εἰρηνικός (eirēnikos)
eirēnikos
peaceful
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective eirēnikos describes something that is peaceable or characterized by a disposition toward harmony. Derived from the word for peace (eirēnē), it functions as an attributive quality, indicating that a person or action actively cultivates tranquility rather than merely lacking conflict.
This term appears in only two New Testament passages, both within the General Epistles. In James 3:17, it qualifies the wisdom from above, listing "peaceable" as a key trait alongside purity and reasonableness. Similarly, Hebrews 12:11 contrasts the painful discipline of training with its later result, describing the "peaceful fruit of righteousness" that emerges for those who have been trained by it.
The word carries a sense of utility and benefit, often translated as "salutary" or "profitable" in older lexicons. It suggests that peace is not just an absence of strife but a productive force that yields tangible good results. The sources note its usage in the Septuagint for Hebrew words related to shalom, linking it to comprehensive well-being.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eirēnikos points to a peace that actively builds harmony rather than simply avoiding trouble. In James 3:17, it describes wisdom from above as peaceful, showing that true understanding leads to gentle and reasonable interactions with others. This quality is not passive; it seeks to resolve conflict and foster unity in our daily relationships.
Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that even painful discipline can produce this peaceful fruit of righteousness. When we endure training or correction, the goal is not suffering but a lasting peace that benefits everyone. This suggests that God’s work in our lives aims for a deep, productive harmony that strengthens our character and our community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- peaceable,1×
- peaceable1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εἰρηνικὸν1×
- εἰρηνική,1×
Key Verses
-
James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
This verse identifies peaceableness as a primary trait of heavenly wisdom, distinguishing it from worldly ambition.
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Hebrews 12:11
All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Here the word describes the beneficial outcome of divine discipline, showing that hardship can yield lasting peace.