The Word "Peace" In the Bible

In Hebrew, the most commonly used word to describe peace is shalom. However, this word does not merely mean an absence of strife; it also represents completeness, prosperity, health, and fulfillment, among other things. The word peace is often used as a greeting or farewell in the Hebrew language, such as in Judges 19:20. Whoever gives this salutation implies that they are blessing the person they are speaking to. To not say shalom, however, implies that one is wishing a curse upon the other person. Another meaning of the word shalom is peace as the result of God's activity in one's life. Peace also comes about through one's righteousness. In the majority of its occurrences in the Old Testament, shalom is used to describe the feeling of fulfillment that comes about because of God's presence. In most cases, peace comes directly from God.

In the Greek language, peace has a somewhat different meaning. It is generally used to describe the absence of strife; however, in the New Testament there are many more connotations to the word. Paul uses it in three different ways in his writings. The word is used to describe peace in relationships, such as between husband and wife or between neighbors. The second way it is used is as the relationship between humans and God that has been made new through Christ's sacrifice. As it states in Romans 5:1, humans have been "justified by faith," and this fact is what brings peace. The last way of using the word peace is as calmness and serenity, and is connected to the fruits of the Spirit. However, when Paul uses the word peace he is most often suggesting all three of these things. When he wishes for the churches to have "peace from God," such as in Romans 1:7, he is using the word to encompass all of these meanings.

Works Cited

Achtemeier, Paul. Romans: Interpretation a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Atlanta, Georgia: John Knox Press, 1985.

Buttrick, George Arthur. The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible (Volume E-J; K-Q). Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 1985.

Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer, and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Volumes I and II. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1980.

Strong, James. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible: With Brief Dictionaries of the Hebrew and Greek Words of the Original with References to the English Words. Nashville, Tennessee: Royal Publishers, 1975.