שָׁלֵם (sa.lem)
sa.lem
to complete; to ally
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 73 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shalem carries the core idea of wholeness, whether describing a state of being complete or an action that brings things to their intended end. In its simplest form, it means to be sound, finished, or uninjured. This sense of integrity extends into moral and relational spheres, where it often implies fulfilling obligations or making restitution for harm done.
A distinctive feature of shalem is its connection to covenant peace. To "make peace" with someone is not merely to cease conflict but to restore a relationship to a state of wholeness and safety. This nuance appears in passages like Proverbs 16:7, where the Lord causes enemies to be at peace with a righteous person, indicating a restored harmony rather than just a temporary truce.
The word also frequently denotes payment or recompense. When used in legal or commercial contexts, it means to pay back what is due, ensuring that accounts are settled and justice is served. This dual focus on restoration and settlement gives shalem a rich theological weight, portraying God’s actions as both completing His purposes and making all things right.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shalem points to a deep sense of wholeness and completion. It describes situations where things are made right, whether through paying back what is owed or restoring a broken relationship. This concept moves beyond simple fairness; it seeks to bring life back into balance. When accounts are settled or peace is established, the underlying goal is integrity and safety for all involved.
In your daily walk, this reminds us that God cares about the details of justice and reconciliation. He does not leave things half-finished or unresolved. Whether you are seeking to make amends with someone or trusting God to settle a wrong, shalem assures you that His work brings true restoration. It is an invitation to trust in His ability to complete what He starts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 73 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will repay7×
- and/ I will repay5×
- and/ it was complete3×
- I will repay3×
- I will pay3×
- you make an end of/ me2×
- he will repay/ it2×
- he will make compensation2×
- he repays2×
- he performs2×
- and/ they made peace2×
- and/ pay2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְשַׁלֶּם\־6×
- וַ/תִּשְׁלַם֙3×
- תַּשְׁלִימֵֽ/נִי\׃2×
- יְשַׁלֵּֽם\׃2×
- יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם2×
- יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם2×
- יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם2×
- יְשַׁלְּמֶ֑/נָּה2×
- וְ/שִׁלַּמְתִּ֥י2×
- אֲשַׁלֵּ֑ם2×
- תַשְׁלִים֙1×
- תְשַׁלֵּֽם\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 5:16
He shall make restitution for that which he has done wrong regarding the holy thing, and shall add a fifth part to it, and give it to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and he will be forgiven.
This verse shows the word applied to restitution, requiring a person to pay back what was taken plus an additional portion to restore integrity before God.
-
Joshua 10:4
“Come up to me and help me. Let’s strike Gibeon; for they have made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.”
Here the term describes a political alliance where Gibeon makes peace with Israel, highlighting the relational aspect of restoring harmony between groups.
-
II Kings 4:7
Then she came and told the man of God. He said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”
The widow uses this concept to pay her debt, illustrating how financial settlement allows for continued life and stability for her family.
-
I Kings 9:25
Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar which he built to Yahweh three times per year, burning incense with them on the altar that was before Yahweh. So he finished the house.
Solomon finishes the temple work by offering sacrifices, linking the physical completion of a building with spiritual wholeness through worship.