The term “peace” (known in Greek as Eirene) and related words that describe actions such as reconciling, achieving peace, and establishing peace, are frequently directly translated across numerous translations.
The meaning of peace in the Bible is not just the absence of conflict but also a state of well-being that originates with God and His will for our lives (John 14:27). When we understand and speak peace, we can fully experience it, and we can learn how to live a life of peace.
The Old Testament and the New Testament contain ways to experience and bring real peace. Understanding them will help us find the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Key Takeaways
- Peace in the Bible represents a state of well-being and harmony that originates from God and aligns with His will.
- The peace offered by God is a gift to be received and also a choice to actively pursue through Godly living and thoughts.
- The Bible discusses various types of peace, including peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, peace with others, peace within oneself, peace in the family, and the peace that comes from salvation.
Contents
What Is Peace Meaning In The Bible?
The word “peace” comes from the Hebrew word shalom[1], which means wholeness, completeness, and well-being. God created us to live in harmony with each other and with Him. He wants us to experience shalom in our lives today.
God’s word uses several words for peace: shalom, shalom aleichem, and the Greek word Eirene. Shalom is most often used in Genesis 1:3, where God calls creation “good” (v. 31). Shalom is also used numerous times as a greeting or farewell among friends or family members (Genesis 43:26; Ruth 1:8). Shalom aleichem is Hebrew for “peace be upon you,” which was often said as a greeting by Jews when meeting someone new.
God’s peace is an essential topic for Christians because Jesus said that the world would know we are Christians by our love (John 13:35). We are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), to seek peace with all people (Hebrews 12:14), and to make friends with others (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:27). Jesus tells us that true peace comes from God and not from man, false prophets, or seeking peace in this world’s system. This means that if we want true peace in our lives, we must look to God for it!
What Is The Peace Of God?
The peace of God is a profound, supernatural peace that goes far beyond the peace of mind we can achieve by ourselves. The Bible says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).
The peace of God is a gift from God that He gives to all who will receive it. Most people don’t realize how desperately they need it until they experience it themselves. This supernatural and perfect peace is not based on external circumstances or human ability but comes from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
It brings comfort and assurance in times of stress or difficulty. After all, we know that no matter what happens here on earth, our future is secure in heaven because we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).
When living in the peace of God, we have inner calm and assurance because we know God loves us unconditionally and wants only the best for us. When we experience this kind of peace, it becomes easier to deal with difficult situations because we know God has everything under control. We can rest in His love and rely on Him to meet our needs.
It’s important to remember that the peace of God does not mean there will never be any problems or trials in life. Instead, it means you have an inner calmness regardless of what happens around you—whether good or bad news comes your way!
What Are The Attributes Of Biblical Peace?
1. Peace Is Something You Have (1 Peter 5:14)
The peace that comes from God is so much more than just a feeling. It’s an inner calmness and confidence that we can have even when facing difficult situations. The Bible describes it this way: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, nor let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
This kind of peace isn’t dependent on what happens in your life—it’s not contingent on whether or not someone apologizes for hurting. The peace that God gives us is God’s blessing. We don’t have to earn or do anything to get it; we just need to accept it as a gift from Him.
2. Peace Is Something You Do (Ephesians 6:15)
Peace is a choice. It’s something we actively pursue by choosing to think about things that are good, pure, and lovely (Philippians 4:8). The Bible tells us to guard our hearts above all else because they are the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). When we create peace with God, He makes peace with us (Romans 5:1–2).
Peace is more than just being free from trouble or fear. It’s an inner calm and confidence that comes from knowing that God is with us, no matter what happens. When we have peace, facing life’s challenges is easier because we know we can trust God to be there for us when things get tough.
3. Peace Is A Way Of Life And The Fruit Of The Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
The Bible tells us that all of God’s people should live in peace with each other (Hebrews 12:14). Peace isn’t something we passively wait for but actively pursue by choosing to think about things that are good, pure, and lovely (Philippians 4:8). Rather, we should be concerned about the things that make for peace (Romans 14:19). We can find peace by being at peace with God through Christ and by living in harmony with one another (Colossians 3:15).
What Are The 5 Types Of Peace In The Bible?
1. Peace With God
The first type of peace is “peace with God” (Romans 5:1). This is the most important kind of peace because it comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. If you don’t have this type of peace, you will never be able to experience any other kind of peace. This type of peace is the absence of any guilt or anxiety about your sin. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and believe that He died for your sins, you will be granted this peace with God.
2. Peace With Others
Second, we have “peace with others” (Philippians 4:7–9). Sometimes people think they can do everything independently and don’t need anyone else, but that isn’t true. It takes a team to accomplish anything worthwhile, so we should be building relationships with other people.
When we do that, we will also find ourselves experiencing this type of peace in our lives. God made us for the community, so we need to make time and bring peace to others. It’s important to invest in relationships because, when we do that, God uses them to help us fulfill His plans.
3. Peace With Yourself
The third kind of peace is the ability to get along well with yourself (2 Corinthians 13:11). To have a healthy relationship with anyone else, you must first have a healthy relationship with yourself! You must learn to love yourself before fully loving others around you.
It’s not selfish to be kind and compassionate to yourself; it’s very important! When you have peace with yourself, it will help you overcome any struggles that come your way. You can handle life’s challenges easily because you know that God is always on your side.
4. Peace In Our Homes
Fourth, we have “peace in our homes.” The Bible tells us that wives should be like a “fruitful vineyard” (Psalm 128:3) that produces good things. Having peace in our homes helps us have a peaceful life!
When everyone is kind and loving toward each other, it makes things easier for everyone. Also, God created the family as a special place where we can experience His love. When we have peace in our homes, it helps us to enjoy being together and spending time with each other.
5. Peace From Salvation
Lastly, we have “peace from salvation” (Romans 5:1). The Bible tells us that when we accept Jesus as our Savior, He gives us a new life in Him. This means that when we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are saved from sin and death!
We don’t have to worry or stress about the future because God has already solved our problems through Christ. In the end, God gives us peace. He is our creator and loves us so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross for all our sins. We can have peace in this world because Jesus died and rose again so we could live forever with Him.
Summary
Peace is a state of tranquility, freedom from anxiety or fear, and harmony. It is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit and God’s love. Therefore, we can have peace in our lives through Jesus Christ.
Peace is a gift from God, and we can have it by trusting and obeying Him. We must remember that peace comes from God and not the situation around us. It is our inheritance as Christians and our Christian duty, and we can live in it through Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Biblical Meaning Of Peace?
The biblical meaning of peace often transcends the simple absence of conflict. In the Bible, peace, or “shalom” in Hebrew, is a comprehensive concept that denotes well-being, harmony, and the absence of hostility. It is associated with the presence of God’s blessings and often refers to a state of spiritual and moral completeness.
What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of Peace?
The spiritual meaning of peace generally involves an inner sense of calm and tranquility. It is not merely the absence of external disturbances but a deep internal steadiness and balance. In many spiritual traditions, peace is intertwined with the idea of being in harmony with oneself, with others, and with a higher power or the universe.
What Does The Bible Say About Peace?
The Bible speaks of peace in several contexts. In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as the “Prince of Peace,” and his teachings emphasize peacemaking and reconciliation. The Bible also suggests that peace is a gift from God and a fruit of the Spirit, implying that it is both a divine blessing and a result of spiritual growth. It encourages believers to seek peace with others and live in a way that promotes harmony and understanding.