from εἰρήνη; pacific; by implication, salutary:--peaceable.
Transliteration:eirēnikós
Pronunciation:i-ray-nee-kos'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective `{{G1516}}` (eirēnikós) is derived directly from `{{G1515}}` (eirēnē), which signifies "peace." Consequently, `{{G1516}}` fundamentally means "peaceful," "peaceable," or "pertaining to peace." However, its semantic range extends beyond a mere absence of conflict. The base definition provided, "pacific; by implication, salutary," highlights a more active and beneficial aspect. "Pacific" suggests a disposition or quality that promotes peace, while "salutary" implies that which is conducive to well-being, health, or spiritual flourishing. Thus, `{{G1516}}` describes something that not only possesses the quality of peace but also actively produces or leads to a state of harmony, order, and spiritual prosperity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G1516}}` appears in the New Testament in two significant passages, each shedding light on its nuanced meaning:
1. **Hebrews 12:11**: "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." ([[Hebrews 12:11]])
* Here, `{{G1516}}` (εἰρηνικὸν) describes the "fruit" (καρπὸν) that results from divine discipline (`{{G3809}}` paideia). The discipline itself is acknowledged as painful in the short term, but its long-term outcome is described as "peaceful fruit of righteousness." This is not merely a cessation of struggle, but a positive, beneficial, and well-ordered result—a state of spiritual flourishing and right relationship with God. The "salutary" aspect of the definition is particularly apt here, indicating that the discipline produces a healthy and wholesome spiritual outcome.
2. **James 3:17**: "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." ([[James 3:17]])
* In this passage, `{{G1516}}` (εἰρηνική) is listed as a primary characteristic of "wisdom from above" (`{{G4678}}` sophia). This heavenly wisdom stands in stark contrast to the "earthly, unspiritual, demonic" wisdom described in [[James 3:15]], which leads to "disorder and every vile practice" ([[James 3:16]]). The wisdom from above is inherently "peaceable," meaning it promotes harmony, reconciliation, and unity rather than contention, division, or strife. It is an active quality that seeks to build up rather than tear down, fostering an environment of peace and cooperation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical root for `{{G1516}}` is `{{G1515}}` (eirēnē), which signifies "peace." This connection is foundational to understanding `{{G1516}}`. Other related terms in the same word family include:
* `{{G1517}}` (eirēnopoios): "peacemaker," found in [[Matthew 5:9]].
* `{{G1518}}` (eirēnopoieō): "to make peace," as seen in [[Colossians 1:20]].
These words collectively emphasize the active pursuit and establishment of peace.
Concepts closely associated with `{{G1516}}` in its biblical contexts include:
* **Righteousness** (`{{G1343}}` dikaiosynē): The "peaceful fruit" is explicitly linked to righteousness in Hebrews.
* **Wisdom** (`{{G4678}}` sophia): Heavenly wisdom is characterized by its peaceable nature in James.
* **Discipline** (`{{G3809}}` paideia): God's discipline, though painful, yields a peaceable outcome.
* **Fruit** (`{{G2590}}` karpos): The tangible result or outcome, described as peaceable.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1516}}` lies in its portrayal of peace as an active, beneficial, and divinely-sourced quality. It is not merely the absence of conflict but a positive state of spiritual well-being and relational harmony.
In Hebrews, `{{G1516}}` underscores the redemptive purpose of God's discipline. Even suffering, when rightly received, contributes to a profound spiritual peace and righteousness. This "peaceable fruit" signifies a state of spiritual maturity where one's life is aligned with God's will, leading to inner tranquility and right living. It speaks to the ultimate design of God's dealings with His children—to bring them into a state of holistic peace.
In James, `{{G1516}}` defines a crucial aspect of true, divine wisdom. This wisdom, originating from God, inherently promotes peace and reconciliation, standing in stark contrast to worldly wisdom that breeds strife and disorder. It implies that genuine spiritual insight will always lead to actions and attitudes that foster harmony, understanding, and unity within the community and with God. This aligns with the character of God Himself, who is consistently presented as the "God of peace" ([[Romans 15:33]], [[Philippians 4:9]]). The "peaceable" nature of heavenly wisdom reflects God's own disposition and His desire for His creation.
Ultimately, `{{G1516}}` points to the transformative power of God's work in human lives—whether through discipline or by imparting wisdom—leading to a life characterized by genuine peace, rooted in righteousness and divine truth.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G1516}}` (eirēnikós) signifies that which is "peaceful" or "peaceable," but with the crucial implication of being "salutary" or conducive to well-being. It describes an active, positive quality that produces peace and harmony. In [[Hebrews 12:11]], it characterizes the beneficial "fruit of righteousness" that results from divine discipline, leading to spiritual flourishing. In [[James 3:17]], it defines a key attribute of "wisdom from above," highlighting its role in fostering unity and reconciliation, in contrast to the divisive nature of earthly wisdom. Thus, `{{G1516}}` encapsulates a dynamic aspect of peace that is both an outcome of divine working and a defining characteristic of God-given truth, promoting order, health, and harmony in the lives of believers and in the community.
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