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What is the true meaning of Shalom?
Many are familiar with the Hebrew word shalom. Shalom means “peace” in English. But beyond that simple definition, what is “shalom’s” true meaning? The common western definition of peace is — the absence of conflict or war — but in Hebrew it means so much more.
Definition of Shalom in Hebrew
The root word of Shalom is “shalam”. One of the first uses of the word shalam in the Torah is in Exodus 21 and 22. In these 2 chapters, it is used 14 times.
Moses is giving instructions to the people about what to do when someone causes material loss or in the case of theft of property. When that loss or injury occurs, the owner is considered lacking or not complete. The one responsible was to make things right.
In the translation of Exodus 21-22, shalam is translated as “make it good”, “shall surely pay”, “make full restitution” or to “restore”. The ancient Hebrew meaning of shalam was “to make something whole”. Not just regarding practical restoration of things that were lost or stolen. But with an overall sense of fulness and completeness in mind, body and estate.
Wholeness and Well-being
This meaning of wholeness carries over into the word Shalom. In Genesis 43:27-28, Joseph, still 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.” (NKJV Gen 43:27-28)
In Hebrew, the word translated as “well-being”, “well”, and “in good health” is all one word – Shalom.
Is “Shalom” also Arabic?
In Arabic the word for peace, “Salam” sounds very similar yet refers to a hope of world peace and the end of war. However, like many original Hebrew definitions, Shalom goes straight the heart.
True biblical shalom refers to an inward sense of completeness or wholeness.
Although it can describe the absence of war, a majority of biblical references refer to an inner completeness and tranquility.
How do you use the word ‘Shalom’?
In Israel today, when you greet someone or say goodbye, you say, Shalom. You are literally saying, “may you be full of well-being” or, “may health and prosperity be upon you.”
In a way, it is a blessing for coming and going, in any time frame, in any situation. This was exactly how the Apostle Paul, a Jewish Rabbi, ended his 2 Letter to the Thessalonians: “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
As he was wrapping up his letter, he was teaching the Hebrew understanding of peace. And he was introducing it to a culture that was just getting to know the Lord.
In modern Hebrew, another common greeting is “ma shlom’kha” which means “how are you?” Yet, notice the word shalom in there. Quite literally you are asking “what is your completeness?” or, “how is your peace?”. It is yet another way to proclaim health and wholeness as you greet those around you.
Did Jesus use the word Shalom?
Undoubtedly. Notice what Yeshua (Jesus) said when He first met the disciples after the resurrection:
While they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.” (Luke 24:36).
Remember, Yeshua is a Hebrew speaking Jewish Rabbi, speaking to Jewish disciples in Jerusalem. He probably would have smiled at his stunned friends and said in Hebrew “shalom lehkhem” (Peace to you).
It is not uncommon to hear this greeting on the streets of Israel even today. In fact, it is the most common greeting exchanged between Hebrew speakers. And even two thousand years ago, the disciples might have heard it as, “how are you guys? You need some inner peace!”
The next time you greet a friend in Hebrew to say “shalom” or “How are you?”, remember that it’s more than a casual greeting. You are speaking a blessing and wish well-being on others.
Shalom Meaning in the Bible
With this Hebrew thought of shalom in mind, let’s look at a few common Scriptures about peace:
In Ancient Israel
“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’” (Numbers 6:23-26)
The context of the Aaronic Blessing is ironic (pun intended). God told Aaron to bless Israel with peace while they were getting ready to go conquer the Promised Land.
If peace means “the absence of war,” then this doesn’t make sense, since they would soon be destroying cities.
God was referring to an inner peace and completeness brought on by sharing in His countenance and His protection. That was the blessing that Israel needed!
Peace in Battle
Israel was to rarely experience times of outward peace, but even in the midst of battle, they were to have an inward rest brought on by the presence of the Lord, regardless of the outward circumstances — so it should be for us as well.
It is God who was giving shalom to Israel. It was gift then as it for us today. Which will we choose? Will we focus on the conflict and stress around us or will be choose to live and walk in the shalom that is offered to us?
We are able to be at full peace in our hearts, even while dealing with the seemingly messy chaos of life events surrounding us.
As prophesied in Isaiah 9:6, this Child born to us could be referred to as the “Prince of inner fulness [Peace]” and is the only One who can give this type of internal peace and rest. The city of peace will be wholly (or “holy”) complete, when the Prince of Peace establishes His Kingdom.
From this perspective, when we are praying Psalm 122 for the peace of Jerusalem, we are praying for more than an outward establishment of safety and security. We are praying the return of Israel’s Messiah, the Prince of Peace, to establish His throne in Jerusalem.
People of Shalom
How do we get this inner rest, completeness and wholeness? There are many throughout the world who are seeking an inner peace in multiple ways.
While there is a perfect peace that comes from trusting God (Isaiah 26:3), Jesus takes it a step further. As a gift from Himself to His disciples, He makes a clear distinction: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. (John 14:27).
Walk Good in Christ
Till we meet again
Pastor J
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