יְהֹוָה שָׁלוֹם

Jehovah-Shalom, a symbolical name of an altar in Palestine

Definition

Yᵉhôvâh shâlôwm (Jehovah-Shalom) is a compound name meaning 'The LORD is Peace.' It was given to an altar built by Gideon at Ophrah after the Angel of the LORD appeared to him and assured him of victory over the Midianites (Judges 6:24). This name functions as a profound theological declaration, identifying God Himself as the source and embodiment of true peace—not merely the absence of conflict, but a state of wholeness, completeness, and well-being in right relationship with Him. The name serves as a memorial of God's gracious revelation and promise of deliverance in a time of national crisis and fear.

Biblical Usage

This term is used only once in the Old Testament, in Judges 6:24. It is used as the name for an altar, not as a direct name for God. The context is Gideon's call, where he is terrified after realizing he has seen the Angel of the LORD face to face. God reassures him, 'Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die' (Judges 6:23). In response, Gideon builds an altar and names it 'The LORD Is Peace,' commemorating this divine encounter and the gift of peace that comes from God's presence and promise.

Etymology

The name is a combination of the Tetragrammaton, Yᵉhôvâh (H3068), the personal name of Israel's covenant God, and the noun shâlôwm (H7965), meaning 'peace, wholeness, welfare, completeness.' It is constructed as a nominal sentence, literally 'Yahweh (is) peace.' The word shalom comes from a root meaning to be complete or sound.

Semantic Range

This name reveals a fundamental attribute of God: He is not merely a giver of peace but is Himself the very essence and source of peace. This peace is relational, restoring the broken fellowship between God and humanity caused by sin. It points forward to the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), Jesus Christ, through whom believers have peace with God (Romans 5:1). Understanding this name enriches reading by showing that biblical peace is a profound gift rooted in God's character and salvific action, not in circumstances.

In the ancient Near East, altars were often named to commemorate a specific encounter with the divine or a vow. Naming an altar 'Jehovah-Shalom' in a time of oppressive Midianite raids was a bold act of faith. It publicly declared trust in Israel's God for national deliverance and personal safety, contrasting with the fear and instability of the period. The concept of 'shalom' encompassed total well-being—material, physical, social, and spiritual—which was desperately needed.

shâlôwm (H7965) — The common noun for peace, wholeness, or welfare. Yᵉhôvâh (H3068) — The sacred personal name of God, the LORD. Shiloh (H7886) — A name possibly meaning 'tranquility' or 'peaceful one,' used as a messianic title (Genesis 49:10).

Word Details