The Biblical Definition of šālôm šālôm

What is a šālôm šālôm?

The Hebrew expression 'šālôm šālôm' ('peace, peace') appears in two key biblical passages - 1 Samuel 1:17 and 2 Samuel 14:26 - to convey complete divine wholeness, not just the absence of conflict.

In 1 Samuel 1:17, the priest Eli blesses Hannah with a double 'peace' after her prayer, symbolizing God's full favor and restoration. In 2 Samuel 14:26, Solomon's son has 'a son born to [him] who was like a second šālôm,' suggesting wholeness or perfection in lineage. The repetition of the word intensifies its meaning, often pointing to God's covenantal blessings or the fulfillment of divine purpose.

These instances highlight how the term functions not as a generic wish for peace but as a theological marker of holistic well-being rooted in God's promises. This usage invites further exploration of related themes in biblical theology.

Theological Significance of šālôm šālôm

The term šālôm šālôm transcends cultural and temporal boundaries to articulate a covenantal peace that reflects God's holistic blessing.

Theologically, šālôm šālôm signifies complete wholeness rooted in God's redemptive purposes, not just the absence of conflict. In covenantal contexts, it represents the mutual commitment between God and His people, embodying security, prosperity, and spiritual harmony. Psalm 29:11, where God promises to grant šālôm, illustrates this as a divine gift that safeguards both community and individual. This peace is inseparable from God's sovereignty, as seen in the psalm's imagery of His voice commanding cosmic order.

In passages like Psalm 29:11, šālôm šālôm becomes a marker of God's active presence within creation. It underscores the theological truth that true peace arises from alignment with divine will, not human effort. This concept prepares readers to explore how New Testament writers recontextualize šālôm within Christ's redemptive mission.

How to Read šālôm šālôms Correctly

To interpret šālôm šālôm accurately, consider its literary context, cultural resonance, and theological weight as seen in Isaiah 26:3.

Isaiah 26:3 states, 'You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you,' illustrating how the term emphasizes divine wholeness rooted in trust. The repetition of šālôm intensifies its meaning, signaling a peace beyond mere tranquility - a holistic blessing from God. This verse, part of a prophetic oracle, invites readers to connect the term to covenantal faithfulness and eschatological hope.

Understanding šālôm šālôm in poetic texts like Isaiah requires attention to parallelism and imagery, while narrative uses (e.g., blessings in 1 Samuel) reflect cultural values of completeness. This dual lens prepares readers for New Testament recontextualizations of peace in Christ.

Going Deeper

For further exploration of šālôm šālôm, consider examining related concepts like 'Shalom' (the broader Hebrew ideal of wholeness) and 'Covenant' (the framework through which God's peace is mediated).

Engaging with commentaries on 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, and Isaiah - particularly passages like Psalm 29:11 and Isaiah 26:3 - can illuminate its theological depth. Lexicons such as Brown-Driver-Briggs or resources on biblical Hebrew poetry also provide valuable context for its usage and resonance in Scripture.