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    Peace (Eirēnē)

    εἰρήνη (eirēnē)

    Wholeness and harmony — the state of well-being that comes from reconciliation with God.

    Greek
    Strong's G1515
    Pronunciation: ay-RAY-nay
    Quick Answer

    Eirēnē is the Greek word for peace, meaning wholeness, harmony, and well-being. It translates the Hebrew shalom into the New Testament, describing the comprehensive peace that comes through reconciliation with God in Christ.

    "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." — John 14:27 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    John 14:27

    “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”
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    Romans 5:1

    “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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    Philippians 4:7

    “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G1515 — Peace (Eirēnē) (εἰρήνη (eirēnē))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where εἰρήνη (eirēnē) appears.

    Open Strong's G1515

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Eirēnē in classical Greek meant primarily the absence of war — a ceasefire between hostile parties. The New Testament enriches this with the Hebrew shalom: comprehensive well-being, wholeness, and flourishing. Eirēnē is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of everything needed for life to thrive. It is the positive state of reconciliation, harmony, and complete well-being.

    Peace with God

    The foundational peace is relational: 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ' (Romans 5:1). Before salvation, humans are at war with God — enemies by nature (Romans 5:10). The cross is where peace is made: Christ 'is our peace' (Ephesians 2:14), reconciling hostile parties through His blood. Peace with God is the gospel's first gift.

    The Peace of God

    Beyond peace with God (relational) comes the peace of God (experiential): 'The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds' (Philippians 4:7). This peace is supernatural — it doesn't make logical sense in difficult circumstances, yet it guards the inner life. It comes through prayer, thanksgiving, and fixing the mind on truth (Philippians 4:6-8).

    Christ's Gift of Peace

    Jesus promised a unique peace: 'My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth' (John 14:27). The world's peace depends on favorable conditions; Christ's peace transcends conditions. It is 'His' peace — the same tranquility Jesus maintained during storms, opposition, and the cross. This peace is not achieved by effort but received as a gift from the Prince of Peace.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does peace mean in the Bible?

    Peace (eirēnē) means wholeness, harmony, and well-being — enriched by the Hebrew shalom. It includes peace with God through justification (Romans 5:1) and the peace of God that guards the heart (Philippians 4:7).

    How do I experience God's peace?

    Through faith in Christ (peace with God), prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7), fixing the mind on truth (4:8), and receiving Christ's gift of peace (John 14:27). God's peace transcends understanding and guards the heart supernaturally.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Peace (Eirēnē)"?

    John 14:27 — "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you" (KJV). It also appears in Romans 5:1, Philippians 4:7.

    Why does the Greek word behind "Peace (Eirēnē)" matter?

    Eirēnē in classical Greek meant primarily the absence of war — a ceasefire between hostile parties. English uses one word, "Peace (Eirēnē)", where the Greek εἰρήνη (eirēnē) carries the fuller sense: wholeness and harmony — the state of well-being that comes from reconciliation with god.

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