שָׁלוֹם (sha.lom)
sha.lom
peace
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 182 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shalom denotes a state of wholeness, soundness, and welfare that extends far beyond the absence of conflict. Derived from a root meaning "to be complete," it describes physical health, social tranquility, and material prosperity as interconnected aspects of a life in right order. When David asks if his father is well in Genesis 43:27, he is inquiring about his overall condition, not merely whether they are at peace with one another.
This comprehensive sense explains why the word appears frequently in greetings and farewells across the Old Testament, such as in 1 Samuel 25:6. It signifies a flourishing existence where every part of life functions as it should. The concept also carries deep theological weight, describing the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where divine favor results in safety and contentment.
Translators often render shalom as "peace," but this English term can feel narrow or passive. The Hebrew original is active and holistic, encompassing health, friendship, and prosperity. In passages like Isaiah 26:3, the promise of perfect peace is linked to a mind stayed on God, suggesting that true shalom is a stable, integrated state of being rooted in trust.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shalom offers a much richer picture than the English term 'peace' usually suggests. It describes a state of wholeness, soundness, and welfare in every area of life. When someone asks if you are shalom, they are asking about your overall condition—your health, your relationships, and your spiritual standing—not just whether you are avoiding conflict.
This concept reminds us that true well-being comes from right order with God. In Genesis 43:27, Jacob inquires about his father’s welfare using this word, showing it covers physical health and family stability. It is an active state of flourishing where every part of life functions as it should.
When you feel fragmented or anxious, shalom invites you to look for integration. It is not merely the absence of trouble but the presence of divine favor. Trusting in God’s covenant allows your mind and heart to settle into a stable, integrated state of being rooted in trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 182 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- peace75×
- in/ peace26×
- to/ welfare12×
- to/ peace9×
- ¿/ peace8×
- [the] welfare of6×
- well-being5×
- ¿/ [does] peace4×
- [is] peace4×
- safety3×
- peace/ your3×
- peace/ my3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָׁלֽוֹם\׃15×
- שָׁל֔וֹם14×
- שָׁל֖וֹם13×
- שָׁל֑וֹם9×
- שָׁל֣וֹם8×
- לְ/שָׁל֑וֹם8×
- בְּ/שָׁלֽוֹם\׃8×
- שָׁל֥וֹם7×
- שָׁלוֹם֙6×
- בְּ/שָׁל֑וֹם6×
- שְׁל֣וֹם5×
- לְ/שָׁלֽוֹם\׃5×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 43:27
He asked them of their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he yet alive?”
This verse shows the word asking about overall welfare and health rather than just conflict resolution.
-
Numbers 6:26
Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’
Here shalom is the final blessing in the priestly benediction, representing God’s direct favor upon the people.
-
Leviticus 26:6
“‘I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and no one will make you afraid. I will remove evil animals out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.
This promise links peace with safety and the removal of fear, showing it as a tangible state of security in the land.
-
Genesis 15:15
but you will go to your fathers in peace. You will be buried at a good old age.
Abraham’s death in peace indicates a complete and fulfilled life journey ending well before his ancestors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shalom mean in Hebrew?
How is shalom different from English peace?
Where does the word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (182 verses across 29 books)
Genesis 12 verses
but you will go to your fathers in peace. You will be buried at a good old age.
Genesis 26:29that you will do us no harm, as we have not touched you, and as we have done to you nothing but good, and have sent you…
Genesis 26:31They rose up some time in the morning, and swore an oath to one another. Isaac sent them away, and they departed from…
Genesis 28:21so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, and Yahweh will be my God,
Genesis 29:6He said to them, “Is it well with him?” They said, “It is well. See, Rachel, his daughter, is coming with the sheep.”
Genesis 37:4His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak…
Genesis 37:14He said to him, “Go now, see whether it is well with your brothers, and well with the flock; and bring me word again.”…
Genesis 41:16Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It isn’t in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
Genesis 43:23He said, “Peace be to you. Don’t be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks.…
Genesis 43:27He asked them of their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he yet alive?”
Genesis 43:28They said, “Your servant, our father, is well. He is still alive.” They bowed down humbly.
Genesis 44:17He said, “Far be it from me that I should do so. The man in whose hand the cup is found, he will be my slave; but as…