Shalom
שָׁלוֹם (Shalom)
Complete peace, wholeness, well-being, and harmony with God
Shalom means far more than the absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, health, prosperity, and right relationship with God and others — the way things are meant to be.
"The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." — Numbers 6:26 (KJV)
Key Verses
Isaiah 26:3
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”Read in context
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H7965 — Shalom (שָׁלוֹם (Shalom))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where שָׁלוֹם (Shalom) appears.
Open Strong's H7965More Than Peace
In English, 'peace' often means simply the absence of war or conflict. But the Hebrew word shalom carries far richer meaning. It comes from the root 'shalem,' meaning 'to be complete or whole.' Shalom encompasses physical health, material prosperity, relational harmony, emotional well-being, and spiritual wholeness. It describes the state of flourishing that God intended for creation — everything functioning as it was designed to.
Shalom in the Old Testament
Shalom is used over 230 times in the Old Testament. It is central to the Aaronic blessing: 'The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee shalom' (Numbers 6:26). The prophets looked forward to a Messiah who would be called the 'Prince of Peace' (Sar Shalom) in Isaiah 9:6. Shalom is both a greeting and a blessing — when Israelites said 'Shalom,' they were invoking God's comprehensive blessing on one another.
Jesus: The Prince of Shalom
Jesus is the fulfillment of shalom. He reconciled humanity to God through the cross, making peace 'through the blood of his cross' (Colossians 1:20). After His resurrection, His first word to His frightened disciples was 'Peace be unto you' (John 20:19). Paul calls Him 'our peace' who has broken down the wall of division between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14). In Christ, shalom is not merely a future hope but a present reality.
Pursuing Shalom Today
Believers are called to be agents of shalom — pursuing wholeness, justice, reconciliation, and well-being in every sphere of life. 'Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God' (Matthew 5:9). Shalom begins with peace with God through faith, extends to peace within our own hearts, and overflows into our relationships, communities, and the world around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shalom just a greeting?
While Shalom is commonly used as a greeting in Hebrew (both hello and goodbye), it is far more than a casual word. It is a blessing that invokes God's comprehensive peace — wholeness, health, prosperity, and harmony. When someone greets you with 'Shalom,' they are wishing God's total well-being upon you.
What does 'perfect peace' mean in Isaiah 26:3?
In Hebrew, Isaiah 26:3 literally reads 'shalom shalom' — peace peace — which the KJV renders as 'perfect peace.' The doubling intensifies the meaning: complete, absolute, unshakable peace. This doubled shalom is promised to those whose minds are steadfastly fixed on God.
How is shalom different from the world's peace?
Jesus said, 'My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth' (John 14:27). The world's peace depends on favorable circumstances — absence of conflict, financial security, good health. God's shalom transcends circumstances. It is an inner wholeness rooted in relationship with God that persists even in the midst of trials and suffering.
What is the Hebrew word for "Shalom" in the Bible?
שָׁלוֹם (Shalom), pronounced "shah-LOHM." It means complete peace, wholeness, well-being, and harmony with god. Its Strong's number is H7965. It is the word behind "Shalom" in both Testaments, for example in Numbers 6:26.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Shalom (שָׁלוֹם (Shalom))
Complete peace, wholeness, well-being, and harmony with God
Strong's H7965 — Shalom
שָׁלוֹם (Shalom) • Complete peace, wholeness, well-being, and harmony with God
Biblical Meaning of Angels in a Dream (KJV)
God's messengers — protection, direction, or warning.
Biblical Meaning of a Storm in a Dream (KJV)
Trial, spiritual attack, or Christ proving His power.
Selah (סֶלָה (Selah))
A musical or liturgical pause meaning 'stop and reflect'
Strong's H5542 — Selah
סֶלָה (Selah) • A musical or liturgical pause meaning 'stop and reflect'
Where to go next
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