Exegetical Meaning

Eirēnē is the Greek word for peace, and it carries a wonderfully rich meaning that goes far beyond just the absence of conflict. At its heart, it describes a state of wholeness, harmony, and well-being—both in relationships between people and in a person's inner sense of security and rest. When you have eirēnē, you're not just free from fighting; you're experiencing a deep sense that all is right with the world and with God. Throughout the New Testament, this word appears in greetings and blessings, where Jesus and the apostles wish eirēnē upon others. It's the peace that passes understanding, the supernatural calm that God gives to believers even in difficult circumstances. Paul often opens his letters with "Grace and peace to you," where this word carries the sense of God's favor bringing everything into proper order. The word can also imply prosperity and success, since true peace naturally includes having one's needs met and relationships flourishing. An important nuance is that biblical eirēnē isn't passive or escapist—it's an active, confident trust in God's care. When Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you" (John 14:27), He was offering something the world cannot give or take away. This peace comes through right relationship with God and isn't dependent on external circumstances. It's the kind of peace that enables believers to face trials with hope and courage, knowing they're held securely in God's hands.

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Exegetical Meaning

safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace | Etymology: or שָׁלֹם; from H7999 (שָׁלַם); | KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly.

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• Shalom as Covenant Wholeness
• The Prince of Peace