Bible Talk 101: Peace

Bible Talk 101

From Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology


Peace:


The Meaning of Peace. In English, the word "peace" conjures up a passive picture, one showing an absence of civil disturbance or hostilities, or a personality free from internal and external strife. The biblical concept of peace is larger than that and rests heavily on the Hebrew root slm, which means "to be complete" or "to be sound." The verb conveys both a dynamic and a static meaning—"to be complete or whole" or "to live well." The noun had many nuances, but can be grouped into four categories: (1) salom [שָׁלֵם] as wholeness of life or body (i.e., health); (2) salom [שָׁלֵם] as right relationship or harmony between two parties or people, often established by a covenant (see "covenant of peace" inNum 25:12-13; Isa 54:10; Ezek 34:25-26) and, when related to Yahweh, the covenant was renewed or maintained with a "peace offering"; (3) salom [שָׁלֵם] as prosperity, success, or fulfillment (see Lev 26:3-9); and (4) salom [שָׁלֵם] as victory over one's enemies or absence of war. Salom [שָׁלֵם] was used in both greetings and farewells. It was meant to act as a blessing on the one to whom it was spoken: "May your life be filled with health, prosperity, and victory." As an adjective, it expressed completeness and safety. In the New Testament, the Greek word eirene [εἰρηνεύω] is the word most often translated by the word "peace." Although there is some overlap in their meanings, the Hebrew word salom[שָׁלֵם] is broader in its usage, and, in fact, has greatly influenced the New Testament's use of eirene [εἰρηνεύω].


Bonus Coverage: Lecrae - New Shalom