Shalom

I posted this once before, in an entry about Israel, but I want to revisit it today.

Shalom.

Peace, right? Well, no, not exactly. Yes, we typically translate the Hebrew word shalom as the English word peace. But just as with many other Hebrew words, there really is no English one-word equivalent. It would take an entire paragraph to fully flesh out the concept of shalom in English.

Shalom means “nothing missing, nothing broken, well being and completeness.” It’s also defined as “welfare, soundness, safety, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment, friendship (of humans and with God).” That's quite a bit lost in translation, isn't it? What a rich word! And His shalom can be ours!

I challenge each of you to grab a Strong’s concordance and look up the word “peace” in scripture. Then read all of God’s promises regarding peace and eagerly seek out your end of that promise (what He says you need to do to attain it). Who wouldn’t want His peace, His shalom?!?