Dictionary entry
שָׁלוֹם
Shalom
Peace as wholeness — not merely the absence of war.
The root shalem points to something complete, whole, lacking nothing. To wish someone shalom is to wish that nothing in their life be broken: health, justice, relationships, provision. That is why the priestly blessing of Numbers 6 ends on exactly this word.
Where it appears
- Numbers 6:26
- Isaiah 9:6