יְהֹוָה שָׁלוֹם
𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 𐤔𐤋𐤅𐤌
Yahweh Shalom
H3073
SILEX Entry
Definition
A compound proper name meaning 'YHWH is peace' or 'YHWH (brings) peace.' This phrase designates a symbolic name given to an altar erected by Gideon in response to a divine theophany, expressing the assurance of divine peace or well-being. The term fuses the personal name of the Israelite deity, YHWH, with the noun shalom, encompassing notions of completeness, wholeness, and tranquility.
Semantic Range
YHWH is peace, YHWH brings peace, the peace granted or promised by YHWH, commemorative altar name, symbolic assurance of well-being
Root / Etymology
Formed from the tetragrammaton יְהֹוָה (YHWH), the personal name of the Israelite deity, and שָׁלוֹם (shalom), meaning 'peace, well-being, wholeness.' The construction indicates possession or bestowal of peace by YHWH. The root of שָׁלוֹם (שלם) means 'to be complete, whole.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Used exclusively in Judges 6:24, where Gideon names an altar after experiencing a theophany and reassurance of safety from YHWH. Unlike later Jewish or Christian uses of terms like 'Jehovah-Shalom' as a title or divine attribute, in its biblical context it serves as a place-name—a memorialization of the peace YHWH granted Gideon, specifically following divine reassurance that Gideon would not die after his encounter. In later religious tradition, the term has sometimes been adopted as a theological expression of divine peace, but this expands beyond the original historical context. This compound title is not used elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible as a divine name or attribute but rather as a unique altar designation in the period of the Judges. The name reflects broader Israelite notions of 'shalom,' which includes not just the absence of conflict but also safety, wholeness, and well-being. English renderings like 'Jehovah-shalom' originate from the vocalized form and translation tradition but are tied to a much later understanding of the divine name.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from יְהֹוָה and שָׁלוֹם; Jehovah (is) peace; Jehovah-Shalom, a symbolical name of an altar in Palestine; Jehovah-shalom.
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Occurrences in Scripture
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