalom in creation.
Prince of Peace: The Messiah is called "Prince of Peace" (Sar Shalom), showing that He will establish and rule over complete wholeness.
Ultimate Shalom: The Messianic age represents the fulfillment of shalom—when all things will be made whole, complete, and in perfect harmony with God's design.
Practical Application
Understanding the full meaning of shalom transforms how we live our daily lives and relate to others. Here are practical ways to apply this biblical concept:
Living Shalom in Daily Life
- Greet others with shalom: When you say "peace be with you" or use "shalom" as a greeting, you're invoking God's complete blessing upon them. Try saying "Shalom!" when you meet people, recognizing you're calling down God's wholeness.
- Seek reconciliation: Work to restore broken relationships and create harmony. Shalom requires active pursuit of right relationships—don't wait for others to make the first move.
- Pursue wholeness: Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Shalom means nothing is missing or broken—attend to all areas of your life.
- Be a peacemaker: Actively work to resolve conflicts and create understanding. Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9)—those who actively create shalom.
- Trust in God's shalom: Rest in the knowledge that God provides complete provision. When you trust God, you can experience shalom even in difficult circumstances.
- Practice shalom in community: In your church or small group, work to create an atmosphere of shalom—where people feel whole, accepted, and blessed.
Using Shalom in Greetings
Here are practical ways to incorporate shalom into your daily greetings:
When meeting someone: "Shalom! How are you?" (שָׁלוֹם! מַה שְׁלוֹמְךָ?)
When leaving: "Shalom! Have a blessed day." (שָׁלוֹם! יוֹם בָּרוּךְ)
In emails or messages: End with "Shalom" instead of just "Best regards" or "Sincerely"
In prayer groups: Begin or end with "Shalom aleichem" (Peace be upon you) and respond "Aleichem shalom"
Each time you use shalom, you're invoking God's complete blessing—wholeness, well-being, and peace.
Shalom in Prayer
Incorporate the concept of shalom into your prayers with these specific examples:
Prayer for Others: "Lord, grant them shalom - complete wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. May they experience Your complete provision and well-being."
Prayer for Yourself: "Father, help me to live in shalom with You and others. Restore any broken areas of my life and make me whole."
Prayer for Relationships: "God, bring shalom to this relationship. Heal what's broken and restore harmony and wholeness."
Prayer for the World: "May Your shalom reign in our communities and nations. Bring wholeness where there is brokenness, peace where there is conflict."
Prayer for the Church: "Lord, let Your shalom fill our church. May we be a community of wholeness, reconciliation, and divine blessing."
Being a Peacemaker (Shalom-Maker)
Jesus called peacemakers blessed (Matthew 5:9). Here's how to be a shalom-maker:
In conflicts: Don't just avoid conflict—actively work to resolve it. Listen to both sides, seek understanding, and help find solutions that restore wholeness.
In your family: Create an atmosphere of shalom at home. Work to resolve tensions, forgive quickly, and maintain harmony.
In your workplace: Be someone who brings shalom—promote understanding, resolve disputes, and create an environment where people can thrive.
In your church: Help create a community of shalom where people feel whole, accepted, and blessed. Be quick to reconcile and slow to take offense.
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Subscribe to Hebrew NewsletterFrequently Asked Questions
What does shalom mean in Hebrew?
Shalom means much more than just "peace." It encompasses wholeness, completeness, harmony, prosperity, safety, and well-being. It's a state of perfect completeness and fulfillment that comes from God.
How is shalom used in the Bible?
Shalom appears over 250 times in the Hebrew Bible, used as a greeting, blessing, and description of God's ideal state for humanity. It's used in contexts of peace treaties, well-being, and divine blessing.
What is the root meaning of shalom?
The root ש.ל.ם (sh.l.m) means "to be complete, whole, or sound." This root appears in words like shalem (complete), shulam (paid in full), and shalom (peace/wholeness).
How is shalom different from the English word "peace"?
While "peace" often refers to the absence of conflict, shalom refers to the presence of complete wholeness and well-being. It's not just about what's missing (conflict), but about what's present (completeness).
How can I apply shalom in my daily life?
You can apply shalom by seeking reconciliation in relationships, pursuing personal wholeness, being a peacemaker, greeting others with genuine blessing, and trusting in God's complete provision for your life.
What does "Prince of Peace" (Sar Shalom) mean?
"Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) means that the Messiah is the ultimate source and ruler of complete wholeness. He doesn't just bring peace, but He is the embodiment of perfect shalom - complete well-being and harmony.
How do you say "peace be with you" in Hebrew?
You can say "Shalom aleichem" (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם), which means "Peace be upon you." The traditional response is "Aleichem shalom" (עֲלֵיכֶם שָׁלוֹם), meaning "And upon you peace." You can also simply say "Shalom" (שָׁלוֹם) as both a greeting and a farewell, which invokes peace and wholeness.
What is the difference between shalom and eirene (Greek for peace)?
Eirene (εἰρήνη) is the Greek word used in the New Testament to translate shalom. While eirene generally means "peace" (absence of conflict), when it's used in the New Testament, it carries the full meaning of the Hebrew shalom—complete wholeness, well-being, and divine blessing. The New Testament writers, many of whom were Jewish, understood eirene through the lens of shalom, so when you read "peace" in the New Testament, think of shalom's complete meaning.
How is shalom used in modern Hebrew conversation?
In modern Hebrew, shalom is the most common greeting, used for both "hello" and "goodbye." People say "Shalom!" when they meet and when they part. You might also hear "Ma shlomkha?" (מַה שְׁלוֹמְךָ?) meaning "How are you?" (literally "What is your peace?"). "Shalom aleichem" (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם) is a more formal greeting meaning "Peace be upon you," often used in religious contexts or as a traditional greeting.
What does "Shalom Aleichem" mean?
"Shalom Aleichem" (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם) means "Peace be upon you." It's a traditional Hebrew greeting that invokes God's complete blessing—wholeness, well-being, and peace—upon the person being greeted. The proper response is "Aleichem shalom" (עֲלֵיכֶם שָׁלוֹם), meaning "And upon you peace." This greeting is also the name of a traditional Jewish song sung on Friday evenings to welcome the Sabbath.