גיֵ֣צֶר סָמ֔וּךְ תִּצֹּ֖ר שָׁל֣וֹם | שָׁל֑וֹם כִּ֥י בְךָ֖ בָּטֽוּחַ
"You will keep in perfect peace (shalom, shalom) those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
The Hebrew word "shalom" (שָׁלוֹם) is a frequently used Hebrew greeting (hello/goodbye). It is commonly translated as "peace," but its root and deeper meanings encompass much more than just the absence of conflict.
Where we see שָׁל֑וֹם שָׁל֑וֹם "Shalom shalom" in the Hebrew Bible it is translated as "perfect peace."
Meanings and Connotations:
1. Peace: The most common translation of "shalom" is peace, understood as the absence of conflict and the presence of harmony and tranquility.
2. Wholeness: "Shalom" implies a state of completeness and wholeness. It encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
3. Safety: It also connotes safety and security, suggesting a stable and secure environment.
4. Health: "Shalom" includes the idea of health and welfare, reflecting a holistic sense of well-being.
5. Prosperity: It can mean prosperity and success, not just in material terms but also in the sense of flourishing and thriving.
All the Letters of Shalom:
Shin (ש): Represents teeth or the act of consuming and destroying. Symbolically, it can signify transformation and the process of making something complete.
Lamed (ל): Represents a shepherd's staff or a goad, symbolizing guidance, teaching, or leading.
Vav (ו): Represents a nail/hook or a connector, symbolizing connection and bringing things together.
Mem (ם): Represents water/blood or chaos, symbolizing the potential for life and the depth of being. (Blog post about Mem.)
DEEP MEANING OF EVERY HEBREW WORD IS FOUND INSIDE THE ROOT OF EVERY WORD.
The Hebrew language is constructed in such a way that most words are built from a root consisting of three consonants, known as a "shoresh" (שורש). This root conveys the core meaning of the word, and various prefixes, suffixes, and vowel changes can modify this root to create related words with nuanced meanings.
The concept of the three-letter root is integral to understanding the depth and spiritual meaning of Hebrew words. Here’s how it works:
Core Meaning: The three-letter root captures the essence of a concept. For example, the root ש-ל-ם (Sh-L-M) relates to wholeness, peace, and completeness. From this root, we get words like "shalom" (peace) and "shalem" (complete).
Connected Meanings: By examining different words derived from the same root, one can see how these words are interconnected and share a common underlying theme. This interconnectedness can reveal deeper spiritual insights. For instance, the root ק-ד-ש (K-D-Sh) means holiness or sanctity, giving rise to words like "kadosh" (holy), "kedushah" (holiness), and "mikdash" (sanctuary).
Spiritual Insights: Understanding the root of a word can provide a richer, more layered understanding of spiritual concepts. For example, the root ר-פ-א (R-P-A) means to heal. Words like "refuah" (healing) and "rofeh" (doctor) are derived from this root. This connection underscores the spiritual belief in the power of healing and restoration.
Meditative Reflection: In Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah, meditating on the root letters can lead to spiritual insights and personal growth. Each letter in Hebrew also has its own mystical significance, adding another layer of depth. For example, the letter "Aleph" (א) is associated with the divine and unity, while "Bet" (ב) symbolizes the house or dwelling, suggesting that every word can be seen as a dwelling place for spiritual meaning.
By delving into the three-letter roots of Hebrew words, one can uncover the profound spiritual and philosophical ideas embedded in the Hebrew language. This approach allows for a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of words and concepts, reflecting the rich tapestry of Jewish thought and spirituality.
"You will keep him in perfect peace (Shalom Shalom), whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4
The Root of Shalom
To fully appreciate the concept of "shalom," it's helpful to explore its root, its uses, and its broader connotations. The root of the word "shalom" is שׁ-ל-ם (Shin-Lamed-Mem). Below is brief explanation of meaning associated to each letter.
The Hebrew letter Shin (ש) is the 21st letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It carries significant meaning in Jewish culture and language. Hands of the priest or rabbi held to form shin during the "priestly benediction."
Shin (ש): Represents teeth or the act of consuming and destroying. Symbolically, it can signify transformation and the process of making something complete.
Lamed (ל): Represents a shepherd's staff or a goad, symbolizing guidance, teaching, or leading.
Mem (ם): Represents water, chaos, blood symbolizing the potential for life and the depth of being.
Putting the root שׁ-ל-ם letters together encapsulates a profound and holistic understanding of peace and wholeness, that goes beyond mere absence of conflict or hello/goodbye. Understanding "shalom" in its full depth provides a greater appreciation for its significance in Hebrew language, scripture, and everyday life.
To my Christian friends, I ask you, what comes to mind when you meditate on the meaning of the
root letters?
יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָֹ֖ה וְיִשְׁמְרֶֽךָ
יָאֵ֨ר יְהוָֹ֧ה | פָּנָ֛יו אֵלֶ֖יךָ וִֽיחֻנֶּֽךָּ
יִשָּׂ֨א יְהוָֹ֤ה | פָּנָיו֙ אֵלֶ֔יךָ וְיָשֵׂ֥ם לְךָ֖ שָׁלֽוֹם
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace (shalom)." Numbers 6:24-26
Epilogue:
I can't talk about "Shalom" and not mention the source, "Shaddai." Obviously, both "Shalom" and "Shaddai" begin with the Hebrew letter "Shin." Breaking down Shaddai like I did Shalom will illustrate even better how deeply the Hebrew letters connect words and add a deeper understanding.
"Shaddai" is a name for God that is often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient." The term "El Shaddai" combines "El," meaning "God," with "Shaddai," and is usually rendered as "God Almighty." This name emphasizes God's power and sufficiency, reflecting the belief that God can provide and protect in every circumstance. It appears in several key biblical passages, notably in God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:1.
Genesis 17:1 -- "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, 'I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.'"
This is the first appearance of "El Shaddai" where God introduces Himself to Abram (later Abraham) and establishes the covenant of circumcision. This passage marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, underscoring God's power and His promise to make Abraham the father of many nations.
"El Shaddai" is a significant and evocative name for God which emphasizes the different facets of God's nature and relationship with humanity.
God uses the name "El Shaddai" when reaffirming His covenant with Jacob. The use of "El Shaddai" underscores the seriousness and certainty of God's commitments and covenantal promises. "El Shaddai" assures the patriarchs and their descendants of God's unwavering faithfulness.
Genesis 35:11 -- "And God said to him, 'I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins.'"
In Exodus God speaks to Moses, revealing that He appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as "El Shaddai," but did not make His name Yahweh known to them.
Exodus 6:3 -- "I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them."
The name "El Shaddai" is also associated with God's nurturing and comforting attributes. The root "shad" means "breast" in Hebrew, symbolizing nourishment and sustenance, which conveys the idea of God as a nurturing provider.
"El Shaddai" combines the aspects of God's overwhelming power with His gentle provision, offering a balanced view of God's character. This duality is reflected in God's interactions with humanity, where He demonstrates both justice and mercy. He is both
stern/severe and
lovingkindness.
"El Shaddai" is truly a revolutionary concept. This concept is evident in the root.
The Root of "Shaddai"
There is more than one interpretation of the root of "Shaddai." The most prevalent are שַׁדַּי (Shaddai) and שָׁדַד (Shadad).
The Hebrew root שָׁדַד (shadad) means "to destroy" or "to overpower." This root emphasizes God's power, omnipotence and His ability to destroy enemies and protect His people.
שַׁד (Shad) is the other interpretation of the root of "Shaddai." שַׁד (shad) means "breast." This root conveys the idea of nourishment and sustenance. Thus, "El Shaddai" can be understood as "God the Nurturer" or "God the Provider," emphasizing God's sufficiency and care for His people.
The ancient Babylonian Akkadian influence adds an interesting third dimension to the meaning of "Shaddai." In the ancient Semitic language of Akkad, "shadu" means "mountain." In this context, "Shaddai" could be interpreted as "God of the Mountain."
Hebrew is a rich language with the tendency to encapsulate multiple meanings. Hebrew offers a composite understanding. Thus, "El Shaddai" represents a God who is all-powerful (able to destroy and protect), nurturing (providing sustenance), and a strong refuge (like a mountain).
Exodus 19:16-20 -- "On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up."
All the root words start with שַׁד. We already looked at the shin שַׁ when we analyzed Shalom so now let's look at the letter dalet - ד.
Dalet is the 4th letter in the Hebrew aleph-beyt and it's numerical (gematria) value is 4. Dalet is associated with a door or doorway/entrance. The word "Dalet" is related to the Hebrew word "delet" (דֶּלֶת), which means "door."
This association symbolizes a gateway, entrance, or transition from one state to another. It can represent both physical and spiritual transitions or opportunities.
In Jewish mystical tradition, Dalet symbolizes humility. The shape of the letter suggests a person who is bent over, signifying a humble and modest character.
Dalet can also symbolize the idea of being poor or in need, as it is connected to the Hebrew word "dal" (דַל), meaning "poor" or "needy." This reflects the idea of relying on God's provision and mercy.
David" (דָּוִד), the name of the famous king of Israel, begins and ends with Dalet.
In the mystical tradition of Judaism, Dalet is associated with the divine attribute of Malchut (Kingdom), which represents God's presence in the physical world.
From the New Testament we read:
John 10:7 -- So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
In conclusion, the shin in "Shalom" connected us to the Shin in "Shaddai." By examining the two words together, hopefully one can gain a richer understanding of both words, as well as greater appreciation of the Hebrew language and Aleph-Bet.
In Conclusion
By understanding the richness of the Hebrew letters a Hebrew word is far more profound and meaningful. Shalom Shalom.
