שָׁלוֹם
Shalom
Peace, wholeness, completeness
If you've ever wondered how to say 'peace' in Hebrew, the answer reveals something far deeper than a simple translation. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) is arguably the most well-known Hebrew word on the planet — but most people only scratch the surface of what it means. While English 'peace' usually means the absence of conflict, shalom carries the weight of wholeness, completeness, restoration, and flourishing. When the priests blessed Israel with shalom in Numbers 6:26, they weren't wishing for quiet — they were invoking God's total restoration of everything that's broken. Understanding shalom will change how you read your Bible, how you pray, and how you greet other believers.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace (shalom).”
Etymology & Root Letters
Shalom comes from the root שׁ-ל-ם (shin-lamed-mem), meaning 'to be complete, whole, or sound.' It's related to the word 'shalem' (complete) and 'shillem' (to repay/restore).
How Shalom Is Used in Scripture
Shalom appears over 250 times in the Hebrew Bible. It's used as a greeting, a farewell, a blessing, and a description of God's ultimate plan for creation. It doesn't just mean the absence of conflict — it means total wholeness and flourishing.
Cultural & Modern Context
Shalom is the most well-known Hebrew word worldwide. In modern Israel, it's used as both 'hello' and 'goodbye.' The phrase 'Shabbat Shalom' (Peaceful Sabbath) is said every Friday evening.
How to Use Shalom in Prayer
Use shalom in prayer when asking God for wholeness, restoration, and completeness — not just peace from conflict, but the deep peace that comes from being in right relationship with Him.
People Also Ask About Shalom
Is shalom only used as a greeting in Hebrew?
No — while shalom is commonly used as both 'hello' and 'goodbye' in modern Israel, its biblical usage is much broader. It describes God's covenant blessing (Numbers 6:26), the state of wholeness and prosperity (Psalm 122:6), and the messianic promise of universal peace (Isaiah 9:6). Shalom is a theological concept, not just a social nicety.
What is the difference between shalom and peace?
English 'peace' typically means the absence of conflict or war. Hebrew shalom means much more — it encompasses completeness, wholeness, health, prosperity, safety, and right relationships. You can have 'peace' (no fighting) without shalom, but you cannot have shalom without everything being made right and whole.
How do you respond to shalom in Hebrew?
The traditional response is 'Shalom aleichem' (peace be upon you), to which the reply is 'Aleichem shalom' (upon you, peace). On Shabbat, you'd say 'Shabbat Shalom' (Peaceful Sabbath). These greetings are more than pleasantries — they're blessings spoken over each other.
Deeper Study: Blog Posts About Shalom
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