שָׁלוֹם
How to Say Peace in Hebrew — The Deep Meaning of Shalom (שָׁלוֹם)
Discover the rich meaning of Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) — far more than just 'peace.' Learn the Hebrew word that encompasses wholeness, completeness, and God's perfect harmony.
The Word: שָׁלוֹם (Shalom)
Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) is perhaps the most well-known Hebrew word in the world. While commonly translated as "peace," its meaning runs far deeper than the English word suggests.
Pronunciation: sha-LOM (emphasis on the second syllable)
More Than Just Peace
In English, "peace" often means simply the absence of conflict. But shalom carries a much richer meaning in Hebrew:
- Completeness — nothing missing, nothing broken
- Wholeness — everything in its right place
- Harmony — all parts working together as God intended
- Welfare — total well-being in body, mind, and spirit
- Prosperity — flourishing in every area of life
The Hebrew root שׁ-ל-ם (shin-lamed-mem) is connected to the concept of being whole or complete. This is why shalom is not just the absence of war — it's the presence of everything good.
Shalom in Scripture
The Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26)
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace."
Notice how shalom is the culmination of the blessing — it's the ultimate gift from God.
Psalm 122:6
שַׁאֲלוּ שְׁלוֹם יְרוּשָׁלָיִם
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem."
Here we see shalom connected to Jerusalem — the city whose very name contains the root of shalom!
Using Shalom Today
Shalom is used as both a greeting and a farewell in Hebrew:
- שָׁלוֹם (Shalom) — Hello / Goodbye / Peace
- שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם (Shalom Aleichem) — Peace be upon you
- מַה שְּׁלוֹמְךָ (Mah shlomcha / shlomech) — How are you? (literally: "What is your peace?")
Reflection
When you greet someone with "Shalom," you're not just saying hello — you're speaking a blessing of wholeness, completeness, and divine harmony over their life. It's a prayer in a single word.
Next time you read "peace" in your English Bible, remember the fullness of what shalom means. God doesn't just want to remove conflict from your life — He wants to fill every part of you with His complete, perfect wholeness.
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