We hear the
word “peace” bandied about quite often in these days of turmoil and lightning-fast
change. Our families, places of worship,
societies, and governments can seem to be more occupied with chaos and anger than
brotherly love. So, really, what is this concept? Better yet, what is the full
meaning of the Hebrew word, “shalom”, very loosely translated as “peace”?
Does the
word signify only a complete lack of internal and external contention and
conflict? Hardly. If that were the case, not a soul in the world would ever
feel at rest because our lives are in a constant state of transformation; some of
it pleasant, some, not so much.
The Bible
The “peace”
referred to in the Bible is deep and
internal. It has nothing to do with what’s going on around us. For
instance, Jesus certainly didn’t have rest/peace in his circumstances. He lived
under the government of the mighty Roman Empire and the religious rule of those
who didn’t believe in Him
Joyce Meyer
Joyce Meyer
says, “Jesus had peace within himself.”
That’s how he was able to calm the storms, such as the one that panicked the
disciples on the Sea of Galilee. “We
want peace in our circumstances. Jesus wants peace in our hearts.”
The Meaning of “Shalom”
I have
looked up the meaning of this complicated word on five different websites. Here’s
what I learned:
Therefinersfire.org—All Hebrew words convey feeling, intent, and
emotion. Shalom means complete peace. It can be broken down into the following
words:
contentment, completeness,
wholeness, well-being, harmony, welfare, health, tranquility, prosperity
Wikepedia—The Hebrew “Shalom” is used as a greeting or farewell. It is
translated into the Greek “eirene”, which is the root of the name “Irene”. This
means quietness and rest. It can be
used as many parts of speech: noun, adjective, verb, adverb, or interjection.
It
refers to a hope of wholeness for the individual with societal relations and with
the world. It doesn’t refer only to the absence of war or dispute. Completeness is at the root of it. It’s
a state of safety, wholeness, and prosperity. It also means to make good, or to
make amends.
Gotquestions.org—Shalom is both internal and external peace. It signifies more than a lack of
conflict. It means completeness.
Preceptaustin.org—Shalom has to do with vigor and vitality in
all dimensions of life. It is holistic
health for our souls and spirits.
MyJewishlearning.com—Shalom is wholeness.
It’s not just the political absence of war and enmity. It’s also
not just the social absence of
quarrel and strife. It’s a moral value, a cosmic
principle, and a divine attribute.
It’s a state of prosperity and blessed harmony.
The Bible
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
Be careful for nothing;
but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.
My Conclusion
“Peace”, as defined by the world, is rare. In
fact, I don’t know anyone who has always had a complete “lack of internal or external conflict”. It ain’t happenin’
anytime soon, either, judging by the rising selfishness of people and negative trends throughout the world.
However, all
of us can grab onto the feeling of wholeness and harmony encapsulated in the
Hebrew word, shalom, when we
refuse to internalize the constant, pervasive potential for strife.
It will be
anything but easy. Yet, in the end, it will be worth the struggle.
Please read more about people who
fought for peace and acceptance in my book, Accept No Trash Talk: Overcoming the Odds.
How have you
found peace despite the odds?
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