The NIV 365 Day Devotional

“Shalom”

Though “shalom” is often translated as “peace,” its meaning is much richer and fuller. It connotes soundness, completeness, or wholeness. In one’s personal life, it suggests well¬ being, safety, and contentment of spirit (cf. Ge 28:21, “safely”; Ge 37:14, “all is well with”; Ps 4:8).

For a nation, it suggests security and cessation of conflict (cf. Lev 26:6; Isa 32:17–18). Among companions, it suggests friendship and freedom from discord (cf. Ge 26:29,31; 1Sa 29:7).

Between human beings and God, therefore, it suggests a close and unhindered relationship (cf. Ps 29:11; 85:9–10; Isa 54:10). Indeed, it is only in relationship with the God of peace (Ro 15:33; 1Th 5:23), a relationship made possible through faith in Jesus Christ (Ro 5:1), that true shalom can be fully realized (cf. Isa 26:3; Eph 2:14–18).

Taken from the NIV Study Bible, Fully Revised Edition.