### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb *eirēneúō* (`{{G1514}}`) is directly derived from the noun *eirēnē* (`{{G1515}}`), meaning "peace." As a verb, *eirēneúō* denotes the active state or process of being peaceful, living in peace, or making peace. It signifies more than a passive absence of conflict; rather, it implies an active cultivation and maintenance of harmonious relationships and a tranquil disposition. Its semantic range includes:
* To be in a state of concord, tranquility, or well-being.
* To live peaceably with others, avoiding strife and contention.
* To cultivate peace, actively striving for harmonious interactions.
* To be reconciled or to act as a peacemaker, though the latter is more directly conveyed by *eirēnopoiós* (`{{G1518}}`).
The word captures the essence of living out the divine gift of peace in daily life and relationships.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Eirēneúō* (`{{G1514}}`) appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles and one instance in Mark, each context illuminating a facet of its meaning:
* **[[Mark 9:50]]**: "Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other." Here, the imperative "be at peace" (εἰρηνεύετε) is a direct command to the disciples. It connects the internal spiritual quality ("have salt in yourselves," perhaps referring to preserving influence or wisdom) with the external manifestation of harmonious community life. It underscores the necessity of internal disposition leading to external relational peace.
* **[[Romans 12:18]]**: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." This is a profound ethical instruction for Christian conduct in a fallen world. The phrase "if it is possible" acknowledges that peace may not always be achievable due to the actions of others, but the believer's responsibility is to exhaust all personal effort ("as far as it depends on you") to "live at peace" (εἰρηνεύοντες) with all people, regardless of their disposition. This highlights an active, outward-directed pursuit of peace even with those outside the faith.
* **[[2 Corinthians 13:11]]**: "Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." In his concluding exhortation, Paul urges the Corinthian believers to "live in peace" (εἰρηνεύετε). This command is nestled among calls for unity and encouragement, suggesting that internal harmony and the absence of factionalism are essential. The promise that "the God of love and peace will be with you" links this active pursuit of peace directly to experiencing divine presence and blessing.
* **[[1 Thessalonians 5:13]]**: "Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other." This instruction appears in the context of respecting church leaders. The command to "live in peace" (εἰρηνεύετε) here speaks to the internal harmony and mutual respect that should characterize the congregation, preventing divisions and fostering healthy relationships among believers and with their leaders.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of *eirēneúō* (`{{G1514}}`) is enriched by its relationship to several other Greek terms:
* **εἰρήνη (eirēnē, `{{G1515}}`)**: The foundational noun, meaning "peace," "tranquility," "harmony," and comprehensive "well-being." *Eirēneúō* is the verb form, representing the action or state of embodying *eirēnē*. It carries the rich connotations of the Hebrew *shalom* (`{{H7965}}`).
* **εἰρηνοποιός (eirēnopoiós, `{{G1518}}`)**: "Peacemaker." This noun, used in [[Matthew 5:9]] ("Blessed are the peacemakers"), describes one who actively makes or creates peace. While *eirēneúō* focuses on *being* or *living* peacefully, *eirēnopoiós* emphasizes the *active role* in bringing about peace where it is absent.
* **καταλλάσσω (katallassō, `{{G2644}}`)**: "To reconcile." This verb describes the restoration of a broken relationship, particularly between God and humanity through Christ ([[2 Corinthians 5:18-20]]). While reconciliation results in peace, *eirēneúō* has a broader scope, encompassing a general state of harmony and peaceful living.
* **ὁμοφρονέω (homophronéō, `{{G3675}}`)**: "To be of one mind." Often found alongside calls for peace and unity, as seen in [[2 Corinthians 13:11]]. Being united in thought and purpose contributes significantly to living peaceably.
* **ἀγάπη (agápē, `{{G26}}`)**: "Love." Christian love is the ultimate foundation for living peaceably. The "God of love and peace" ([[2 Corinthians 13:11]]) is the source of both, and *agápē* provides the motivation and means for *eirēneúō*.
### Theological Significance
The verb *eirēneúō* (`{{G1514}}`) holds profound theological significance within the New Testament:
* **Divine Mandate and Imitation of God:** The call to "live in peace" is not merely a social nicety but a divine command, reflecting the very character of God, who is repeatedly identified as "the God of peace" ([[Romans 15:33]], [[Philippians 4:9]], [[Hebrews 13:20]]). To *eirēneúō* is to actively participate in God's nature and purposes, demonstrating His peace in the world.
* **Fruit of the Spirit and Christian Maturity:** While peace (*eirēnē*) is a listed "fruit of the Spirit" ([[Galatians 5:22]]), the action of *eirēneúō* is the outward manifestation of this inner transformation. It signifies spiritual maturity, Christlikeness, and the Spirit's work in enabling believers to live in harmony.
* **Witness to the World:** As highlighted in [[Romans 12:18]], the command to "live at peace with everyone" extends beyond the Christian community. By striving for peace, Christians bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in a world often characterized by conflict and division. It is a practical outworking of Christ's command to love one's neighbor.
* **Prerequisite for Divine Presence:** The linkage in [[2 Corinthians 13:11]] between "living in peace" and the presence of "the God of love and peace" suggests that internal harmony and relational peace within the believing community are conducive to experiencing God's blessing and active presence.
* **Embodiment of Shalom:** *Eirēneúō* encapsulates the active pursuit and embodiment of *shalom*—the comprehensive well-being, wholeness, and flourishing that God intends for His creation and His people. It is a call to contribute to a world marked by God's order and design.
### Summary
*Eirēneúō* (`{{G1514}}`) is a vital Greek verb meaning "to be at peace," "to live peaceably," or "to cultivate peace." Derived from *eirēnē* (`{{G1515}}`), it emphasizes an active, intentional disposition and conduct rather than merely a passive absence of conflict. Its New Testament occurrences, particularly in [[Mark 9:50]], [[Romans 12:18]], [[2 Corinthians 13:11]], and [[1 Thessalonians 5:13]], underscore its significance as a divine command for believers. The word highlights the Christian's responsibility to foster internal harmony within the church and to actively pursue peaceful relationships with all people, to the extent possible. Theologically, *eirēneúō* reflects the very character of "the God of peace," serves as a tangible fruit of the Spirit, acts as a powerful witness to the world, and is presented as a condition for experiencing God's presence and blessing. It encapsulates the active pursuit and embodiment of *shalom* in Christian life and community, calling believers to be agents of God's peace in a broken world.
TRV