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    What Does Jehovah-Shalom Mean?

    What Does Jehovah-Shalom Mean? Jehovah-Shalom means 'The LORD Is Peace' — the name Gideon gave to an altar after God assured him he would not die.

    Key verse: Judges 6:24 (KJV)

    Jehovah-Shalom means 'The LORD Is Peace' — the name Gideon gave to an altar after God assured him he would not die.

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    Quick Answer

    Jehovah-Shalom means 'The LORD Is Peace' — the name Gideon gave to an altar after God assured him he would not die.

    "Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites." — Judges 6:24 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and called him to deliver Israel, Gideon was terrified — he believed that to see God face to face meant death. But the LORD said, 'Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.' Gideon built an altar and named it Jehovah-Shalom, 'The LORD Is Peace.' This name reveals that true peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God. Christ is called the Prince of Peace, and through His cross He made peace between God and sinners. Believers are promised the peace of God which passes all understanding to guard their hearts and minds. Jehovah-Shalom is the God who calms troubled hearts and reconciles enemies into one family.

    Key Scripture References

    "Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites."
    "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
    "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside Judges. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read Judges on day 64 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What Does Jehovah-Shalom Mean?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and called him to deliver Israel, Gideon was terrified — he believed that to see God face to face meant death. But the LORD said, 'Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.' Gideon built an altar and named it Jehovah-Shalom, 'The LORD Is Peace.' This name reveals that true peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God. Christ is called the Prince of Peace, and through His cross He made peace between God and sinners. Believers are promised the peace of God which passes all understanding to guard their hearts and minds. Jehovah-Shalom is the God who calms troubled hearts and reconciles enemies into one family.

    Scripture reveals God through many names — each unveiling a different aspect of His character, power, and relationship with His people.

    Gideon was a reluctant judge whom God used to defeat the Midianites with only 300 men, demonstrating that victory comes from God, not human strength.