Peace (Eirēnē)
εἰρήνη (eirēnē)
Wholeness and harmony — the state of well-being that comes from reconciliation with God.
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.”Read in context
Romans 5:1
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”Read in context
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”Read in context
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 G1515Etymology 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.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Peace (Eirēnē) (εἰρήνη (eirēnē))
Wholeness and harmony — the state of well-being that comes from reconciliation with God.
Peace (εἰρήνη (eirēnē))
Wholeness, harmony, and tranquility — the inner calm that comes from God.
Strong's G1515 — Peace
εἰρήνη (eirēnē) • Wholeness, harmony, and tranquility — the inner calm that comes from God.
Biblical Meaning of a Storm in a Dream (KJV)
Trial, spiritual attack, or Christ proving His power.
Strong's G863 — Forgive (Aphiēmi)
ἀφίημι (aphiēmi) • To release, let go, or send away — canceling a debt and setting the offender free.
Biblical Meaning of Money in a Dream (KJV)
Provision, stewardship, and the pull of the heart.
Where to go next
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