Original Word: שָׁלוֹםPart of Speech: Noun MasculineTransliteration: shalowmPronunciation: shah-LOHMPhonetic Spelling: (shaw-lome')KJV: X do, familiar, X fare, four, + friend, X great, (good) health, (X perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, (X all is, be) well, X wholly NASB: peace, well, welfare, safely, safety, well-being, peacefullyWord Origin: [from H7999 (שָׁלַם - To be complete)]
1. safe2. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly3. (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace
Strong's Exhaustive Concordancewell, for, friend, great, good health, perfect,Or shalom {shaw-lome'}; from shalam; safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace -- X do, familiar, X fare, four, + friend, X great, (good) health, (X perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, (X all is, be) well, X wholly.
see HEBREW shalam
NAS Exhaustive ConcordanceWord Originfrom shalemDefinitioncompleteness, soundness, welfare, peaceNASB Translationclose (2), ease (1), forable (1), friend* (1), friendly terms (1), friends* (2), greet (1), greet* (5), greeted* (1), health (1), how (1), Peace (2), peace (153), peaceably (1), peaceful (2), peacefully (3), perfect peace (1), prosperity (3), rose (1), safe (2), safely (7), safety (6), secure (1), state (1), trusted (1), welfare (14), well (17), well-being (5), who were at peace (1), wholly (1).Brown-Driver-Briggs שָׁלוֺם237 noun masculineIsaiah 54:13 completeness, soundness, welfare, peace (LagBN 174); — ׳שׁ Genesis 29:6 +; שָׁלֹם (rare) Ezekiel 13:16 +; construct שְׁלוֺם Genesis 37:14 +; suffix שְׁלוֺמִי Psalm 41:10 +, etc.; plural (all dubious) שְׁלוֺמִים Jeremiah 13:19; Psalm 69:23; suffix שְׁמָֹיו Psalm 55:21; —1 completeness in number, הָגְלָת שְׁלוֺמִים Jeremiah 13:19 Judah is wholly carried captive (but read גָּלוּת שְׁלֵמָה, compare Amos 1:6; so ᵐ5 WeAmos SS Buhl).
2 safety, soundness, in body, אֵין שָׁלוֺם בַּעֲצָמַי Psalm 38:4; לְשָׁלוֺם Isaiah 38:17; שָׁלוֺם אָהֳלֶ֑ךָ (Ges§ 141c) Job 5:24 is safe, secure.
3 welfare, health, prosperity: ׳לשׁ ׳שָׁאַל לפ ask one about welfare Genesis 43:27 (J), Exodus 18:7 (E), Judges 18:15 7t., compare 2 Samuel 11:7 (3 t. in verse); pregnantly ירד לשׁלום 2 Kings 10:13 descend (to ask) about welfare of, compare 1 Samuel 17:18; Jeremiah 38:4; ׳הלד לשׁ Exodus 4:18 (E) + 5 t.; ׳עלה לשׁ Genesis 44:17 (J), 1 Samuel 25:35; ׳דבּר לשׁ Genesis 37:4 (JE); ׳שָׁלוֺם ל be well with Genesis 29:6; Genesis 43:23,28 (J), Judges 6:23; Judges 19:20; 1 Samuel 20:7,21 10t., 2 Kings 4:26 (3 t. in verse); שָׁלוֺם בְּ Psalm 122:7; Psalm 122:8 may it be well in; absolute as object of אָמַר well, be well, ׳שׁ Genesis 29:6 (J), 2 Samuel 18:28; 2 Kings 9:11,17,18,19,22; Jeremiah 6:14 (twice in verse) + 10 t.; הֲשָׁלוֺם אֲבִיכֶם (Ges§ 141c) Genesis 43:27 (J); בּ(וֺ)אֶ֑ךָ ׳שׁ 1 Samuel 16:4 (see Dr), 1 Kings 2:13; ׳אֵין שׁ Jeremiah 6:14 3t.; לרשׁעים ׳אין שׁ Isaiah 48:22; Isaiah 57:21; but ראה רשׁעים ׳שׁ Psalm 73:3; ׳רֹב שׁ Psalm 37:11; Psalm 72:7; ׳פ ׳שׁאל שׁ Psalm 122:6; ׳דרשׁ שׁ ("" טוב) Deuteronomy 23:7; Ezra 9:12; יוֺסִיפוּ לָךְ ׳שׁ Proverbs 3:2; ׳בַּשׁ Job 15:21 in time of prosperity.
4 peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment, Isaiah 32:17 ("" וָבֶטַח הַשְׁקֵט); ׳שָׁכַב בשׁ Psalm 4:9 (to sleep); depart life ׳בְּשׁ in tranquillity Genesis 15:15 (RJE), 1 Kings 2:6 3t., יְבוֺא Isaiah 57:2; ׳אַחֲרִית לְאִישׁ שׁ Psalm 37:37; ׳בא בשׁ Exodus 18:23 (E) come in contentment; ׳ארץ שׁ Jeremiah 12:5; ׳נְוֵה שׁ ("" מבטחים) Isaiah 32:18, compare Jeremiah 25:37; מִמָּ֑חַד ׳שׁ Job 21:9; ולשׁלומים לְמקֵשׁ Psalm 69:23 security, (let it) become a trap (but ᵐ5 Aq Symm Theod Jerome ׳וּלְשִׁלּוּמִים וּלְמ, Du (compare ᵑ7) וּשְׁלָמִים peace-offerings, and שֻׁלְחָן va).
5 peace, friendship:
a. human relations: אֱנוֺשׁ שְׁמִֹי Jeremiah 20:10 man of my friendship, compare Jeremiah 38:22; Obadiah 7; Psalm 41:10; בין ׳עֲצַת שׁ Zechariah 6:13; ׳יֹעֲצֵי שׁ Proverbs 12:20; (אֵת, עִם) ׳דבּר שׁ Psalm 28:3; Psalm 35:20; Jeremiah 9:7; ׳בקּשׁ שׁ Psalm 34:15; ׳ידע שׁ Isaiah 59:8; ׳דֶּרֶךְ שׁ Isaiah 59:8; שׁלּח ׳בשׁ Genesis 26:29 (J); ׳הלן בשׁ Genesis 26:31 (J), 1 Samuel 29:7 4t.; ׳שׁוב בשׁ 2 Samuel 15:27; "" צדקה in Messianic reign Psalm 72:3.
b. peace with God, especially in covenant relation: Isaiah 54:10 ברית covt. of my peace, compare Numbers 25:12 (P), Ezekiel 34:25; Ezekiel 37:26, also Malachi 2:5; ׳שׁ ׳י as name of altar Judges 6:24; ׳י subject לְ ׳שׁם שׁ Numbers 6:26 (P); ׳בֵּרַךְ בשׁ Psalm 29:11; ׳חפץ שׁ Psalm 35:27; לְ ׳עשׂה שׁ Jeremiah 33:9; ׳מֵאֵת אָסַף שׁ Jeremiah 16:5 ("" חסד); אֶל ׳דבּר שׁ Psalm 85:9; ׳נתן שׁ Haggai 2:9; ׳מחשׁבות שׁ Jeremiah 29:11; man subject ׳ל ׳עשׂח שׁ Isaiah 27:5 (twice in verse); ׳הלן בשׁ Malachi 2:6. In this sense "" אֶדֶק Psalm 85:11, "" אְדָקָה Isaiah 54:13; Isaiah 60:17, "" שִׂמְחָה Isaiah 55:12, is like a river Isaiah 48:18; Isaiah 66:12; עַליֿשׂראל׳שׁ Psalm 125:5; Psalm 128:6, ׳רָב לְאֹהֲבֵי דוֺרָדֶ֑ךָ שׁ Psalm 119:165; ׳מוּסַר שׁ Isaiah 53:5 chastisement for our peace (but SS Buhl שִׁלֻּמֵינוּ).
6 peace from war: (ל) ׳עשׂה שׁ make peace (with) Joshua 9:15; Job 25:2; בארץ ׳נתן שׁ Leviticus 26:6 (H); בין ׳ובין שׁ Judges 4:17; 1 Samuel 7:14; 1 Kings 5:26; ׳קרא (ל)שׁ Deuteronomy 20:10; Judges 21:13; Micah 3:5; ׳שׁוב בשׁ Joshua 10:21 (E), Judges 8:9; Judges 11:31; ׳בא בשׁ 2 Samuel 19:25; 2 Samuel 19:31 7t.; לְ ׳היה שׁ 1 Kings 5:4 3t., compare 2 Samuel 17:3 (see Dr); ׳בקּשׁ שׁ Ezekiel 7:25; ׳מלאכי שׁ Isaiah 33:7; רָשֶׁקֶט ׳נתן שׁ 1 Chronicles 22:9; ׳מוֺצְאֵת שׁ Songs 8:10; (ו)אמת ׳שׁ Isaiah 39:8 = 2 Kings 20:19 3t., compare Zechariah 8:19; ׳עֵת שׁ Ecclesiastes 3:8; ׳בְּשׁ 1 Kings 2:5 in time of peace; ׳שַׂר שׁ Isaiah 9:5 (Messianic title), compare ׳זֶה שׁ Micah 5:4.
7 as adjective שְׁמָֹיו Psalm 55:21 those at peace with him (read שֹׁלְמָיו Bae Buhl Du, or שְׁלֵטָיו SS; ᵐ5 apparently שִׁלּוּמָיו).
Topical LexiconConcept and ScopeShalom embraces completeness, soundness, welfare, safety, tranquillity, friendship, and covenantal harmony. Across some 237 Old Testament occurrences it describes right relationship with God, neighbor, and creation, extending from internal serenity to societal order.
Peace as Wholeness and Well-being
The earliest narrative uses connect shalom with unthreatened life. “You will go to your fathers in peace” (Genesis 15:15) depicts a full, untroubled end. In Psalm 4:8 Did prays, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety,” joining inward rest to divine guardianship. Proverbs links shalom to wisdom’s pathways: “All her paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:17), teaching that right ordering of life produces holistic well-being.
Covenantal Peace
Shalom often marks divine covenant. The Aaronic Benediction promises, “The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:26). Ezekiel 34:25 foretells a “covenant of peace” that removes hostility from the land, while Malachi 2:5 recalls Levi’s call: “My covenant was one of life and peace.” Covenant shalom is never a mere feeling; it is the settled state of relationship secured by the LORD’s promises and sustained by obedience.
Liturgical and Priestly Usage
Sacrificial “peace offerings” (shelamim) underline restored fellowship. After Gideon’s encounter the text reads, “Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace” (Judges 6:24). Worship culminates in shared meals symbolizing complete reconciliation, foreshadowing messianic communion.
Peace in Personal Greetings and Farewells
Shalom functions as everyday greeting and blessing. When Eli dismissed Hannah he said, “Go in peace” (1 Samuel 1:17). Did’s covenant with Jonathan ends, “Go in peace, for we he sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD” (1 Samuel 20:42). Such usages root ordinary conversation in theological reality: the speaker invokes God’s wholeness over the other’s life.
National and Political Peace
Shalom can signify absence of war (Joshua 10:21) or the stability of a kingdom (1 Chronicles 12:18). Solomon’s reign illustrates: “Judah and Israel lived in safety… every man under his vine and fig tree” (1 Kings 4:25). Yet prophets warn against counterfeit calm: “They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). True national shalom depends on covenant fidelity.
Moral and Ethical Dimensions
Isaiah unites righteousness and peace: “The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever” (Isaiah 32:17). Wickedness forfeits shalom: “There is no peace… for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22). Thus shalom is both gift and moral demand, calling God’s people to justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Prophetic Oracles and Messianic Anticipation
Isaiah 9:6 proclaims the coming Child as “Prince of Peace.” His government brings endless shalom (Isaiah 9:7). Zechariah 9:10 foresees Messiah who “will proclaim peace to the nations.” These promises expand shalom beyond Israel to global restoration. Micah pictures eschatological security: “Nation will not lift sword against nation… they will sit under their own vines and fig trees, and no one will make them afraid” (Micah 4:3-4).
Shalom and Salvation
Several passages employ shalom where English translations read “prosperity” or “welfare,” as in Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I he for you… plans for peace and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” Salvation encompasses material welfare, spiritual renewal, and relational reconciliation—dimensions captured in shalom.
Practical Ministry Applications
1. Pastoral blessing: Use the priestly benediction (Numbers 6:24-26) to assure congregations of God’s holistic care. 2. Reconciliation ministry: Model Gideon’s altar—declare “The LORD is Peace” in conflict mediation, reminding believers that peace is a Person before it is a circumstance. 3. Social justice: Pursue Isaiah’s vision where righteousness and peace kiss; advocate policies that mirror covenant ethics. 4. Prayer: Intercede for civic authorities per Psalm 122:6-7, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem… May there be peace within your walls.”
Cross-Testament Continuity
Hebrew shalom converges with Greek eirēnē. Jesus greets disciples, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). Paul amplifies: “He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14), echoing Isaiah. The fruit of the Spirit includes peace (Galatians 5:22), evidencing the indwelling realization of Old Testament promise. Revelation concludes with the unbroken shalom of the new heens and earth where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). Thus shalom, inaugurated in creation, fractured by sin, and restored through Christ, frames the entire redemptive story.
Forms and Transliterationsבְּשָׁל֑וֹם בְּשָׁל֔וֹם בְּשָׁל֖וֹם בְּשָׁל֣וֹם בְּשָׁל֤וֹם בְּשָׁלֹ֑ם בְּשָׁלֹ֖ם בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃ בְּשָׁלוֹם֒ בְשָׁל֔וֹם בְשָׁל֖וֹם בְשָׁל֣וֹם בְשָׁלֽוֹם׃ בִּשְׁלֹמָ֗יו בִשְׁלוֹמָ֔הּ בַּ֝שָּׁל֗וֹם בַשָּׁלֽוֹם׃ בשלום בשלום׃ בשלומה בשלם בשלמיו הֲשָׁל֔וֹם הֲשָׁל֛וֹם הֲשָׁל֣וֹם הֲשָׁל֥וֹם הֲשָׁלֽוֹם׃ הַשָּׁל֑וֹם הַשָּׁל֔וֹם הַשָּׁל֗וֹם השלום השלום׃ וְ֝שָׁל֗וֹם וְהַ֨שָּׁל֔וֹם וְהַשָּׁל֖וֹם וְלִשְׁל֖וֹם וְלִשְׁל֣וֹם וְלִשְׁלוֹמִ֥ים וְשָׁל֗וֹם וְשָׁל֣וֹם וְשָׁל֥וֹם וְשָׁלוֹם֙ וּבְשָׁל֖וֹם וּלְשָׁל֖וֹם וּלְשָׁל֣וֹם ובשלום והשלום ולשלום ולשלומים ושלום לְשָׁל֑וֹם לְשָׁל֔וֹם לְשָׁל֖וֹם לְשָׁל֛וֹם לְשָׁל֜וֹם לְשָׁל֞וֹם לְשָׁל֥וֹם לְשָׁלֹ֖ם לְשָׁלֹֽם׃ לְשָׁלֽוֹם׃ לְשָׁלוֹם֙ לִשְׁל֤וֹם לִשְׁל֥וֹם לום לשלום לשלום׃ לשלם לשלם׃ מִשָּׁל֛וֹם משלום שְׁל֖וֹם שְׁל֣וֹם שְׁל֤וֹם שְׁל֥וֹם שְׁלֹמֶ֑ךָ שְׁלֹמֶ֔ךָ שְׁלֹמָ֖ם שְׁלֹמָ֛ם שְׁלוֹמִ֔י שְׁלוֹמִ֜י שְׁלוֹמִ֨י ׀ שְׁלוֹמִֽים׃ שְׁלוֹמִי֙ שְׁלוֹמֵ֙נוּ֙ שְׁלוֹמֶ֔ךָ שָׁ֘ל֥וֹם שָׁ֝ל֗וֹם שָׁ֭לוֹם שָׁל֑וֹם שָׁל֔וֹם שָׁל֖וֹם שָׁל֗וֹם שָׁל֛וֹם שָׁל֜וֹם שָׁל֣וֹם שָׁל֣וֹם ׀ שָׁל֤וֹם שָׁל֥וֹם שָׁל֨וֹם שָׁל֨וֹם ׀ שָׁלֹ֑ם שָׁלֹ֔ם שָׁלֹ֗ם שָׁלֹ֥ם שָׁלֽוֹם׃ שָׁלוֹם֙ שלום שלום׃ שלומי שלומים׃ שלומך שלומנו שלם שלמך שלמם baš·šā·lō·wm ḇaš·šā·lō·wm bashshaLom baššālōwm ḇaššālōwm bə·šā·lō·wm ḇə·šā·lō·wm bə·šā·lōm bəšālōm bəšālōwm ḇəšālōwm beshaLom biš·lō·māw ḇiš·lō·w·māh bishloM bišlōmāw ḇišlōwmāh hă·šā·lō·wm haš·šā·lō·wm hăšālōwm hashaLom hashshaLom haššālōwm lə·šā·lō·wm lə·šā·lōm ləšālōm ləšālōwm leshaLom liš·lō·wm lishLom lišlōwm lō·wm Lom lōwm miš·šā·lō·wm mishshaLom miššālōwm šā·lō·wm šā·lōm šālōm šālōwm šə·lō·mām šə·lō·me·ḵā šə·lō·w·me·ḵā šə·lō·w·mê·nū šə·lō·w·mî šə·lō·w·mîm šə·lō·wm šəlōmām šəlōmeḵā šəlōwm šəlōwmeḵā šəlōwmênū šəlōwmî šəlōwmîm shaLom sheLom sheloMam sheloMecha sheloMenu sheloMi sheloMim ū·ḇə·šā·lō·wm ū·lə·šā·lō·wm ūḇəšālōwm ūləšālōwm uleshaLom uveshaLom vashshaLom vehashshaLom velishLom velishloMim veshaLom vishloMah wə·haš·šā·lō·wm wə·liš·lō·w·mîm wə·liš·lō·wm wə·šā·lō·wm wəhaššālōwm wəlišlōwm wəlišlōwmîm wəšālōwmLinksInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts