Original Word: שָׁלוֹם
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: shalowm
Pronunciation: shah-LOHM
Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-lome')
KJV: X do, familiar, X fare, favour, + friend, X great, (good) health, (X perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, (X all is, be) well, X wholly
NASB: peace, well, welfare, safely, safety, well-being, peacefully
Word Origin: [from H7999 (שָׁלַם - To be complete)]
1. safe
2. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly
3. (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace
Or shalom {shaw-lome'}; from shalam; safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace -- X do, familiar, X fare, favour, + friend, X great, (good) health, (X perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, (X all is, be) well, X wholly.
see HEBREW shalam
1 completeness in number, הָגְלָת שְׁלוֺמִים Jeremiah 13:19 Judah is wholly carried captive (but read גָּלוּת שְׁלֵמָה, compare Amos 1:6; so m5 WeAmos SS Buhl).
2 safety, soundness, in body, אֵין שָׁלוֺם בַּעֲצָמַי Psalm 38:4; לְשָׁלוֺם Isaiah 38:17; שָׁלוֺם אָהֳלֶ֑ךָ (Ges§ 141c) Job 5:24 is safe, secure.
3 welfare, health, prosperity: ׳לשׁ ׳שָׁאַל לפ ask one about welfare Genesis 43:27 (J), Exodus 18:7 (E), Judges 18:15 7t., compare 2 Samuel 11:7 (3 t. in verse); pregnantly ירד לשׁלום 2 Kings 10:13 descend (to ask) about welfare of, compare 1 Samuel 17:18; Jeremiah 38:4; ׳הלד לשׁ Exodus 4:18 (E) + 5 t.; ׳עלה לשׁ Genesis 44:17 (J), 1 Samuel 25:35; ׳דבּר לשׁ Genesis 37:4 (JE); ׳שָׁלוֺם ל be well with Genesis 29:6; Genesis 43:23,28 (J), Judges 6:23; Judges 19:20; 1 Samuel 20:7,21 10t., 2 Kings 4:26 (3 t. in verse); שָׁלוֺם בְּ Psalm 122:7; Psalm 122:8 may it be well in; absolute as object of אָמַר well, be well, ׳שׁ Genesis 29:6 (J), 2 Samuel 18:28; 2 Kings 9:11,17,18,19,22; Jeremiah 6:14 (twice in verse) + 10 t.; הֲשָׁלוֺם אֲבִיכֶם (Ges§ 141c) Genesis 43:27 (J); בּ(וֺ)אֶ֑ךָ ׳שׁ 1 Samuel 16:4 (see Dr), 1 Kings 2:13; ׳אֵין שׁ Jeremiah 6:14 3t.; לרשׁעים ׳אין שׁ Isaiah 48:22; Isaiah 57:21; but ראה רשׁעים ׳שׁ Psalm 73:3; ׳רֹב שׁ Psalm 37:11; Psalm 72:7; ׳פ ׳שׁאל שׁ Psalm 122:6; ׳דרשׁ שׁ ("" טוב) Deuteronomy 23:7; Ezra 9:12; יוֺסִיפוּ לָךְ ׳שׁ Proverbs 3:2; ׳בַּשׁ Job 15:21 in time of prosperity.
4 peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment, Isaiah 32:17 ("" וָבֶטַח הַשְׁקֵט); ׳שָׁכַב בשׁ Psalm 4:9 (to sleep); depart life ׳בְּשׁ in tranquillity Genesis 15:15 (RJE), 1 Kings 2:6 3t., יְבוֺא Isaiah 57:2; ׳אַחֲרִית לְאִישׁ שׁ Psalm 37:37; ׳בא בשׁ Exodus 18:23 (E) come in contentment; ׳ארץ שׁ Jeremiah 12:5; ׳נְוֵה שׁ ("" מבטחים) Isaiah 32:18, compare Jeremiah 25:37; מִמָּ֑חַד ׳שׁ Job 21:9; ולשׁלומים לְמקֵשׁ Psalm 69:23 security, (let it) become a trap (but m5 Aq Symm Theod Jerome ׳וּלְשִׁלּוּמִים וּלְמ, Du (compare ŋ7) וּשְׁלָמִים peace-offerings, and שֻׁלְחָן va).
5 peace, friendship:
a. human relations: אֱנוֺשׁ שְׁמִֹי Jeremiah 20:10 man of my friendship, compare Jeremiah 38:22; Obadiah 7; Psalm 41:10; בין ׳עֲצַת שׁ Zechariah 6:13; ׳יֹעֲצֵי שׁ Proverbs 12:20; (אֵת, עִם) ׳דבּר שׁ Psalm 28:3; Psalm 35:20; Jeremiah 9:7; ׳בקּשׁ שׁ Psalm 34:15; ׳ידע שׁ Isaiah 59:8; ׳דֶּרֶךְ שׁ Isaiah 59:8; שׁלּח ׳בשׁ Genesis 26:29 (J); ׳הלן בשׁ Genesis 26:31 (J), 1 Samuel 29:7 4t.; ׳שׁוב בשׁ 2 Samuel 15:27; "" צדקה in Messianic reign Psalm 72:3.
b. peace with God, especially in covenant relation: Isaiah 54:10 ברית covt. of my peace, compare Numbers 25:12 (P), Ezekiel 34:25; Ezekiel 37:26, also Malachi 2:5; ׳שׁ ׳י as name of altar Judges 6:24; ׳י subject לְ ׳שׁם שׁ Numbers 6:26 (P); ׳בֵּרַךְ בשׁ Psalm 29:11; ׳חפץ שׁ Psalm 35:27; לְ ׳עשׂה שׁ Jeremiah 33:9; ׳מֵאֵת אָסַף שׁ Jeremiah 16:5 ("" חסד); אֶל ׳דבּר שׁ Psalm 85:9; ׳נתן שׁ Haggai 2:9; ׳מחשׁבות שׁ Jeremiah 29:11; man subject ׳ל ׳עשׂח שׁ Isaiah 27:5 (twice in verse); ׳הלן בשׁ Malachi 2:6. In this sense "" אֶדֶק Psalm 85:11, "" אְדָקָה Isaiah 54:13; Isaiah 60:17, "" שִׂמְחָה Isaiah 55:12, is like a river Isaiah 48:18; Isaiah 66:12; עַליֿשׂראל׳שׁ Psalm 125:5; Psalm 128:6, ׳רָב לְאֹהֲבֵי דוֺרָדֶ֑ךָ שׁ Psalm 119:165; ׳מוּסַר שׁ Isaiah 53:5 chastisement for our peace (but SS Buhl שִׁלֻּמֵינוּ).
6 peace from war: (ל) ׳עשׂה שׁ make peace (with) Joshua 9:15; Job 25:2; בארץ ׳נתן שׁ Leviticus 26:6 (H); בין ׳ובין שׁ Judges 4:17; 1 Samuel 7:14; 1 Kings 5:26; ׳קרא (ל)שׁ Deuteronomy 20:10; Judges 21:13; Micah 3:5; ׳שׁוב בשׁ Joshua 10:21 (E), Judges 8:9; Judges 11:31; ׳בא בשׁ 2 Samuel 19:25; 2 Samuel 19:31 7t.; לְ ׳היה שׁ 1 Kings 5:4 3t., compare 2 Samuel 17:3 (see Dr); ׳בקּשׁ שׁ Ezekiel 7:25; ׳מלאכי שׁ Isaiah 33:7; רָשֶׁקֶט ׳נתן שׁ 1 Chronicles 22:9; ׳מוֺצְאֵת שׁ Songs 8:10; (ו)אמת ׳שׁ Isaiah 39:8 = 2 Kings 20:19 3t., compare Zechariah 8:19; ׳עֵת שׁ Ecclesiastes 3:8; ׳בְּשׁ 1 Kings 2:5 in time of peace; ׳שַׂר שׁ Isaiah 9:5 (Messianic title), compare ׳זֶה שׁ Micah 5:4.
7 as adjective שְׁמָֹיו Psalm 55:21 those at peace with him (read שֹׁלְמָיו Bae Buhl Du, or שְׁלֵטָיו SS; m5 apparently שִׁלּוּמָיו).
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Shalom embraces completeness, soundness, welfare, safety, tranquillity, friendship, and covenantal harmony. Across some 237 Old Testament occurrences it describes right relationship with God, neighbor, and creation, extending from internal serenity to societal order.
Peace as Wholeness and Well-being
The earliest narrative uses connect shalom with unthreatened life. "You will go to your fathers in peace" (Genesis 15:15) depicts a full, untroubled end. In Psalm 4:8 David prays, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety," joining inward rest to divine guardianship. Proverbs links shalom to wisdom’s pathways: "All her paths are peace" (Proverbs 3:17), teaching that right ordering of life produces holistic well-being.
Covenantal Peace
Shalom often marks divine covenant. The Aaronic Benediction promises, "The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:26). Ezekiel 34:25 foretells a "covenant of peace" that removes hostility from the land, while Malachi 2:5 recalls Levi’s call: "My covenant was one of life and peace." Covenant shalom is never a mere feeling; it is the settled state of relationship secured by the LORD’s promises and sustained by obedience.
Liturgical and Priestly Usage
Sacrificial "peace offerings" (shelamim) underline restored fellowship. After Gideon’s encounter the text reads, "Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace" (Judges 6:24). Worship culminates in shared meals symbolizing complete reconciliation, foreshadowing messianic communion.
Peace in Personal Greetings and Farewells
Shalom functions as everyday greeting and blessing. When Eli dismissed Hannah he said, "Go in peace" (1 Samuel 1:17). David’s covenant with Jonathan ends, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD" (1 Samuel 20:42). Such usages root ordinary conversation in theological reality: the speaker invokes God’s wholeness over the other’s life.
National and Political Peace
Shalom can signify absence of war (Joshua 10:21) or the stability of a kingdom (1 Chronicles 12:18). Solomon’s reign illustrates: "Judah and Israel lived in safety... every man under his vine and fig tree" (1 Kings 4:25). Yet prophets warn against counterfeit calm: "They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace" (Jeremiah 6:14). True national shalom depends on covenant fidelity.
Moral and Ethical Dimensions
Isaiah unites righteousness and peace: "The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever" (Isaiah 32:17). Wickedness forfeits shalom: "There is no peace... for the wicked" (Isaiah 48:22). Thus shalom is both gift and moral demand, calling God’s people to justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Prophetic Oracles and Messianic Anticipation
Isaiah 9:6 proclaims the coming Child as "Prince of Peace." His government brings endless shalom (Isaiah 9:7). Zechariah 9:10 foresees Messiah who "will proclaim peace to the nations." These promises expand shalom beyond Israel to global restoration. Micah pictures eschatological security: "Nation will not lift sword against nation... they will sit under their own vines and fig trees, and no one will make them afraid" (Micah 4:3-4).
Shalom and Salvation
Several passages employ shalom where English translations read "prosperity" or "welfare," as in Jeremiah 29:11: "I know the plans I have for you... plans for peace and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope." Salvation encompasses material welfare, spiritual renewal, and relational reconciliation—dimensions captured in shalom.
Practical Ministry Applications
1. Pastoral blessing: Use the priestly benediction (Numbers 6:24-26) to assure congregations of God’s holistic care.
2. Reconciliation ministry: Model Gideon’s altar—declare "The LORD is Peace" in conflict mediation, reminding believers that peace is a Person before it is a circumstance.
3. Social justice: Pursue Isaiah’s vision where righteousness and peace kiss; advocate policies that mirror covenant ethics.
4. Prayer: Intercede for civic authorities per Psalm 122:6-7, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem... May there be peace within your walls."
Cross-Testament Continuity
Hebrew shalom converges with Greek eirēnē. Jesus greets disciples, "Peace be with you" (John 20:19). Paul amplifies: "He Himself is our peace" (Ephesians 2:14), echoing Isaiah. The fruit of the Spirit includes peace (Galatians 5:22), evidencing the indwelling realization of Old Testament promise. Revelation concludes with the unbroken shalom of the new heavens and earth where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4). Thus shalom, inaugurated in creation, fractured by sin, and restored through Christ, frames the entire redemptive story.
Genesis 26:29
HEB: ט֔וֹב וַנְּשַׁלֵּֽחֲךָ֖ בְּשָׁל֑וֹם אַתָּ֥ה עַתָּ֖ה
NAS: and have sent you away in peace. You are now
KJV: and have sent thee away in peace: thou [art] now
INT: good sent peace You are now
Genesis 26:31
HEB: וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ מֵאִתּ֖וֹ בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃
NAS: and they departed from him in peace.
KJV: and they departed from him in peace.
INT: Isaac departed peace
Genesis 28:21
HEB: וְשַׁבְתִּ֥י בְשָׁל֖וֹם אֶל־ בֵּ֣ית
NAS: house in safety, then the LORD
KJV: house in peace; then shall the LORD
INT: return safety about house
Genesis 29:6
HEB: וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָהֶ֖ם הֲשָׁל֣וֹם ל֑וֹ וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ
NAS: And he said to them, Is it well with him? And they said,
KJV: And he said unto them, [Is] he well? And they said,
INT: said well said is well
Genesis 29:6
HEB: ל֑וֹ וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ שָׁל֔וֹם וְהִנֵּה֙ רָחֵ֣ל
NAS: with him? And they said, It is well, and here
KJV: And they said, [He is] well: and, behold, Rachel
INT: well said is well and here is Rachel
Genesis 37:4
HEB: יָכְל֖וּ דַּבְּר֥וֹ לְשָׁלֹֽם׃
NAS: not speak to him on friendly terms.
KJV: not speak peaceably unto him.
INT: and could speak friendly
Genesis 37:14
HEB: רְאֵ֜ה אֶת־ שְׁל֤וֹם אַחֶ֙יךָ֙ וְאֶת־
NAS: and see about the welfare of your brothers
KJV: I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren,
INT: now and see the welfare of your brothers and the welfare
Genesis 37:14
HEB: אַחֶ֙יךָ֙ וְאֶת־ שְׁל֣וֹם הַצֹּ֔אן וַהֲשִׁבֵ֖נִי
NAS: of your brothers and the welfare of the flock,
KJV: with thy brethren, and well with the flocks;
INT: the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock and bring
Genesis 41:16
HEB: יַעֲנֶ֖ה אֶת־ שְׁל֥וֹם פַּרְעֹֽה׃
NAS: will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.
KJV: Pharaoh an answer of peace.
INT: God will give A favorable Pharaoh
Genesis 43:23
HEB: וַיֹּאמֶר֩ שָׁל֨וֹם לָכֶ֜ם אַל־
NAS: He said, Be at ease, do not be afraid.
KJV: And he said, Peace [be] to you, fear
INT: said ease not be afraid
Genesis 43:27
HEB: וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל לָהֶם֙ לְשָׁל֔וֹם וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֲשָׁל֛וֹם
NAS: Then he asked them about their welfare, and said,
KJV: And he asked them of [their] welfare, and said,
INT: asked their welfare and said well
Genesis 43:27
HEB: לְשָׁל֔וֹם וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֲשָׁל֛וֹם אֲבִיכֶ֥ם הַזָּקֵ֖ן
NAS: father well, of whom
KJV: [Is] your father well, the old man
INT: their welfare and said well father is your old
Genesis 43:28
HEB: וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ שָׁל֛וֹם לְעַבְדְּךָ֥ לְאָבִ֖ינוּ
NAS: our father is well; he is still
KJV: our father [is] in good health, he [is] yet alive.
INT: said is well your servant our father
Genesis 44:17
HEB: וְאַתֶּ֕ם עֲל֥וּ לְשָׁל֖וֹם אֶל־ אֲבִיכֶֽם׃
NAS: but as for you, go up in peace to your father.
KJV: and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.
INT: you go peace to your father
Exodus 4:18
HEB: לְמֹשֶׁ֖ה לֵ֥ךְ לְשָׁלֽוֹם׃
NAS: to Moses, Go in peace.
KJV: to Moses, Go in peace.
INT: to Moses Go peace
Exodus 18:7
HEB: אִישׁ־ לְרֵעֵ֖הוּ לְשָׁל֑וֹם וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃
NAS: other of their welfare and went
KJV: other of [their] welfare; and they came
INT: each other of their welfare and went the tent
Exodus 18:23
HEB: מְקֹמ֖וֹ יָבֹ֥א בְשָׁלֽוֹם׃
NAS: will go to their place in peace.
KJV: shall also go to their place in peace.
INT: their place will go peace
Leviticus 26:6
HEB: וְנָתַתִּ֤י שָׁלוֹם֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ וּשְׁכַבְתֶּ֖ם
NAS: I shall also grant peace in the land,
KJV: And I will give peace in the land,
INT: grant peace the land you may lie
Numbers 6:26
HEB: וְיָשֵׂ֥ם לְךָ֖ שָׁלֽוֹם׃ ס
NAS: on you, And give you peace.'
KJV: upon thee, and give thee peace.
INT: on give peace
Numbers 25:12
HEB: אֶת־ בְּרִיתִ֖י שָׁלֽוֹם׃
NAS: I give him My covenant of peace;
KJV: unto him my covenant of peace:
INT: give my covenant of peace
Deuteronomy 2:26
HEB: חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן דִּבְרֵ֥י שָׁל֖וֹם לֵאמֹֽר׃
NAS: with words of peace, saying,
KJV: with words of peace, saying,
INT: of Heshbon words of peace saying
Deuteronomy 20:10
HEB: וְקָרָ֥אתָ אֵלֶ֖יהָ לְשָׁלֽוֹם׃
NAS: it, you shall offer it terms of peace.
KJV: against it, then proclaim peace unto it.
INT: shall offer of peace
Deuteronomy 20:11
HEB: וְהָיָה֙ אִם־ שָׁל֣וֹם תַּֽעַנְךָ֔ וּפָתְחָ֖ה
NAS: it agrees to make peace with you and opens
KJV: And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open
INT: shall become If peace agrees and opens
Deuteronomy 23:6
HEB: לֹא־ תִדְרֹ֥שׁ שְׁלֹמָ֖ם וְטֹבָתָ֑ם כָּל־
NAS: seek their peace or their prosperity
KJV: Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity
INT: not seek their peace their prosperity all
237 Occurrences
Strong's Hebrew 7965
237 Occurrences
baš·šā·lō·wm — 1 Occ.
bə·šā·lō·wm — 25 Occ.
biš·lō·māw — 1 Occ.
hă·šā·lō·wm — 14 Occ.
haš·šā·lō·wm — 4 Occ.
lə·šā·lōm — 28 Occ.
liš·lō·wm — 2 Occ.
lō·wm — 6 Occ.
miš·šā·lō·wm — 1 Occ.
šā·lō·wm — 110 Occ.
šə·lō·wm — 10 Occ.
šə·lō·mām — 2 Occ.
šə·lō·w·me·ḵā — 3 Occ.
šə·lō·w·mê·nū — 1 Occ.
šə·lō·w·mî — 4 Occ.
šə·lō·w·mîm — 1 Occ.
ū·lə·šā·lō·wm — 3 Occ.
ū·ḇə·šā·lō·wm — 1 Occ.
ḇaš·šā·lō·wm — 1 Occ.
wə·haš·šā·lō·wm — 2 Occ.
wə·liš·lō·wm — 2 Occ.
wə·liš·lō·w·mîm — 1 Occ.
ḇə·šā·lō·wm — 13 Occ.
ḇiš·lō·w·māh — 1 Occ.