My Favorite Word

There is a word that the Jewish people say quite often. It is the word shalom. 

Many people seem to know that the word shalom means peace, but in Israel, this word is also used as a friendly greeting to say hello and goodbye. It is a versatile word that can mean many things.

This word carries such depth, I’m not sure I have ever come across any other word in my entire life that carries such a deep and beautiful meaning. 

It has become my favorite word. 

According to the Strong’s Concordance, the word shalom means: 

completeness, wholeness, health, peace, safety, soundness, tranquility, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. 

Shalom comes from the root verb meaning: 

to be complete, perfect, and full. 

Isn't that beautiful? 

If someone says shalom, shalom that means perfect peace. (a double blessing)

Jesus said: 

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” 

John 10:10  

Jesus said this in the context of sheep following their Shepherd. This is why Jesus came to earth. He came to give us shalom.

Often, when I pray for someone with some kind of sickness, trial, or anything that is not good, I pray for God’s shalom to be upon them.

I’m sure the Lord Jesus would have said shalom as a greeting to people when He walked this earth. That is such a precious thought to me because true shalom comes from Him!

With that said, I wish you shalom, shalom!