שָׁלוֹם
Shalom
“Hello / Peace”
Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “hello / peace,” pronounced “sha-LOM.” The literal translation is “peace, wholeness, completeness.” Used as a greeting when meeting someone, as a farewell, and as a general wish for peace and well-being in both casual and formal settings.
| Hebrew | שָׁלוֹם |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Shalom |
| English Meaning | Hello / Peace |
| Literal Translation | Peace, wholeness, completeness |
| Pronunciation | sha-LOM |
| Category | Greetings & Common |
| Origin | Ancient Hebrew, rooted in the biblical concept of peace and wholeness. Used throughout the Hebrew Bible and continuously in Jewish liturgy and daily speech for over 3,000 years. |
| Scripture Reference | Judges 6:24 |
Walk into any café in Tel Aviv, any synagogue in Brooklyn, or any church in Nashville, and you'll hear the same word: Shalom. It's the universal Hebrew greeting — but calling it 'hello' barely scratches the surface. Shalom is rooted in the Hebrew concept of wholeness and completeness, derived from the three-letter root shin-lamed-mem. When ancient Israelites greeted each other with shalom, they were speaking a blessing over each other's entire life — health, prosperity, family, and spiritual well-being. Today it functions as both 'hello' and 'goodbye' in modern Israel, making it the first and last word most visitors learn.
Scripture Reference: Judges 6:24
“So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace (Adonai Shalom).”
Where Does “Shalom” Come From?
Ancient Hebrew, rooted in the biblical concept of peace and wholeness. Used throughout the Hebrew Bible and continuously in Jewish liturgy and daily speech for over 3,000 years.
When and How to Say “Shalom”
Shalom is the default greeting in Israel for all occasions. It works for meeting and parting, for formal and informal settings. It's also the root of many other greetings like Shabbat Shalom and Shalom Aleikhem.
Cultural Context of Shalom
In modern Israel, shalom is as casual as 'hi' and as profound as a prayer. Israelis use it dozens of times a day without thinking about its depth — but the word carries 3,000 years of theological weight. It's also the basis of the Hebrew name Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), the 'City of Peace.'
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Hello / Peace” in Hebrew?
“Hello / Peace” in Hebrew is Shalom (שָׁלוֹם), pronounced “sha-LOM.” The literal translation is “Peace, wholeness, completeness.” Used as a greeting when meeting someone, as a farewell, and as a general wish for peace and well-being in both casual and formal settings.
How do you pronounce Shalom?
Shalom is pronounced “sha-LOM.” The literal meaning is “Peace, wholeness, completeness.”
Is shalom used for both hello and goodbye?
Yes — shalom functions as both a greeting and a farewell in Hebrew. When you arrive, you say shalom; when you leave, you say shalom. This dual usage reflects the word's deeper meaning: you're blessing someone with peace and wholeness whether you're coming or going. It's the most versatile word in the Hebrew language.
What is the difference between shalom and shalom aleikhem?
Shalom is a simple greeting meaning 'peace.' Shalom Aleikhem means 'peace be upon you' — a more formal, traditional greeting with Aramaic influence. The response to Shalom Aleikhem is 'Aleikhem Shalom' (upon you, peace). Shalom Aleikhem is also the name of a famous liturgical song sung on Friday evenings to welcome the Sabbath angels.
What does shalom really mean in Hebrew?
Shalom goes far beyond the English word 'peace.' It encompasses wholeness, completeness, health, prosperity, safety, tranquility, and right relationships. The root shin-lamed-mem means 'to be complete or whole.' Biblical shalom is not merely the absence of conflict — it's the presence of everything good.
Sources & Further Study
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