Today, the word peace is usually used to describe the absence of strife whether between people or within a person. But, the meaning of peace in the Bible is much bigger than our modern idea of the word.
What is the biblical meaning of peace
In this study we will explore the biblical definition of peace by looking at the Old and New Testament use of the word.
Let’s dive in.
Hebrew meaning of peace
The Hebrew word for peace is shalom. This word shalom refers to several types of peace.
Because the meaning of shalom is so broad, there are many words that are used in Scripture to translate it and the English word peace is just one of them.
I will explain briefly how shalom is used in the Old Testament to refer to different types of peace and point out other words that are used to convey ideas related to peace.
As you read Scripture for yourself, pay attention to the context to decide which type of peace is being used.
What are the types of peace in the Bible?
The first meaning of shalom is wholeness, completeness, soundness, and wellbeing.
Peace as health
This meaning is often used to describe physical health. It carries the idea of total health and wellness, physical vigor and vitality.
The English word well or welfare is sometimes used in Scripture to convey this kind of shalom.
After not seeing his brothers for 20 years, Joseph asked them about his father Jacob. Genesis 43:27:
And he inquired about their welfare [shalom] and said, “Is your father well [shalom], the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” They said, “Your servant our father is well [shalom]; he is still alive… (Genesis 43:27-28, ESV)
It is hard to be at peace if you or a loved one is sick.
Peace as wealth
Shalom can also mean prosperity, success, fulfillment and satisfaction.
This could be used to describe someone’s wealth, their economic status or general success in life.
English words such as peace, welfare and prosperity are used in Scripture for this kind of shalom.
When the Israelites were taken into Babylon as captives, God told them what to pray about. They would be in exile for 70 years.
But seek the welfare [shalom] of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare [shalom] you will find your welfare [shalom] . Jeremiah 29:7 ESV
After the 70 years we’re over, God promised to restore Israelite land and everything in it for the good of those returning.
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity [shalom] and security. Jeremiah 33:6 ESV
Of course, when you don’t have to worry about how you will pay your bills or wonder where your next meal is coming from, there is a certain level of peace in your heart.
And if you work hard and all your efforts are bearing fruit, you definitely have reason to worry less.
Peace in relationships
Shalom also refers to harmony in a relationship or the absence of discord between people.
In this sense, it describes both peace between human beings and peace between man and God
After the death of David, Solomon’s first goal was to build the temple. David had put plans in place for Solomon to receive resources from Hiram, the pagan king of Tyre.
For this to happen they had to agree that the two nations would not fight with each other.
And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. And there was peace [shalom] between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty. 1 Kings 5:12 ESV
The Sons of Korah realized that sin in Israel was causing God’s anger to fall on them. They prayed for God to forgive and restore Israel as well as to bring back a peaceful relationship between Himself and His people.
Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace [shalom] to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. (Psalm 85:8 ESV)
Peace as absence of war
Another common use of shalom is the absence of war and violence or victory over enemies.
When Moses was preparing the Israelites to occupy Canaanite land, he knew they would have to wage war and physically fight for it.
He told them to negotiate first and see if the people would hand over the land without a fight.
When you draw near to a city to fight against it, offer terms of peace [shalom] to it. Deuteronomy 20:10 ESV
In the middle of a war, Sisera ran away from the battle. He sought refuge in the tent of Jael. He felt comfortable to do so because there was no war between Jael’s tribe and the tribe of Sisera.
But Sisera fled away on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, for there was peace [shalom] between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. Judges 4:17 ESV
War was a regular part of everyday life as different groups of people tried to secure land and resources to keep themselves alive.
Peace as safety
Shalom also carries the idea of calm, tranquility, rest, safety and security.
When his son, Absolom, tried to dethrone and kill him, David found himself on the run (2 Samuel 15:13–14).
In Psalm 4:8, David reaffirms his trust in God who gives him the ability to rest and feel safe enough to sleep in the middle of such a dark situation where his life is literally at risk:
In peace [shalom] I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (ESV)
Peace as greeting and farewell
Shalom is used as a greeting and farewell.
In a society where war was a regular part of life, this greeting was necessary to declare a stranger’s intent when they entered your property or home.
Also, among friends and family, this greeting declared the wishes and heart of your loved ones towards you as they entered and left your home.
When David was on the run from Saul, a few men began to follow him and together they became somewhat of a small army.
In attempting to feed them, he sent 10 of them to a wealthy man named Nabal to ask for food. He instructed them to greet Nabal with the following words:
Peace be to you, and peace [shalom] be to your house, and peace [shalom] be to all that you have. (1 Samuel 25:6, ESV)
When Hannah prayed in her heart for children, Eli the priest thought she was drunk because only her lips were moving.
Hannah assured him she wasn’t drunk. Instead she was just praying a soul-stirring prayer. After Eli talked with Hannah, he sent her on her way with a farewell:
“Go in peace [shalom], and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” (1 Samuel 1:17, ESV)
Peace as a blessing
Shalom is also used as a blessing and describes all the goodness that comes to a person who has been favored by God. It is the blessing of God.
May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace [shalom]! Psalm 29:11 [ESV]
It is a blessing given to those who are obedient (Isaiah 48:18) and to those who trust God (Isaiah 26:3). But for those who are disobedient, God can remove shalom.
“For thus says the LORD: Do not enter the house of mourning, or go to lament or grieve for them, for I have taken away my peace [shalom] from this people, my steadfast love and mercy, declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 16:5 ESV)
The removal of shalom can result in physical sickness. In Psalm 38:3 (ESV) David says:
There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health [shalom] in my bones because of my sin.
David acknowledges that there is no shalom because of his sin. He is referring to health in his body. But he specifically says it is because of God’s wrath and his guilt (verse 4).
So far we have explored several types of peace based on only one Hebrew word: shalom.
Regardless of the type of peace, they all come from God.
Whether peace that comes from being physically healthy or financially prosperous or happiness in relationships or a deep, abiding relationship with God Himself, all of it flows from God.
That’s why Jesus is called the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6.
Greek word for peace
The most common Greek word for peace is eirene.
It means much the same meaning as shalom. It carries the idea of prosperity, quietness, rest, and tranquility.
Like shalom, it has several uses. Eirene is used in some of the very same ways as shalom with some slight variations.
Eirene is used as a greeting and farewell. The Apostle Paul almost always began his letters like this (or some version of these words):
Grace to you and peace [eirene] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:2 ESV)
Eirene describes harmony in relationships between human beings. Jesus exhorted his disciples to ensure that they get along:
Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace [eirene] with one another. (Mark 9:50 ESV).
The apostles regularly encouraged members of the early church to live in peace with each other.
…Be at peace [eirene] among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 ESV
…eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace [eirene]. Ephesians 4:3
Eirene is also used to describe our relationship with God.
Before we accepted Christ, we were enemies of God (Romans 5:10). Now that we have received Christ, we are no longer at war with God.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace [eirene] with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1 ESV)
Eirene is also a fruit of the spirit. After we have accepted Christ, we begin a journey of transformation.
Peace is one of those qualities that we develop over time as the Holy Spirit works on our hearts and characters.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace [eirene], patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness… (Galatians 5:22 ESV)
The peace of God definition
Eirene is a gift of Christ and a spiritual blessing. This kind of peace does not depend on circumstances. That is worldly peace.
The peace that Christ gives can be experienced in the midst of trouble.
Peace [eirene] I leave with you; my peace [eirene] I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)
Therefore, eirene is also an internal state of mind and emotion that is entirely influenced by God.
It describes inner calm, tranquility and sweet repose, especially when there seems to be no good reason to be at peace.
It’s the kind of peace that makes no sense to someone who doesn’t know Christ.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 ESV)
The God of peace
The most important thing to learn from the New Testament is this: peace is a person and that person is Jesus.
For he himself is our peace [eirene], who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. (Ephesians 2:14, ESV)
Eirene is used to describe one attribute of Christ. In the New Testament Jesus is frequently referred to as the God of peace.
Now may the Lord of peace (eirene) himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV)
He is the creator of peace. Jesus doesn’t not just give peace but he also maintains and sustains it in you each day.
If we experience any inner peace, any peace in our relationships, any peace with God, it’s only because of Jesus.
Be it peace within or peace without, it’s all because of Christ. He was the prophesied Prince of Peace in the Old Testament and He fulfilled it perfectly in the New Testament.
Final words on the meaning of peace in the Bible
I hope you enjoyed this Bible study on peace. As you can see, peace is more than just the absence of war.
It can relate to an inner emotional state, the state of your finances, the state of your health, and the state of your mind.
But most importantly, peace is Jesus himself. I pray you will get to know Him.
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